A Prayer of Thanksgiving after Recieving the Eucharist

For a while now, I've been experimenting with the text of a prayer that I came up with one day during daily Mass. I know that this is simpler than and less than other prayers designated for after receiving the Eucharist. However, if you like it and/or it benefits you in some way, shape, or form, I am happy to be of service to you in this manner:

I give thanks to thee, O Lord, for thou hast blessed me with many gifts from thy bounty, but most of all, thou hast given me the gift of the body and blood, soul and divinity, of thine own dearly beloved son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Now that I have received this great gift, O Lord, I humbly pray that you keep me safe from the evil one and I submit to you,  so that you may use me to accomplish thy will in the world today, and may the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ lead me to eternal life.

     Amen.

Again, this is something I came up with myself one day and gradually fine-tuned it until I released it for public use now. If you know of any way to, perhaps, "improve" this prayer, or to share your own prayers you might have come up with, please share them in the comment box below. If you have any other comments on this, I welcome them in the comment box below as well.
You can also find me on twitter (twitter username is @rctechgeek). Feel free to subscribe to my rss feed as well. I am now on Tumblr now as well (link to Tumblr is http://www.tumblr.com/blog/catholictechgeek), so please follow me on Tumblr too.

I am also working on a "prayer reminder app" for Windows Phone. This app is designed with Catholics in mind, but any Christian (not just Catholics) can use this app. More details will be coming in further blog posts.

If you are in a state of prayer (excluding fasting) and are feeling thirsty, drink some tasty Mystic Monk Coffee (use this link or click on the picture below to access the store and purchase). Trust me, it's good coffee (in most instances, much better than Starbucks coffee) and you won't regret buying some (just keep it away from your computer keyboard or laptop/tablet). For the summer, they are also offering Iced Coffee as well. If you like tea more than coffee, they also offer tea. Using the link (or picture below) to buy the coffee (or tea) helps the monks out and helps me with college expenses as well.

Feel free to try out my apps for Windows Phone: Mobile Media Manager, a media player app I made which has some features which (I feel) are missing from the system Zune player, and BSA Eagle Tracker, an app that boy scouts can use to track their progress to Eagle Scout (when the scout handbook isn't always handy). New versions of the media player with new features/bug fixes is coming within a week (most likely sooner than this, but definitely within 2 weeks) of passing Microsoft Apphub certification. BSA Eagle Tracker is also getting a bug fix for an obscure bug I noticed recently.

BSA Eagle Tracker download: http://bit.ly/Mm1Upo
Mobile Media Manager (paid version) download: http://bit.ly/y3rf6V
Mobile Media Manager (free version) download: http://bit.ly/xGCsWE

What makes a Great Video Game

For some video games genres, fans come by default. For example, with sports video games, the ones most likely to play them are fans of the games in real life. For most genres of video games, however, you need to work to earn your players. While the following will apply to action/rpg games, these are points that can apply to any type of video game.

The most essential part of any video game is a good, solid storyline and plot. One of the great things about video games is that they have the ability to tell a story. Of course, books, which have been around for much longer than video games, do the same thing. Where a video game excels in contrast to a video game is the ability to actually "act" out the story yourself through the character onscreen. For example, with a battle scene, the visual aspect of the video game helps to give form to that scene in the way which the author saw it. A good exposition will introduce the main character, the protagonist, and other main or secondary players which play a great part in this story. The rising action part of the story will help to build the story up, giving us extra needed information about a character or characters and the setting(s), until we reach the climax. This is also where the villain can be introduced if he is not introduced to us in the exposition. The climax will most likely be that final struggle, that final boss battle, which decide the outcome of the story, and ultimately, the game. The resolution should tie everything together. If there is to a sequel to the game, this is also where you can create that "to be continued" feeling and set the player up for the next game.

The second most essential part of any video game is good characters. People should be able to relate to a character in the game, especially the protagonist, in some way, shape, or form. A character's nature can work to help draw the player further into the game. Good characters also help to make the game more memorable. Uniqueness of a character plays a big part here. What makes your character different from all the other video game characters out there? I realize that a character can only be so unique from the others, but what matters is how the character looks, thinks, and acts.

The third most essential part of any video game is side quests (and variability of them). A main storyline is good, but what is going to convince players want to continue playing your game if they want to deviate from the main storyline a bit? Side quests accomplish this function, creating a "game within a game". A simple, yet enjoyable mini-game can keep a player playing for hours on end. One of the reasons that Final Fantasy VII was so enjoyable is that it had many side quests to keep a player coming back for more, even after the main storyline was beaten.

Another essential part of a good video game is its "battle system". If your character gets into a conflict, or battle, how can the character act in battle? Does the character have just a simple kick and punch, or can the character do some flashy "super moves" as well? Does the character use any kind of special weapons or movements? The game camera plays a big part here. One of the biggest things that can turn off  players is a bad camera. A player should be able to have a clear view of what he or she is fighting as well as the ability to freely move about. The controls should also be easy to use as well.

Another part of a good video game is its music. As a composer, singer, and saxophone player, I know how music can set the mood of a scene. If the main character in the game is in a frantic moment, the music will probably be fast-paced. If it's a more sad and somber scene, the music will reflect this as well (usually being in the key or either D minor or G minor, but not always).Repetition of a particular musical theme is fine and can help to engrave it in the mind of the player, but don't overdo it. Part of the reason why the Final Fantasy prelude and victory themes are so memorable is because they occur in every game in the series. A good soundtrack also means that people are more likely to buy the OST of your game.

The issue of graphics quality is a mixed bag. High quality graphics is always desired, but this is not an issue which, alone, can decide the outcome of a person's purchasing decisions. Try to be modest with your graphics. If the graphics quality is high, it can slow a game down unless a person upgrades their hardware to handle that high graphics quality without slowdowns. The amount of frames per second (fps) which a game should strive for to have a smooth playing experience is around 60 frames per second.

As I said before, these points can apply to any video game out there. If you create video games, theses are some points that can help you in really making it great for the players and memorable too. Be as creative with your game as possible. It is, after all, your masterpiece. If your game can stand the test of time, you will know that your game has done well.

I realize that I might have missed something, or not given enough information on a given point. If you know of something I missed or if you have some ideas of your own on what makes a video game great, please share it in the comment box below, or e-mail me at catholictechgeek@gmail.com. You can also comment (and follow me) on twitter (twitter username is @rctechgeek). Feel free to subscribe to my rss feed as well. If you like this post, please share it with your family and friends.

In the meantime, while you are thinking or playing great video games throughout the years and feeling thirsty, drink some tasty Mystic Monk Coffee (use this link or click on the picture below to access the store and purchase). Trust me, it's good coffee (in most instances, much better than Starbucks coffee) and you won't regret buying some (just keep it away from your computer keyboard or laptop/tablet). For the summer, they are also offering Iced Coffee as well. If you like tea more than coffee, the monks also offer tea for sale. Using the link (or picture below) to buy the coffee (or tea) helps the monks out and helps me with college expenses as well.

Feel free to try out my apps for Windows Phone: Mobile Media Manager, a media player app I made which has some features which (I feel) are missing from the system Zune player, and BSA Eagle Tracker, an app that boy scouts can use to track their progress to Eagle Scout (when the scout handbook isn't always handy). New versions of the media player with new features/bug fixes is coming within a week (most likely sooner than this, but definitely within 2 weeks) of passing Microsoft Apphub certification. The update for the free, ad-supported version of Mobile Media Manager got denied in Apphub certification, but it will be resubmitted within the next day or two. The update for the paid version will be in certification with it (I've been busy lately, and hadn't had a chance to submit the paid version update to Apphub yet). BSA Eagle Tracker is also getting a bug fix for an obscure bug I noticed recently, so it is also due for an update.

BSA Eagle Tracker download: http://bit.ly/Mm1Upo
Mobile Media Manager (paid, ad-free version) download: http://bit.ly/y3rf6V
Mobile Media Manager (free, ad-supported version) download: http://bit.ly/xGCsWE

Why I still have Windows Phone 6.5 even in the age of Windows Phone 7(.x): Part 4

Recently, I published part 3 on my "Why I still have Windows Phone 6.5 even in the age of Windows Phone 7(.x)" series. This is part 4, continuing from where I left off on part 3. If you haven't had a chance to read part 3 (or parts 1 and 2) yet, you can find it all here.

The fifth issue I brought up the first time was external gps support. With Windows Phone 6.5, in addition to using the gps my device may have built-in, I can use bluetooth to connect to an external (hardware) gps with bluetooth and access functions in the external gps. These days, gps systems seem to be all the rage. Evidence of this can be found with car manufacturers who, increasingly, bundle some kind of gps system in the vehicles they sell. However, these maps eventually become outdated. Phone manufacturers have also been using embedded motherboards which have a gps module onboard. All three major mobile operating system makers, Apple, Google, and Microsoft, have also included gps support in their respective operating systems, along with some sort of map software. I am pretty sure that Microsoft made gps a required hardware feature for phones running the Windows Phone operating system. This is fine for the consumer. However, the map software those software companies include in their operating systems depend on an internet connection. This is usually satisfied by a cellular internet connection. I live in West Virginia, where we still have 2g cellular internet in many places. This makes for a poor user experience when trying to use the map software. An external gps works great in this situation since its operation does not depend on an internet connection. External gps support would be great in the next version of Windows Phone, Apollo, but the current conditions in the computing world prevent this from being a much needed feature. There is more I could say about GPS, but I will save it for another article.

The sixth issue brought up is VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) support. With Windows Phone 6.5 (and even 6.1), you can use your device to make voip calls, and the best thing is that you can use the address book that's built-in to the os (configuration was a bit advanced, but there are utilities out there that make it easy). Until Skype came out for Windows Phone, there wasn't much you could do if you wanted to make calls via VOIP on Windows Phone. I don't expect this to change (much) for the current version of Windows Phone, Mango, but word has it that Microsoft will be adding support for Skype (native support, not just updated Skype app) and other 3rd party VOIP providers.

The seventh issue brought up was lack of playlist support. When I first wrote on this, it was before Mango was released. Mango did bring us playlist support. However, playlist support on the device is not perfect. You can create a playlist, but you can't edit it. You can't shift the song order in the playlist either. In my Windows Phone app, Mobile Media Manager, I attempt to solve these problems (and more). However, my app is crippled by the fact that I can't change song order while execution of the app is suspended (in other words, if you switch from my app to a different app, the current song won't change to the next song and will just stop playback UNLESS you navigate back to my app before the current song is over. This problem is not my own. The problem lies with Microsoft, where currently, you cannot play a Song ("Song" is the name of the class, part of the XNA framework, for those of you who are programmers) in the background (via BackgroundAudioAgent). If ANYONE knows how to fix this or how to get around this, please let me know as soon as possible.

The last issue brought up was the ability to do p2p multi-player gaming either via bluetooth or via wi-fi (and even cross-platform multi-player gaming). Under Windows Phone 6.5, it was possible to do both, and it made gaming on the platform even better (Orions: Legends of Wizards, anyone?). With the current system, it is possible to do multi-player gaming in Windows Phone 7(.5), but you have to have a gold level subscription to Xbox Live in order to do so. I know its the same situation on the Xbox, but I think it would be great to be able to have a local multi-player session of a game as well, especially for people who own a windows phone, but don't own an Xbox.

So far, things are looking better for Windows Phone (7.x) than when it initially came out. However there is much it can improve on. As the next version of Windows Phone, Apollo, is not out yet, there is not much we know other than what Microsoft has told us. We will all just have to wait and see what else Microsoft has in store for Apollo, so stay tuned for more. If I happen to think of more on comparing Windows Phone 7.x to Windows Phone 6.5, I will update this article.

For those of you who are (software) developers and haven't downloaded the Windows Phone SDK yet, download it, and see what you can make. You might be surprised. If you are developing for Windows Phone on Windows 8, be sure to download Visual Studio 2011 as well.

So now, do you agree that Windows Phone 6.5 is still useful, or do you think that Windows Phone 7.x has matured enough that Windows Phone 6.5 isn't needed anymore? Share your thoughts in the comment box below, or e-mail me at catholictechgeek@gmail.com. You can also comment (and follow me) on twitter (twitter username is @rctechgeek). Feel free to subscribe to my rss feed as well. If you like this post, please share it with your family and friends.

In the meantime, while you are thinking about Windows Phone, drink some tasty Mystic Monk Coffee (use this link or click on the picture below to access the store and purchase). Trust me, it's good coffee (in most instances, much better than Starbucks coffee) and you won't regret buying some (just keep it away from your computer keyboard or laptop/tablet). For the summer, they are also offering Iced Coffee as well. If you like tea more than coffee, the monks also offer tea for sale. Using the link (or picture below) to buy the coffee (or tea) helps the monks out and helps me with college expenses as well.

Feel free to try out my apps for Windows Phone: Mobile Media Manager, a media player app I made which has some features which (I feel) are missing from the system Zune player, and BSA Eagle Tracker, an app that boy scouts can use to track their progress to Eagle Scout (when the scout handbook isn't always handy). New versions of the media player with new features/bug fixes is coming within a week (most likely sooner than this, but definitely within 2 weeks) of passing Microsoft Apphub certification. The update for the free, ad-supported version of Mobile Media Manager got denied in Apphub certification, but it will be resubmitted within the next day or two. The update for the paid version will be in certification with it (I've been busy lately, and hadn't had a chance to submit the paid version update to Apphub yet). BSA Eagle Tracker is also getting a bug fix for an obscure bug I noticed recently, so it is also due for an update.

BSA Eagle Tracker download: http://bit.ly/Mm1Upo
Mobile Media Manager (paid, ad-free version) download: http://bit.ly/y3rf6V
Mobile Media Manager (free, ad-supported version) download: http://bit.ly/xGCsWE

Update (6-28-2012): Part 4 is located at http://bit.ly/NRzQdh

Why I still have Windows Phone 6.5 even in the age of Windows Phone 7(.x): Part 3

It's been around a year since I last wrote on why I use Windows Phone 6.5 even though Windows Phone 7(.5) is out (and support for Windows Phone 6.5 has been cut). Since then, Mango has been released for Windows Phone and this has fixed some of the issues I previously brought up. Recently, we got news about the next version of Windows Phone, Apollo. With all the changes that have happened or are coming, you may be wondering if I still have and use my Windows Phone 6.5 device? The answer is yes, I still have it and yes, I still have a use for it. (part one of my previous article is here and part 2 of my previous article is here).


The first issue brought up was a file manager and support for removable storage. As of now, we know that Microsoft did not put a file manager in either the NoDo or Mango releases of Windows Phone. Windows Phone 6.5 has the ability to do both of these, but further, Windows Phone 6.5 devices also have the ability to act as a SD card reader when connected to a desktop or laptop. The isolated storage scheme that Windows Phone 7.x uses has worked well so far, but there are still some uses for a file manager in Windows Phone 7.x (like copying gamesaves). Some devs over at XDA-Developers have gotten around the Isolated Storage and made a file manager for Windows Phone, but it only works on certain Windows Phone devices and you have to do some setup to make the file manager work (like interop unlock). From current reports on Apollo, it seems that Microsoft is (so far) not going to include a file manager.

The second issue brought up was being able to "transfer" your media library by SD card. Right now, the only device that I know of that has a removable SD card slot is the (original) Samsung Focus. However, the removable storage slot in it is tied-in with the storage already onboard and data on the card is not accessible outside the device. The way things are now, Microsoft wants you to buy the music through Zune (soon to be Xbox Music) or get the Zune pass, so that you can buy and download directly on the phone. However, the problem here is that if you have music that isn't available on Zune or the music is available on Zune, but you also have the music ripped from a cd you bought. On Windows Phone 6.5, I can sync music I either ripped from cd or bought from an online store, but I have the choice of whether to store the music on the device's onboard storage or store it on the removable SD card.

The third issue brought up was lack of available console emulators. As of now, this has only been partially cured. There is a NES emulator and a gameboy (original, not color, without sound support) emulator available in the windows phone marketplace, but we could use some more console emulators. Because of this, I still use PocketGBA for gameboy advance games and other emulators available for Windows Phone 6.5 on my Windows Phone 6.5 device.

The fourth issue brought up was the ability to "sideload" programs. On Windows Phone 7.x, you can only install programs from the Windows Phone marketplace, unless your phone has been developer-unlocked. On Windows Phone 6.5, I can install programs via cab files on a SD card whenever I want, without any restrictions. The ability to install homebrew programs on Windows Phone 7.x has improved, but is still lacking.

The fifth issue brought up is Bluetooth profiles available on Windows Phone 7.x. What is still missing in Windows Phone 7.x is the ability to use a bluetooth hardware keyboard. Word has it that bluetooth support is coming in Windows Phone 8, the next release of Windows Phone, but we have yet to see this for sure. Still missing in Windows Phone 7.x is the ability to "swap" (or send) contacts with another windows phone user via bluetooth. This feature would be great to have in a business situation. With Windows Phone 6.5, I can do all this with bluetooth and more.

The sixth issue brought up is lack of OBEX file transfer support in Windows Phone 7.x. OBEX file transfer is used to transfer a file via bluetooth from one device to another. With a file manager in Windows Phone 7.x non-existant as well, I think this will not come until at least the file manager does.

I brought up some more issues with Windows Phone 7.x vs. Windows Phone 6.5 before, but I will save them for another article, so stay tuned to read more. If you are a developer and haven't downloaded the Windows Phone SDK yet, download it, and see what you can make. You might be surprised. If you are developing for Windows Phone on Windows 8, be sure to download Visual Studio 2011 as well.

So, what do you think about this? Do you agree that Windows Phone 6.5 is still useful, or do you think that Windows Phone 7.x has matured enough that Windows Phone 6.5 isn't needed anymore? Share your thoughts in the comment box below, or e-mail me at catholictechgeek@gmail.com. You can also comment (and follow me) on twitter (twitter username is @rctechgeek). Feel free to subscribe to my rss feed as well. If you like this post, please share it with your family and friends.

In the meantime, while you are thinking about Windows Phone, drink some tasty Mystic Monk Coffee (use this link or click on the picture below to access the store and purchase). Trust me, it's good coffee (in most instances, much better than Starbucks coffee) and you won't regret buying some (just keep it away from your computer keyboard or laptop/tablet). For the summer, they are also offering Iced Coffee as well. If you like tea more than coffee, the monks also offer tea for sale. Using the link (or picture below) to buy the coffee (or tea) helps the monks out and helps me with college expenses as well.

Feel free to try out my apps for Windows Phone: Mobile Media Manager, a media player app I made which has some features which (I feel) are missing from the system Zune player, and BSA Eagle Tracker, an app that boy scouts can use to track their progress to Eagle Scout (when the scout handbook isn't always handy). New versions of the media player with new features/bug fixes is coming within a week (most likely sooner than this, but definitely within 2 weeks) of passing Microsoft Apphub certification. The free, ad-supported version of Mobile Media Manager is now in Apphub certification, while the paid version will be in certification in a few days (but by the end of this week). BSA Eagle Tracker is also getting a bug fix for an obscure bug I noticed recently, so it is also due for an update.

BSA Eagle Tracker download: http://bit.ly/Mm1Upo
Mobile Media Manager (paid, ad-free version) download: http://bit.ly/y3rf6V
Mobile Media Manager (free, ad-supported version) download: http://bit.ly/xGCsWE

Requests for Recipe Ideas for and Thoughts on Meatless Fridays

One of the things that fascinates me is experimental cooking. Today is Friday. With today being Friday, that means that all Roman Catholics are to abstain from meat today. For those of you who argue that Catholics are not required to abstain from meat outside of Lent, I will say you are (mostly) wrong.

From the 1983 Code of Canon Law (the latest revision to Canon Law, of which all Roman Catholics are bound to follow; Eastern Catholics have their own Code of Canon Law):

Can. 1250: The penitential days and times in the universal Church are every Friday of the whole year and the season of Lent.

Can. 1251: Abstinence from meat, or from some other food as determined by the Episcopal Conference, is to be observed on all Fridays, unless a solemnity should fall on a Friday. Abstinence and fasting are to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

Can. 1252: The law of abstinence binds those who have completed their fourteenth year. The law of fasting binds those who have attained their majority, until the beginning of their sixtieth year. Pastors of souls and parents are to ensure that even those who by reason of their age are not bound by the law of fasting and abstinence, are taught the true meaning of penance.

In the United States, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (the USCCB) has determined that outside of Lent, abstinence from meat is the usual way to fulfill the act of penance for Friday. However, the USCCB has said that US Catholics may eat meat on Fridays outside of Lent AS LONG AS one does an alternative act of penance, which is determined by that person. As each conference of bishops has the power to determine fast and abstinence regulations for their own countries, they could, at any time, rescind the alternative penance option and reimpose mandatory abstinence from meat on Fridays even outside of Lent (as the conference of bishops in England has done). I will also add that unlike Eastern Catholics, Roman Catholics are free to consume dairy products and products made from animal fats (like mayonnaise) on days of abstinence.

With this in mind, it seems that meat is a daily staple in the diets of Americans. If we cannot eat meat on Fridays, what are we to eat?? I see this as a way to be creative with our food, to think outside the box and come up with something tasty that doesn't involve meat. I hear that other cultures from other countries with a Catholic background have, over the years, come up with different food ideas for Fridays (both in and outside of Lent). I think we can all benefit from sharing some of these food ideas.

Since I like to experiment with cooking, I love to find new recipes to try out (with my family). So now, could you please share a recipe of something you like to make on Fridays (the recipe cannot contain meat), or if you don't have a recipe, at least describe the food? Please share via the comment box below. You can also find me on twitter (twitter username is @rctechgeek). Feel free to subscribe to my rss feed as well.

And yes, on days of abstinence, you can still drink coffee (or tea), so instead of drinking your ordinary coffee (or tea), drink some tasty Mystic Monk Coffee (use this link or click on the picture below to access the store and purchase). Trust me, it's good coffee (in most instances, much better than Starbucks coffee) and you won't regret buying some (just keep it away from your computer keyboard or laptop/tablet). For the summer, they are also offering Iced Coffee as well. If you like tea more than coffee, they also offer tea. Using the link (or picture below) to buy the coffee (or tea) helps the monks out and helps me with college expenses as well.

Feel free to try out my apps for Windows Phone: Mobile Media Manager, a media player app I made which has some features which (I feel) are missing from the system Zune player, and BSA Eagle Tracker, an app that boy scouts can use to track their progress to Eagle Scout (when the scout handbook isn't always handy). New versions of the media player with new features/bug fixes is coming within a week (most likely sooner than this, but definitely within 2 weeks) of passing Microsoft Apphub certification. Free version of Mobile Media Manager is now in Apphub certification, with paid version to follow. BSA Eagle Tracker is also getting a bug fix for an obscure bug I noticed recently.

BSA Eagle Tracker download: http://bit.ly/Mm1Upo
Mobile Media Manager (paid version) download: http://bit.ly/y3rf6V
Mobile Media Manager (free version) download: http://bit.ly/xGCsWE

Early Adoption or Waiting for Service Packs: Where the Consumer Stands on Microsoft Windows Adoption

When it comes to adoption of Windows, people and organizations/businesses have different times frames when it come to getting that next version of Microsoft Windows that comes out. Obviously, the early adopters get the next version of Windows as soon as they can, pending any needed hardware upgrades to support their experience on the next version of Windows. Businesses and organizations tend to value stability. Because of this, businesses and organizations often stay with their current infrastructure and wait until Microsoft comes out with the first Windows service pack before considering adoption of that next version of Windows in their organization or business. Consumers are a special bunch because they are the ones who really drive adoption (of that new version).

Consumers are made up of people from the business/organization crowd, the early adopter crowd, and everything in between. Most of the time, consumers don't build their own computers and are dependent on what the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) they buy their computer from offers. For example, if the OEM moves from installing Windows XP on computers they build to installing Windows Vista on computers they build, consumers mostly put up with the upgrade, but they do expect their existing hardware peripherals (like printers and mice) to work with the new operating system. Unless there is some groundbreaking change to Windows (like adding the Metro UI to Windows 8), people generally learn to live with the new operating system and all that it offers, regardless of stability, as long as everything "works".

Usually, when a new version of Windows is released, people have had to upgrade their computer hardware in order to run the new version of Windows. For most, this comes in the form of a new computer. However, Windows 8 is different. Unlike past versions of Windows, you won't have to upgrade your hardware just to run the new version of Windows and you can use your existing hardware. This presents a dilemma to consumers: should I wait and just get a new computer with Windows 8 already installed or do I want to forget about the cost of buying new hardware and just buy the upgrade to upgrade my existing installation of Windows?

For this dilemma, I offer some advice. First, what are your needs now? If what you have currently works for you, why change it? Second, what are you future computing needs going to look like? I will say that Windows 8 is more touch-friendly than previous version of Windows. The current trend in the computer world is that tablet computers (with or without stylus) are replacing laptops and desktops as primary computing devices. For some people like artists, this is a welcome change because you could use a tablet pc for your drawings instead of drawing on paper and then scanning it. For other people, like gamers or video editors, a tablet doesn't have the computing power (or good enough cooling) you need for the designated purpose. Third, how much money are you willing to invest in new hardware or software? Only buy what you need when you need it. Last, how much do you value stability? When a new version of Windows comes out, Microsoft tries to make sure it has taken care of most (if not all) of the bugs which plagued the new version during testing. For most consumers, the RTM build of Windows (in other words, the build version of Windows that is released to OEMs and retail stores) is stable enough to do your daily work. If your are uber conscious of stability, you can do the same as businesses and organizations do and wait for that first Windows service pack to be released.

Since consumers are (mostly) the ones with the money that pays for new technology, consumers drive the sales of new versions of Windows. If the consumers like something and are buying it, the company is more willing to invest more money to improve its products.

I will close by saying that if you do move to the new version of Windows, before you do ANYTHING to install it, BACKUP ANY EXISTING DATA THAT IS IMPORTANT in some way, shape, or form (!). It is a terrible scenario for someone to not backup data that a person considered important, install the new version of Windows, and then realize that important data was somehow lost when that person installed the new version of Windows. Also, no matter what, please do your homework first before buying something. If you need to, consult with a more knowledgeable person first.

If you don't want to wait and want to try out Windows 8 now (for Free), the latest preview version out, the Release Preview, is the last version before the gold release (in other words, the next build of Windows 8 will be the official released version). If you have a spare partition on your hard drive, go ahead and try it out. A reminder to always backup anything important on your hard drive before doing something major like this. Also, if you are a developer, try out the new version of Visual Studio, now with Javascript debugging capabilities as well. For those of you looking at Windows Azure development, please see https://www.windowsazure.com/en-us/pricing/member-offers/msdn-benefits/.

Do you agree or disagree with my position? Either way, please comment on this via the comment box below, or e-mail me at catholictechgeek@gmail.com. You can also comment on twitter (twitter username is @rctechgeek). Feel free to subscribe to my rss feed as well. If you like this post, please share it with your family and friends.

While you're thinking about Windows 8 or the next version of Windows that happens to come along, try some Mystic Monk Coffee (use this link or click on the picture below to access the store and purchase). Trust me, it's good coffee (in most instances, better than Starbucks coffee) and you won't regret buying some (just keep it away from your computer keyboard or laptop/tablet). For the summer, they are also offering Iced Coffee as well. If you like tea more than coffee, they also offer tea. Using the link (or picture below) to buy the coffee (or tea) helps the monks out and helps me with college expenses as well.

Feel free to try out my apps for Windows Phone: Mobile Media Manager, a media player app I made which has some features which (I feel) are missing from the system Zune player, and BSA Eagle Tracker, an app that boy scouts can use to track their progress to Eagle Scout (when the scout handbook isn't always handy). New versions of the media player with new features/bug fixes is coming within a week (most likely sooner than this, but definitely within 2 weeks) of passing Microsoft Apphub certification. The free, ad-supported version of Mobile Media Manager is now in Apphub certification, with the paid version to to be in Apphub certification by the end of this week. BSA Eagle Tracker is also getting a bug fix for an obscure bug I noticed recently.

BSA Eagle Tracker download: http://bit.ly/Mm1Upo
Mobile Media Manager (paid, ad-free version) download: http://bit.ly/y3rf6V
Mobile Media Manager (free, ad-supported version) download: http://bit.ly/xGCsWE

Microsoft's Big Secret Announcement Revealed

In case you missed it, Microsoft's big secret press conference is about the "Surface", a new tablet pc.

From what I gather, the specs are something like this (this list doesn't have everything in it, but it does have the good stuff):

• "perimeter venting" for keeping the PC cool
• stylus (with digital ink )
• 10.6" screen
• Clear Type full HD display
• HDMI is built in
• Front and rear cameras
• 9.3mm thin
• detachable (thin) keyboard with trackpad, which is actually built-in to the tablet pc cover
• Windows 8

Here's the full specs of the device (thanks Major Nelson): http://www.microsoft.com/global/surface/en/us/renderingassets/surfacespecsheet.pdf


Here's a video about the Surface:



No word yet on the price of the Surface though. You can read more about the Surface here: http://www.microsoft.com/surface/en/us/whatissurface.aspx

If you don't want to wait for the Surface to come out and want to try out Windows 8 now, the latest preview version out, the Release Preview, is the last version before the gold release (in other words, the next build of Windows 8 will be the official released version). If you have a spare partition on your hard drive, go ahead and try it out. A reminder to always backup anything important on your hard drive before doing something major like this.

If you have any questions or comments about speculation and rumors related to this new tablet pc, feel free to voice them in the comment box below or e-mail me at catholictechgeek@gmail.com. You can also ask me on twitter (twitter username is @rctechgeek). Feel free to subscribe to my rss feed as well.

While you're watching the press conference or reading about it, try some Mystic Monk Coffee (use this link or click on the picture below to access the store and purchase). Trust me, it's good coffee (in most instances, better than Starbucks coffee) and you won't regret buying some (just keep it away from your computer keyboard or laptop). For the summer, they are also offering Iced Coffee as well. If you like tea more than coffee, they also offer tea (use the same link above or picture below to purchase). Using the link (or picture below) to buy the coffee (or tea) helps the monks out and helps me with college expenses as well.

Feel free to try out my apps for Windows Phone: Mobile Media Manager, a media player app I made which has some features which (I feel) are missing from the system Zune player, and BSA Eagle Tracker, an app that boy scouts can use to track their progress to Eagle Scout (when the scout handbook isn't always handy). New versions of the media player with new features/bug fixes is coming within a week (most likely sooner than this, but definitely within 2 weeks) of passing Microsoft Apphub certification. BSA Eagle Tracker is also getting a bug fix for an obscure bug I noticed recently.

BSA Eagle Tracker download: http://bit.ly/Mm1Upo
Mobile Media Manager (paid version) download: http://bit.ly/y3rf6V
Mobile Media Manager (free version) download: http://bit.ly/xGCsWE

Father's Day Experiences and Food

Since yesterday was Father's Day, I would like to know if you did anything special with your father or priest.

I will start. Yesterday, my father, the rest of my family, and I stayed at home. During the afternoon, we all sat down with dad in the family room to watch a couple movies together. Now, Dad, my brother, and I are (big) Nascar fans, so we wanted to catch the race, but couldn't because the rest of the Nascar races are being broadcast on TNT, a television channel we don't get because we only have basic cable (yes, I could have used our Sirius Satellite Radio to listen to the race, but listening to the race is not the same as watching it). Instead of watching the race, we found "Flight of the Phoenix" on the CBS channel in my area and watched it. During a commercial break, we gave Dad the new tomato plants and the new grilling utensils we got him for Father's Day.

For dinner, we had steak and shrimp for our main dish, with potatoes and fruit salad as side dishes. Even though it was Father's Day, my father still took charge of the grilling the steaks (and shrimp) even though I offered to take charge of the grill to give him a rest. We decided not to have cake since we still have leftover cake from my brother's high school graduation party and we were all full from dinner. After dinner, we watched the movie "Red". After that, we all went to bed.

Am I the only one that thinks that it is better to have a meal at home for Father's Day or Mother's Day rather than taking your father (or mother) out to a restaurant for a meal on his (or her) respective day? I think that having the meal at home (and you preparing it) is more meaningful to them because you are putting your heart and soul into making the food for them to enjoy. Sure, I do realize that not everyone is professional chef/cook quality and that some people are better at cooking than others, but it's really the thought that really counts, the thought that you took time out of your day to prepare a special meal with love that your father can enjoy.

So, that was my Father's Day experience. Now, I would like for you to share your experiences with your father or priest on Father's Day with me and everyone else who reads this blog. What did you cook? If you did cook, is there a recipe you would like to share? Did you get your father any cool (technology or other) gifts?

Please share your experiences via the comment box below.You can also share with me on twitter (twitter username is @rctechgeek). Feel free to subscribe to my rss feed as well.

If you didn't get your father (or priest) much for Father's Day or think he could use one more gift,  give him the gift of some Mystic Monk Coffee (use this link or click on the picture below to access the store and purchase). Trust me, it's good coffee (in most instances, better than Starbucks coffee) and you won't regret buying some. For the summer, they are also offering Iced Coffee as well. If you like tea more than coffee, they also offer tea (use the same link above or picture below to purchase). Using the link (or picture below) to buy the coffee (or tea) helps the monks out and helps me with college expenses as well.

Feel free to try out my apps for Windows Phone: Mobile Media Manager, a media player app I made which has some features which (I feel) are missing from the system Zune player, and BSA Eagle Tracker, an app that boy scouts can use to track their progress to Eagle Scout (when the scout handbook isn't always handy). New versions of the media player with new features/bug fixes is coming soon. BSA Eagle Tracker is also getting a bug fix for an obscure bug I noticed.

BSA Eagle Tracker download: http://bit.ly/Mm1Upo
Mobile Media Manager (paid version) download: http://bit.ly/y3rf6V
Mobile Media Manager (free version) download: http://bit.ly/xGCsWE

On this Father's Day, let's not forget about our Spiritual Fathers

Today is Father's Day (here in the United States). Today, we celebrate the many long years of personal sacrifices of men everywhere in order to raise children. However, we sometimes forget about our priests and bishops, who are appointed our spiritual fathers.

Like fathers who raise children, a priest is responsible for raising his spiritual children in the faith. Being a priest means that a man must make many personal sacrifices, such as the freedom to be married, in order to do his duties. Even though our father and mother are our first teachers, a priest is responsible for educating his flock on church teaching and beliefs and for helping to foster prayer in his parish communities. Priests are also dispensers of the sacraments. No (validly ordained) priest means no valid Eucharist. Priests act in the person of Christ in the sacrament of Confession, showing a father's love and forgiveness when we are truly sorry for our sins we have committed. There are many more examples I could use to show how our priests are fathers, but I am sure you run come up with more.

In this day and age of secularization and the unfortunate abuse of minors by a small handful of priests, I think our priests are under-appreciated and taken for granted many times. There are some parishes out there without a full-time priest, and the faithful there celebrate Mass together when a priest does come to visit the parish. The vocation to the priesthood is growing, but there are there are places still deficient in (good and holy) priests. We could always use more priests.

So on this Father's Day, besides celebrating your own father I don't forget to celebrate all the good that our priests and bishops have done for us as well. Ask your priest if there is anything you can do for them. Or a side note, I would love it if this piece showed up the front page of New Advent.

I would like to hear about the good that your father or your parish priest has done, so please share it or any memorable moments with your father or priest in the comment box below or e-mail me at catholictechgeek@gmail.com. You can also share with me on twitter (twitter username is @rctechgeek). Feel free to subscribe to my rss feed as well.

If you want to give your father something he will enjoy this Father's Day,  give him some Mystic Monk Coffee (use this link or click on the picture below to access the store and purchase). Trust me, it's good coffee (in most instances, better than Starbucks coffee) and you won't regret buying some. For the summer, they are also offering Iced Coffee as well. If you like tea more than coffee, they also offer tea (use the same link above or picture below to purchase). Using the link (or picture below) to buy the coffee (or tea) helps the monks out and helps me with college expenses as well.

Feel free to try out my apps for Windows Phone: Mobile Media Manager, a media player app I made which has some features which (I feel) are missing from the system zune player, and BSA Eagle Tracker, an app that boy scouts can use to track their progress to Eagle Scout (when the scout handbook isn't always handy). New versions of the media player with new features/bug fixes is coming soon. BSA Eagle Tracker is also getting a bug fix for an obscure bug I noticed.

BSA Eagle Tracker download: http://bit.ly/Mm1Upo
Mobile Media Manager (paid version) download: http://bit.ly/y3rf6V
Mobile Media Manager (free version) download: http://bit.ly/xGCsWE

Update (6-18-2012): I have a follow-up to this piece right here.

Windows Phone 8: Summary of Speculation

With the recent announcement of iOS 6 for iphone (which adds features that windows phone already had), the new announcement of Windows Phone 8 is just around the corner. However there's some information about it already out in the wild.

Some things to look foward to:

• Internet Explorer 10, with a faster javascript engine which rivals (and in some cases, even beats) Google Chrome
• ability to track your data usage
• integrated Skype and other VOIP (instead of standalone Skype program)
• possible skydrive integration into disk storage
• more resolutions than just 800x480
• (unfortunately) some kind of carrier customization

From what we have here, there is much goodness in store for us as we look forward to Apollo.  As for the carrier customizations which will be permitted, I do not know much about that, but the Catholic Tech Geek will be sure to let you know when he knows more. Existing programs in the marketplace are expected to also work in Apollo with no (to maybe minor) adjustments needed. No official word yet either as to whether existing devices will get the upgrade or not.

While we are waiting, if you are a developer (or a computer science student/professor), download the Windows Phone SDK and experiment with it if you aren't already doing so. You might be surprised as to what you could make.

In other news, Windows 8 is coming soon as well. The latest preview version out, the Release Preview, is the last version before the gold release (in other words, the next build of Windows 8 will be the official released version). If you have a spare partition, go ahead and try it out. A reminder to always backup anything important on your hard drive before doing something major like this.

If you want a look at a possible Windows 8 device, check out http://www.wpcentral.com/alleged-shots-nokia-prototype-windows-phone-8-device-leak-shows-64gb-storage.

If you have any questions or any information about speculation and rumors related to Windows Phone 8, feel free to voice them in the comment box below or e-mail me at catholictechgeek@gmail.com. You can also ask me on twitter (twitter username is @rctechgeek). Feel free to subscribe to my rss feed as well.

If you need some coffee to help get you going in the morning or to help you stay awake during the day, try some Mystic Monk Coffee (use this link or click on the picture below to access the store and purchase). Trust me, it's good coffee (in many instances, better than Starbucks coffee) and you won't regret buying some. For the summer they are also offering Iced Coffee as well. If you like tea more than coffee, they also offer tea (use the same link above). Using the link to buy the coffee (or tea) helps me with college and helps the monks as well.

Feel free to try out my apps for Windows Phone: Mobile Media Manager, a media player app I made which has some features which (I feel) are missing from the system zune player, and BSA Eagle Tracker, an app that boy scouts can use to track their progress to Eagle Scout (when the scout handbook isn't always handy). New versions of the media player with new features/bug fixes is coming soon. BSA Eagle Tracker is also getting a bug fix for an obscure bug I noticed.

BSA Eagle Tracker download: http://bit.ly/Mm1Upo
Mobile Media Manager (paid version) download: http://bit.ly/y3rf6V
Mobile Media Manager (free version) download: http://bit.ly/xGCsWE


Edit (6-16-2012): An official announcement for Windows 8 should be coming out sometime next week.

Update (6-18-2012) : Microsoft is holding a press conference this morning to discuss a new Microsoft product. From what I gather on the internet, I don't think it will be about Windows Phone 8, but you never know, so stay tuned to find out what it is. Update 2 (6-18-2012): It seems that the press conference was supposed to start at 18:30 E.S.T., but it has been delayed to 19:00 E.S.T. for some strange reason.

Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Cor Iesu sacratíssimum, Miserére nobis           Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Have mercy upon us
Cor Iesu sacratíssimum, Miserére nobis           Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Have mercy upon us
Cor Iesu sacratíssimum, Miserére nobis           Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Have mercy upon us



Well, today is the feast of the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. As it is a solemnity, a reminder that Catholics everywhere are not bound by the usual Friday abstinence from meat today.

In today's Daily Readings, we see the reoccurring them of "God loves you". In the first reading, we find God talking about love of his people, Israel, from the perspective of a parent. We also see that God has some grief regarding the conduct of the people of Israel. As parents know, there are times when kids are misbehaving and you feel like you want to vent this on the kids. Certainly, we see evidence of this here with God.

My heart is overwhelmed,
my pity is stirred.

Yet, God realizes that it wouldn't be right to take his anger out on Israel.

I will not give vent to my blazing anger,
I will not destroy Ephraim again;
For I am God and not a man,
the Holy One present among you;
I will not let the flames consume you.

In our second reading from St. Paul to the Ephesians, the theme of love occurs again. Paul remarks that he has been given grace from God to preach to the Gentiles so that God's wisdom may be known through the Church to "the principalities and authorities in the heavens." Paul then asks God that the gentiles may be strengthened with the power of God's spirit and that Christ dwell in their hearts so that they may know the love of Christ, which surpasses knowledge and has no bounds, be filled with the fullness of God. To know that the love of Christ has no bounds is comforting, but let's not forget that sin can still ruin things for us.

In the gospel reading from St. John, we are taken back to Jesus' passion. The passion of Christ was the ultimate act of love, willing to suffer death, even death on a cross, in order to redeem us from the sinfulness of mankind. In many pictures of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the heart has blood and water flowing from it. That is a reference to this passage from scripture:

So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first
and then of the other one who was crucified with Jesus.
But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead,
they did not break his legs,
but one soldier thrust his lance into his side,
and immediately blood and water flowed out.

I would also like to add that today, there is an opportunity to obtain a plenary indulgence by praying the Iesu dulcissime (Act of Reparation). A reminder that you must fulfill the 4 necessary conditions  to obtain the indulgence

1. Go to Confession
2. Recieve the Eucharist
3. Do the act itself and also pray for the Pope's intentions (by saying an "Our Father" and the Apostles' Creed works for praying for the Pope's intentions, but other prayers can work for this as well) with the intention of obtaining the indulgence
4. (The Last and Hardest Condition of All to fulfill)  You must be free from all attachment to sin, INCLUDING venial sin

If you cannot fulfill that last condition (but yes to the other 3 conditions), you may still obtain a partial indulgence. You can find the text of the prayer here in both Latin and English. (for more on indulgences, please see this.

I might add that this is my first attempt at a scripture reflection for a large audience, so I hope I did well. If you have any questions, feel free to ask them in the comment box below or e-mail me at catholictechgeek@gmail.com. You can also ask me on twitter (twitter username is @rctechgeek). Feel free to subscribe to my rss feed as well. If you can, please comment on what you like in what I wrote and what I could work on.

If you need some coffee to help get you going in the morning or to help you stay awake during the day, try some Mystic Monk Coffee (use this link or click on the picture below to access the store and purchase). Trust me, it's good coffee (in many instances, better than Starbucks coffee) and you won't regret buying some. For the summer they are also offering Iced Coffee as well. If you like tea more than coffee, they also offer tea (use the same link above). Using the link to buy the coffee (or tea) helps me with college expenses and helps the monks as well.

Feel free to try out my apps for Windows Phone: Mobile Media Manager, a media player app I made which has some features which (I feel) are missing from the system zune player, and BSA Eagle Tracker, an app that boy scouts can use to track their progress to Eagle Scout (when the scout handbook isn't always handy). New versions of the media player with new features/bug fixes is coming soon. BSA Eagle Tracker is also getting a bug fix for an obscure bug I noticed.

BSA Eagle Tracker download: http://bit.ly/Mm1Upo
Mobile Media Manager (paid version) download: http://bit.ly/y3rf6V
Mobile Media Manager (free version) download: http://bit.ly/xGCsWE

Signup for 30 Days to Launch Contest: Only 4 Days Left

Update (6/4/2012): Entry for the contest is now closed.

Update (6/1/2012: Only 2 days left now)

If you haven't noticed it at all either because you were busy with something else, working on final exams, or living under a rock, Microsoft is offering the 30 Days to Launch Contest for any developer out there.

The goal of the 30 Days to Launch Contest is to learn how to develop a Windows Phone app (or if you already have some knowledge of Windows Phone, a chance to increase that knowledge) and produce one in 30 days. After that 30 days for submitting your apps are up, you have an additional 15 days to make publication decisions for each of them. Each person gets 1 entry into the contest, so if you submit more than 1 program to the marketplace within that time frame, choose your contest entry wisely. At the end, all entries will be judged by popular vote from now until August 13.

If you need the Windows Phone SDK, you can just click on the picture below to download it.

The prizes are:
   Four (4) Grand Prizes. Each winner will receive a Prize Package consisting of a La-Z-Boy© recliner and a Lenovo IdeaPad 300 Ultrabook™. Approximate Retail Value (ARV) $ 3,000 per prize package.

Please note that you must have an apphub account to participate in this contest. If you don't have one, students can get an account free through Dreamspark. If you aren't a student, you can still get an apphub account by following these steps:

• First, sign up for www.30tolaunch.com using a Windows Live ID
• Second, spread the word via Social Media in one of the following ways:
  • Like the Microsoft User Community Facebook page: http://on.fb.me/Aho2an
  • OR Tweet about 30 to Launch by telling us about your participation. For your tweet to qualify, you must reference the tag #30tolaunch AND include the following in the body of your tweet: I am participating in 30 to Launch to build a Windows Phone app! Rules: http://aka.ms/f1i1lr. We reserve the right to remove any inappropriate tweets.
• Third, provide a short description of the app you plan to create and submit through the online form by clicking on the I’m Done button for Week 2 for your 30 to Launch Windows Phone app on the My 30 to Launch Idea page.

Only entries for new apps (not updates to existing apps) are accepted for entries. You must also be 18 years of age or older to enter.

WHAT CONSTITUTES AN ELIGIBLE ENTRY?

To be eligible for judging an entry must meet the following content / technical requirements:

• Your application must be coded and submitted as a Windows Phone Application within 30 days of your sign-up date and must be published to the Windows Phone Marketplace no earlier than 7 days and within 45 days of your sign-up date. Tools for Windows Phone development which can be downloaded here include:
  • Visual Studio 2010 Express for Windows Phone
  • Windows Phone Development Tools
  • Express Blend for Windows Phone
  • Windows Phone Emulator
• You must complete the Voting requirement between July 30, 2012 August 13, 2012 to vote for ONE 30 to Launch app published during the campaign. You cannot vote for your own app.

In addition:

• your entry must be your own original work; and
• your entry should be published to the marketplace on or after 7 days following your sign up date. Your app should not be something previously submitted to the Windows Phone Marketplace prior to this contest; and
• you must have obtained any and all consents, approvals or licenses required for you to submit your entry; and
• your entry may not include any third party trademarks (logos, names) or copyrighted materials (music, images, video, recognizable people) unless you have obtained permission to use the materials. You may include Microsoft trademarks, logos, and designs, for which Microsoft grants you a limited license to use for the sole purposes of submitting an entry into this Contest.

Entries may NOT contain, as determined by us, in our sole and absolute discretion, any content that:

• is sexually explicit, unnecessarily violent or derogatory of any ethnic, racial, gender, religious, professional or age group; profane or pornographic;
• promotes alcohol, illegal drugs, tobacco, firearms/weapons (or the use of any of the foregoing) or a particular political agenda;
• is obscene or offensive;
• defames, misrepresents or contains disparaging remarks about other people or companies;
• communicates messages or images inconsistent with the positive images and/or good will to which we wish to associate; and/or violates any law;

We reserve the right to reject any entry, in our sole and absolute discretion, that we determine does not meet the above criteria.

Apps will be judged on the following basis:

• 25.00% - Does the app utilize the live tile or secondary tile feature? (does not apply to game applications)
• 25.00% - Does the app have market potential given current mobile application trends?
• 25.00% - Is the app innovative and original?
• 25.00%- Does the app use additional Windows Phone 7.5 capabilities such as cloud-enablement through Windows Azure*, Background Agents, Background Audio, Pictures Hub integration, Music & Video Hub integration etc.
  • *Cloud-enabling the application using Microsoft Windows Azure includes scenarios such as:
    • Use “push notifications” to send updates
    • Manage gamer identity using their Facebook, Google, LiveID, etc.
    • Push video or images using Windows Azure CDN
    • Add leader boards, social interaction, shared landscapes, player location and movement
    • Send Line-of-business data using OData standards

The last day to sign up is June 3, 2012.

For more information, please see the contest rules at http://www.30tolaunch.com/WindowsPhone/Contest/OfficialRules. If you have any questions, feel free to ask them in the comment box below or e-mail me at catholictechgeek@gmail.com. You can also ask me on twitter (twitter username is @rctechgeek). Feel free to subscribe to my rss feed as well.

If you need some coffee to help get you going in the morning to give you the inspiration to accomplish your app or to help you stay awake while working on your app, try some Mystic Monk Coffee (use this link to access the store and purchase). Trust me, it's good coffee (in many instances, better than Starbucks coffee) and you won't regret buying some. For the summer they are also offering Iced Coffee as well. If you like tea with your coding more than coffee, they also offer tea (use the same link above).

Feel free to try out my apps for Windows Phone: Mobile Media Manager, a media player app I made which has some features which (I feel) are missing from the system zune player, and BSA Eagle Tracker, an app that boy scouts can use to track their progress to Eagle Scout (when the scout handbook isn't always handy). A new version of BSA Eagle Tracker will be out in the marketplace in a few days once it passes certification.

BSA Eagle Tracker download: http://bit.ly/Mm1Upo
Mobile Media Manager (paid version) download: http://bit.ly/y3rf6V
Mobile Media Manager (free version) download: http://bit.ly/xGCsWE

Imagine Cup: an Unlikely But Sure Opportunity to Evangelize

Last weekend, I had the privilege of attending Microsoft's Imagine Cup competition as a Microsoft Student Insider. While I was there, Sunday rolled around and with it, the obligation to go to Mass that day. So you're probably wondering: what does this have to do with evangelizing and spreading the gospel?

It turns out that I was not the only Catholic present there at the competition. There, I found out some of the competitors were Catholic as well. Since I had done research before that to find out where the nearest Catholic church was to where we were staying, I remarked that I knew where the nearest Catholic church was and told them the Mass times, and then I invited them to join me at the Mass time I was going to. I also met a facilitator there that was Catholic as well.

When it came around to Sunday, breakfast was scheduled to be at the Microsoft Store in Bellvue, so I decided to use it as a "checkpoint" to see who was coming with me to Mass. The only one that ended up joining me was the facilitator. We had an interesting talk about computers and Catholicism while we were walking to Mass. Mass went well (it was a "first Communion Mass", where there children there making their first Holy Communion), except for some liturgical abuses I observed. Afterwards, my friend, the facilitator, gave me some helpful tips for acing a Microsoft interview, as I had an interview with Microsoft scheduled after I got back from Mass.

It was interesting to find other Catholics at an event like this that loved the Catholicism and the  Church as much as I did. At a competition where computers and software are the subject matter, you would think that is isn't exactly an opportunity to share our faith and the Gospel with others, but there will always be a way (even though you might not discover it). Next year, I will be sure put this information out ahead of time so that even more Catholics attending will be able to attend Mass while at the Imagine Cup. This all proves one thing: there are always opportunities to evangelize and to share our faith with others, even when it doesn't look like it on the surface.

Do you have any stories where you found opportunities to evangelize and share the faith and the gospel in an unlikely situation? Feel free to share it in the combo box. You can also follow me on twitter (username is @rctechgeek).

Imagine Cup 2012: We have a Winner

I know you've been waiting for a while to find out who our dear winners are for this year's Imagine Cup competition. Well, without further ado, here are our winners:

First, we have a new award this year at Imagine Cup, the Azure award.  This award is part of the new Windows Azure contest. This award goes to LegenDairy, a team from Brigham Young University.

Game Design - Windows Phone:
4th: Panther Games Team Alpha
3rd: Wasabi Ninja
2nd: Pigmaster
1st: Drexal Dragons

Game Design - Xbox
4th: Zigers
3rd: Credit No Credit
2nd: Digital Infinity
1st: Dr. Fishbowl


Software Design
4th: KinectMath
3rd: Physically Kinected
2nd: The Miracle Workers
1st: FlashFood

Again, congratulations to all of our winners and hope that the winners of Software Design do well at the world finals this summer in Australia.

Current Skydrive Users: Your Amount of Storage has DecreasedF

Thanks to a helpful hint on Twitter, I just found out that Microsoft has decreased the amount of storage that skydrive offers for free from 25gb to 7gb. However, for a limited time, you can increase the amount of storage from 7gb back to 25gb. I am not sure, but I think this applies to existing users only. If this is true for new users as well, please let me know. To do so, just go to https://skydrive.live.com/ManageStorage?lu=1 and login (if you're not logged in already.

This change makes sense because with windows phone and windows 8, skydrive integration is big, giving people more of a reason to use skydrive as opposed to services such as Dropbox. The number of users is also growing and Microsoft could be using this as an opportunity to consolidate resources.

Imagine Cup 2012: Who Moves on to Round 2

So you're all wondering who is moving up to round 2 of the Imagine Cup. Well, I now have the results for you.

In Game Design - Xbox segment, we have Zigers, Dr. Fishbowl, Digital Infinity, and Credit no Credit.

In Game Design - Windows Phone segment, we have Drexal Dragons, Wasabi Ninja,Panther Games Team Alpha, and Pigmaster.

In Software Design, we have Physically Kincted, The Miracle Workers, Flashfood, and KinectMath.

Tomorrow, each of these teams will go in front of judges once again to decide who wins. Until then, everyone here at the Imagine Cup will have the chance to relax and enjoy the evening.

Imagine Cup 2012: Scrutiny and Relaxation

Yesterday, the first round of the competition happened and each team was in the hands of the judges. Some of the teams had neat ideas for games. One team I saw, Wasabi Ninja, used the camera in the phone in conjunction with a face detection algorithm to hide enemies and show them only on the "infected faces". I haven't seen many games use the camera as part of the game, so this kind-of made them special.

Once that was done, we all went out to Seattle for the 50th anniversary of the world fair. There, each team got their picture taken and an "interview video" was recorded. After that we all met at the space needle for a tour on a duck. The funny thing about the duck is that it only moves at 38mph max.

Dinner that night was at Lucky Strikes in Lincoln Square, where we were treated to an evening of bowling, food, and fellowship. I left near the end of the time there since I had an interview with Microsoft the next today.

Today (Sunday), I woke up and went to Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. After that, I went back to Lincoln Square for my interview with Microsoft. Luckily for me, Microsoft had a session on Microsoft recruiting and what to look for. After that, anyone at Imagine Cup who wanted an interview for an internship or full-time job got one, and everyone was partitioned into time blocks. So many people fighting for so few positions makes it difficult to be sure you got the job.

Currently in the standings overall, we have Digital Infinity, ICsquared, and Team Minitrus at first, second, and third, with Team Minitrus leading the pack for Windows Phone. This can change at any time, and you can make it happen. Just go to the Imagine Cup page on Facebook, and vote for your favorite team. I will add that you must have a facebook account to vote. You only have a short amount of time to cast your vote, so do it now if you haven't already.

Later today, we will find out who passed and will be moving on to Round 2 of presentations.

A Message for all Catholics at Imagine Cup

I would like for all Catholics at the Imagine Cup to know that the nearest Catholic church is Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Sunday Mass times are at 9:00 and 11:00. I will be attending the 9:00 Mass, so if you would like to join me I you are welcome to.

Imagine Cup 2012: It Begins

Well folks, it's that time of year again, the time to determine the finalists in the United States branch of the Imagine cup. Throughout the year, many people have been working on various projects for this year's competition. After 2 rounds of elimination, we have 22 team with a total of 76 people. Over the course of this year's competition, I will be covering windows phone game design. With that, let's meet the teams that I will be covering. To see the other teams, please visit https://apps.facebook.com/microsoftimaginecup/. (Please Note: you must have a facebook account if you want to access the link). Please also vote for you favorite team (use the same facebook link given above).

First, we have Pigmaster from University of California, Los Angeles with Word Hog. "Word Hog is a kid’s game about a group of pigs who need the player’s help to write a paper for a school project. The player controls a trampoline where pigs bounce toward bubbles to collect items such as letters. The second part of the game is a puzzle where the pigs can use those letters to create words, shift the letters around, or discard letters. "

Next, we have Panther Games Team Alpha from Santa Ana College and Chapman University with Children of War” (CoW). "The team created a game “Children of War” (CoW) that is based upon struggles in Africa between villages and rebel groups. The game puts the player into the shoes of a Ugandan child living in a village and the player must sneak past rebels and obstacles, rescue other children, and lead them all to safety in a race before dawn."

Then, we have Wasabi Ninja from University of Houston with Wasabi Ninja. "The team created an augmented reality based first person shooter game for Windows Phone 7. The player takes the role as Phagy, a nanomachine engineered specifically to destroy harmful materials in the water systems of developing countries."

Next, we have New Games Plus from University of California, Davis with RE-TREE. "RE-TREE focuses on the problems of deforestation. The player is a college student who decides to save the trees after an environmentally conscious professor teaches him about deforestation. The player uses weapons from the professor to defeat such enemies as loggers, scientists, lawyers, and a CEO, in the end coming to terms with the fact that the only way to cope with deforestation is to explore new and current technologies. "

Then, we have Team Mintrus from University of Louisville with Pandemic. "Pandemic is an AIDS-based tower defense game educating users about AIDS. The player plays as a specific character, and the unique setting – inside the human body. Each of the levels in this game resembles the story of an individual suffering from various methods of contraction."

Last, we have Drexel Dragons from Drexel University with Math Dash. "The team created the game “Math Dash”, a solution that helps students learn through game play. The game teaches students while engaging them in their normal activities and integrates learning with fun."

Last night started off with a keynote address from Major Nelson, a developer on the Xbox team. The point of his keynote address was that we are living in the golden age of software. Games are successful because they combine the elements of media with storytelling. It's the storytelling that really drives a game to be successful.

 I am curious to see how these teams will present the experience of their games to the judges and what the reception will be like. Anyway, stay tuned for more, as things are just heating up. I will be posting periodica1 updates on my Twitter acccount (@rctechgeek), so feel free to follow me to stay posted. Don't forget to vote for your favorite Imagine Cup team.

If you have any questions or comments about Imagine Cup, feel free to comment below in the comment box or e-mail me at catholictechgeek@gmail.com.


(quotes taken from project descriptions on teams' section on Imagine Cup Facebook page)

Some Short Windows 8 Thoughts

Like it or not, the beloved start button we all know and love is gone in Windows 8. In its place, we have the new metro U. I. start screen. With this new start screen, you gain the ability to have live tiles, where the program icon can display bits of program information within opening the program. If you press the windows key on Windows 8, it takes you to the start screen.

However, this means that things can get somewhat cluttered, especially if you have a bunch of programs installed. To solve this, I propose that Windows 8 should allow us to have groups. Groups allow you to put like tiles together I saving screen space in the process. It would also allow people to hide tiles which are used infrequently. Being able to put shortcuts on the desktop mode from the metro ui would be nice as well.

As far as keyboard shortcuts go, alt-F4 and Ctrl-Alt-Del and Alt-Tab still work under Windows 8. I am not sure about other keyboard shortcuts.
Finally, windows 8 requires a windows live id to login. If you use Hotmail or Xbox Live, you are covered and just use the same email address and password for Hotmail or Xbox Live. If you don't have one, you can easily get one. There is the possibility to have local users on the system which are not connected to Windows live, but those users cannot sync settings with other windows 8 computers.

I would like to invite you to try Windows 8 right now. You can do so by going to http://bit.ly/H04H05. In the windows 8 setup program, there is an option to upgrade a Windows 7 installation to Windows 8. I would advise against this (at least until windows 8 is officially released to the general market). In my next post, I will detail how to install windows 8 toa separate part of your hard drive so your important data is untouched. For now, just download the windows 8 setup, but don't install it unless you know what you are doing.

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to ask me via the comment box below or via e-mail at catholictechgeek@gmail.com. You can subscribe to my rss feed or follow me on Twitter (username is @rctechgeek).