Grizzle

Maybe I just don't remember this happening, but it seems as if the shuttles always take damage when deploying drones with AI pilots. I've tried a few different things and maybe it's just related to low AI, but it seems that they don't follow a sensible trajectory when coming in for a landing to deploy drones. They stay at altitude until almost there then do a nose dive into the ground. I'm sure this is what is causing the damage. I've tried setting more waypoints, having them LAND first etc... I'm definitely giving them plenty of distance to fly in gracefully but they don't seem to want to. Normally I wouldn't mind but several times now their engine has been damaged enough that they can't leave the planet. In the meantime I'm just going to assign a HALT waypoint and see if they float to the surface gracefully enough before having them deploy. Which brings me to my next comment (damn you SC!). I decided to go and retrieve two stranded shuttles from Moon1 in Polaris2 using my CC (yeah I know shuttle tow would have been better.) Well, the atmosphere is pretty hostile (who knew?) and I ended up taking heavy damage to almost all of my CC's systems. LOL... anyhow here I am wondering why my CC looks like a Tesla experiment gone bad, then I just laughed. This isn't a complaint, just a comment on Derek's sadistic Universe (and the cool effects)

Jag, That's all well and good, but if you would read the article I referenced you'd see that admidst all these record profits the Oil companies have been boosting stock dividends rather than enhancing their infrastructure. Not to mention regardless of how many wells we drill and refineries we build, they'll all become useless when the oil runs out.

Thanks! This was a texture I had laying around that I leeched off the net. Just modified it a bit to look good with UC's lighting. I think it's more consistent with the surface color now. Which by the way I'm very impressed with the new terrain engine... it's sweet.

Additional first impressions: So I loaded her up just to play for a little while last night. Had retrieved some mining drones from the surface of the moon, and wanting to maximize my profits, decided to head to Velari in Polaris to unload the minerals. I had been fortunate enough to afford some shield and armor upgrades before I began my trek, and boy would I need it. I find that lots of enemy craft jump into a system and just ignore me, so I'm happy to concentrate on my task. Jumped through Jupiter and Lyrius without hassle and I think I was about to jump to Lennen, or I might have made it to Lennen and was going to jump to Polaris, but I can't remember because what came next had me fighting for my life for about an hour. Pretty much every kind of Cap ship and fighter from every kind of race suddenly decided they had tolerated my presence long enough (or maybe it was because I turned the music on, I usually play without it.) I found myself engaged in the largest firefight ever in my BC/UC career. There was simply too much going on to describe it fully, but man was it a blast! It was pure mayhem and just when I thought I could take a breath the red glow of shield damage filled my screen and I was attacked again, over and over! I ended up with about eight intruders on board, destroyed a half dozen cap ships and countless fighters. I finally had to turn tail and head for safe haven as all of my Marines were nearly half dead from the beating the intruders handed out. I had nearly depleted my stores of missiles in the process and the Officers quarters was nothing but a smoking hole inside my ship. It was pure insanity, but I survived and I can't wait to give it another go tonight! This is the best version in the series to date!

Ok, remapped the image to match the original. Here's some screenies for your viewing pleasure:

Yeah I compared them and saw it was not aligned with the map you had. But I figured it was just for external appearance. Maybe I'll take the time to edit it and line it all up as best I can. BTW, I just dl'd GBS for the first time, wish me luck! Thanks.

I don't like people telling me what to do either, but sometimes, just maybe, they are right! quote:Asperson: Grizzel was saying that using a calculator was not appropriate to this arguement and other ways of thinking and logic were required when viewing the problem (his opinion of course). He sees that you and I are coming from different points of view and he's right. You come from a place of political/social ideology , personal freedoms and equality. That's but one way to examine the topic. In order to survive, a society must adapt and change with it's environment. Someday there may be a need to address the other issues you brought up, but as I already stated, now is not the time. If we begin to perceive that our behaviors result in dangerous or negative consequences then we owe it to ourselves, our ancestors and descendants to alter the paradigm so we can continue to thrive as a species. Afterall what's life all about anyway? I don't know, but I suspect it has little to do with John Q. Public being able to drive an SUV. While creating laws, financial incentives/disincentives may seem heretical to one's sense of personal freedom, it is and has been a tool used throughout history to foster change that is needed. Anyhow, I think I've said all I can or care to on the subject. Your point of view is valid, but we just don't agree.

quote:Originally posted by Supreme Cmdr: That large Green reticle was removed because I found it to be too goofy. Ah, actually that was a wise choice, I honestly like it better without. quote:Saturn having no rings is a different story. You might want to create a topic in the tech support area so that we can check it out. Will do. Lemme see if I can get them to show then I'll put up some info.

Um...the topic is about gasoline and oil profits, but I'll bite. We've increased the tax on cigarettes and placed limits on smoking in public to discourage smoking right? That was unheard of years ago, but people have adjusted to the idea. Believe it or not I thought it was outrageous myself, but it is what it is and it's probably a good thing no? Oh, and as for your future post on the same topic, I've already heard it all and I agree the whole not smoking in cars thing is absurd. But that's because the rationale behind it about being a dangerous distraction is ridiculous. Why don't we tax fatty foods to discourage obesity? Why not tax alcohol to discourage drunkeness and deaths from drunk drivers? Because society won't tolerate it at this moment. However, given the current situation with oil, gas prices and pollution as well as the Middle Eastern problems we are facing, people are more likely to accept such a tax than they would have been years ago. It's pretty simple really. In any event, I think you've interpreted my initial remark as something I am going to pack up and go to DC to lobby for. Relax, I have no plans to do so and I would probably never actively support such an idea, but on the same token, I wouldn't mind if it happened either. I would consider it a small price to pay and I don't mind making personal sacrifices if I think it's for the benefit of everyone in the long run. As Spock so famously posited, The needs of the many far outweigh the needs of the few. Who can argue with good old fashioned Vulkan logic? Live long and prosper. V/

The surface of Mars in UCAWA looks great! But the planet view is a little 'pale' in comparison. As long as Derek doesn't mind someone messing with his property (delete this thread if you do SC), then give THIS texture a shot. Copy to your UCAWApte3stetex folder (rename or move the original first!). Take a trip to mars and enjoy!

Ok, one word. Awesome. You really nailed it SC. Though I've only played for a short while it's rock solid and beautiful to look at. The hyperjump animation is killer. I need to play around with it a lot more, and play with some settings because I noticed a few small issues on my rig. I don't have the large green reticule in my HUD and Saturn has no rings!! I'm sure it has something to do with my VC settings, so I'll massage them a bit to see what's up. It really kicks ass though and I can't wait to dive in deeper. More to follow...

All you have convinced me Soback, is that you think anyone with even the slightest consideration for other people and for our environment is a communist, tree hugger or any other disparaging remark you can think of. You seem to have a one track mind when it comes to discussions regarding whats best for society and the world. It seems that if a concept encroaches even the slightest bit on your idea of "personal freedom" you consider it evil. You fail to comprehend the big picture, but I don't fault you for that. You've got your opinion and I have mine. I just generally require fewer words to make it. LOL..Ciao! P.S. I am neither a democrat, republican, liberal or conservative. My ideas and attitudes tend to run the gammut from one end of the spectrum to the other. While it may be comfortable for you to "classify" me all I can say is you are dead wrong in doing so.

quote:Originally posted by babs: quote:Originally posted by almostpilot: Great !!!! Finaly. I buy it a few minutes from Digital e-river .... when i come home (soon) i will download it... and start the party !!!! hello, I need the link to digital e-river. thank you Um, it's in the thread a few message back...but here quote:Originally posted by Supreme Cmdr: The Digital River e-commerce version is now online http://www.regnow.com/softsell/nph-softsell.cgi?item=13068-1

Sigh. You too Matchoo? The concept of a guzzler tax is to discourage waste, it's not about fairness or numerical equality. What happens when supplies get low? That's right, it costs EVERYONE more money. Why should I pay a higher price to accommodate someone elses careless attitude and consume more than they need? We hit polluting companies because we want them to stop polluting!. We credit those that reduce it to give them reason to continue to do so. Stop thinking with your calculator.

quote:Originally posted by $iLk: For some anecdotal evidence... Gas prices in Birmingham (where there is plenty of gas) are at $2.85 (down from $3.01 last week and since Katrina) Gas prices directly on the Gulf Coast (Baldwin/Mobile County) are at $2.60 (and have been since Katrina). Something isn't right. Someone is gouging. Georgia has temporarily reduced the gas tax to lessen the burden. Perhaps they are doing something similar on the Gulf Coast? Or maybe it's because there is less distance to travel from the refinery to the pump. Who knows. Also, gas has historically been more expensive in California. Do you think it's simply because people can afford it or does it have something to do with consumption or the amount of pollution in the air they have to eat everyday? (Yes eat, have you seen the air around Los Angeles??)

You aren't reading deep enough Soback. It's NOT about taxation for it's own sake, it just so happens that in a Capitalist society hitting someone in the wallet tends to get results. We penalize corporations that pollute the air, we provide tax breaks for those that take measures to reduce it. The concept we are discussing is NO different. Get it? Now whether you agree with it or not doesn't really matter because you don't and never will live in a bubble. No man is an island. We as a species form SOCIETIES so we can help one another to survive and in turn prolong the species. While you may believe it's "normal" to be selfish and gluttonous, it's antithetical to the very purpose of existence itself. It's all about balance and prudence. For every person that cares only for themselves and what they can get without regard to the impact they have on the environment and those around them, there are those that see the wisdom in moderation as a way to perpetuate our existence. It goes way beyond whether you have to spend a few extra dollars here or there, but you just don't seem to understand that or care to even try. As Asperson said "sweeping generalizations are never right" and that includes you and me. I prefer to live my life in a way that not only benefits me, but others as well, you don't. That's really all it comes down to eh?

quote:Originally posted by Supreme Cmdr: The Digital River e-commerce version is now online http://www.regnow.com/softsell/nph-softsell.cgi?item=13068-1 LOL..it figures. I waited and waited, then ordered through BMT. No matter though, guess what I just pulled out of my mailbox not three minutes ago...

quote:Originally posted by Prez: I asked him what changed him and all he would say is that it was a natural thing to do. Okay, whatever... Maybe he meant that since we don't have sharp pointy teeth and nasty claws that we aren't meant to be meat eaters. The above statement in no way reflects my personal opinion regarding the herbacious or omnivorous choice one makes. Though you might want to speak with someone who works in the meat processing industry and it might just get you to change your mind. And to answer the original question, no I'm not.

A gas guzzler tax has NOTHING to do with socialism. Like so many other terms these days it's simply a way to minimize the argument. While a person who drives a gas guzzler may pay more overall, they also use up more resources and generate more pollution over the same period of time than a more efficient vehicle. In other words the consumer of said vehicle has a disproportionately negative impact on others that use the same resource and breathe the same air. Society is full of disincentives to discourage certain behaviors especially when those behaviors result in a negative impact on the rest of society. It's not socialism, it's common sense. Given that oil is a finite resource and that vehicles contribute to pollution, anything we can do to limit their use is justifiable and utterly logical. It helps everyone, call it socialism if you want and disagree at your discretion but that doesn't change the fact it's a wise and prudent way to live.

What he is essentially saying is that in order for people to appreciate the game it needs to be dumbed down. Fat chance. 95% of games out there are already dumbed down to the point of not being entertaining at all. Also, what's up with the "cacophony of displays"...did you add lots of bad sound effects to the menu system SC???

Lotus Notes is TEH DEVIL!!! It's the biggest resource hog this side of the Galaxy! EWWWWW.

quote:Originally posted by $iLk: I dunno... MP3 collection + movies to edit + other user files... Can it be upgraded you think? I fill up my 120GB drive every few weeks. Storage is always upgradeable, either replace the internal drive or go with an external firewire/USB drive.

Soback, think of it as a dis-incentive for buying those gas hogs. Sheesh, don't be so serious minded all the time.

...or boots with Resnig's name emblazoned on the toes

quote:Originally posted by Cmdr Chavik: Who is really to blame for high gas prices? Not to mention those huge gas guzzling SUV's that place even more stress on the supply. Perhaps if gas prices were tied to the MPG of your vehicle people might reconsider. Getting 4 MPG will cost you 6 bucks per gallon, get 30 MPG costs you 1 buck per gallon. Ha, I'm dreaming and I know it.