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See how VFX transforms 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' (updated)
Alert: Spoilers ahoy. There was a lot of talk about practical effects in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, but make no mistake, digital dominates -- there are over 2,100 CG shots in the film out of 2,500 total. However, a new VFX show reel released just ahead of the Oscar nominations shows how cannily the producers married the real and the fake. JJ Abrams and the ILM effects team grokked that viewers clearly know when they're being fed CG, so the team uses practical sets, props, stunts and explosions wherever possible. Digital effects are then added to dress up the shots and add the necessary scale.
TUAW's Daily App: Umbrella Today
Last fall, I moved out here to Southern California, and while I don't mean to brag, my concerns about the weather outside have fallen right off of my list of priorities; it's sunny and 70ºF here most of the time. However, back when I lived in Chicago, I had to check and see what the weather was like every day before I went out . While I was interested in the temperature, the conditions, and even the wind speed (it's a Windy City, in case you haven't heard), there was really just one question that I needed answered: Umbrella today? Umbrella Today is a site that answers that question for you. It's the brainchild of tech consultant firm thoughtbot. All you have to do is punch in your ZIP code, and you will get a yes or no answer as to whether you'll need to bring that umbrella or not. Of course, you're not always near a computer, so they've turned the site into an iPhone app. The app will not only answer the question, but it will even provide scheduled alerts or push notifications when you need to carry that umbrella. I love it -- it's simple, practical, and effective. The app is US$1.99, but even if you have an issue with that price, you can set up an email alert on the site for free. Still, a one-time payment of $2 is cheap for never being caught empty-handed in the rain again.
Leading casual raids, and doing it well
This must be the season for casual raiding leaders to get their tips-- both Clockwork Gamer and Sanya Weathers at Guildcafe recently posted some great tips for raidleaders in charge of making sure that dragon ends up dead at the end of the night. If you've found yourself in charge of a large group of MMO characters recently, both writeups are worth a read for sure-- the tips range from the practical (start earlier than you plan, because things will take longer to get started than you think) to the emotional (keep it fun, address drama when it happens, and make sure everyone remembers that these are not the only epic drops they'll ever see).Raidleading is a tough little pasttime, and casual raidleading more than anything-- people are on your raid with all kinds of different reasons and a larger variation of abilities and gear. I especially like Clockwork Gamer's mantra: "raiding is dying," and that's truer with casual raiding than anything else, in any MMO you play in. It's not easy to be a casual raidleader, but these tips will definitely help you get to where it's worth it: a big down on a progression night.
