eulogy
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Memories of a better Vine
Twitter has its reasons for shuttering Vine, the service that popularized short, looping videos. But from the outpouring on social media, it's clear that many will miss it. While most Engadget editors stopped using Vine a long time ago, there are still some who fire it up almost daily. Even those who don't post regularly still have fond memories of the service. Here, a few editors share their reasons for loving it, hating it, leaving it and sticking with it to the bitter end. And, of course, they've each shared a favorite Vine for good measure.
Wii U, I love you: a premature eulogy
The Wii U is flawed. I won't pretend that it isn't and I won't apologize for it either. If the system had an animal equivalent, it'd be that of a damaged pound puppy. And yet, it's my go-to next-gen console for gaming. The reason for that is simple: It actually has fun games. Right now, Nintendo's curious console basically exists on borrowed time, bolstered by the thin cushioning of loyalists' money and a string of exclusive first-party titles with familiar names (e.g., the Marios and Zeldas). Nintendo's been more than clear that it sees the Wii U as a transition point on the way to the sleep- and fatigue-tracking technology it's pursuing under that vague "quality of life" initiative. We all know the Wii U's end is near. Those pitiful sales numbers, recent quarterly profit notwithstanding, are like a final, damning prognosis. It's just a matter of time before the company pulls the plug. So, rather than pummel Nintendo's console softball into obscurity, I'm here to slow clap as it marches to the grave.
A eulogy for LucasArts, from LucasArts
Imagine former LucasArts Composer Jesse Harlin standing at the lectern, dressed in black, and delivering the following eulogy while pictures of his colleagues fade in and out in a slideshow behind him:"LucasArts died today. It was 30 years old. Ask gamers to recall George Lucas' gaming company and they'll tell you about fulfilled childhood fantasies inside the cockpit of a TIE Bomber or laugh with you about insult sword fighting. They remember the time they spent in the boots of Kyle Katarn, Ben Throttle, or Boss. They remember our successes and they remember our stumbles. But that was the public face of LucasArts."The speech continues, noting times of triumph and the deep, personal relationships shared by employees of LucasArts over the years, told from an inside perspective. Disney shut down LucasArts on April 3, after more than 30 years of operation, halting production on all of its games.Harlin penned the words of what he dubs "A Eulogy for LucasArts," and he put it to photos that Joel Aron snapped of employees on their final day in the office, compiled in a heartfelt series here.When we recall LucasArts, we think of point-and-click adventures, the SCUMM engine and TIE Fighter, among many more fond memories.
Gearbox and Claptrap honor late Borderlands fan with eulogy, NPC in sequel
Michael John Mamaril was a huge Borderlands fan, until he died of cancer last month at the age of 22. His friend Carlo, also a Borderlands fan, asked Gearbox Software to have the game's snarky robot, Claptrap, eulogize Mamaril. Gearbox did, and it has also promised to include Mamaril as an NPC in Borderlands 2. You can hear the heartfelt eulogy from Claptrap and Gearbox on Soundcloud. Gearbox has established itself as a pivotal figure in the Borderlands community, outside of simply creating the game. In April, Gearbox had Claptrap help a man propose to his girlfriend, and now we've seen the deeper side of its indulgence. Cheers, Gearbox, Carlo and, most of all, Michael John Mamaril.
Mona Simpson's moving eulogy for her brother, Steve Jobs
The New York Times has published Mona Simpson's eulogy for her brother, Steve Jobs. Simpson delivered her eulogy during his memorial service on October 16 at the Memorial Church of Stanford University. In her remarks, she recalls her experience of his final days and hours, including his last words to his family. Simpson's eulogy is both powerful and heartbreaking, and I won't cheapen it by clipping bits to include here. Go read the full piece at the New York Times. I'd argue that you'll learn just as much about what kind of person Steve Jobs was in his sister's moving eulogy as you will by reading Walter Isaacson's sprawling biography of him. One recommendation: before you read Simpson's eulogy, grab a handkerchief. Unless you're carved out of wood, you're probably going to need it.
