When thinking
differently just isn't different enough, then it's time to
start thinking absurd. Kirk Hiner's Absurd Notion takes a
monthly look at the computer industry with the irreverent
bent that it so rightly deserves. Kirk firmly believes that
not one aspect of human life is above satire, and is pretty
sure the same goes for computer life. It may be absurd
to take him seriously, but it's also a lot more fun.
Game On Eileen Part II (or, Hello, Obsidian, how's the wife?) 10/31/2003 Here, I conclude my look at the "one hit wonders" of the Mac gaming industy; developers who brought us one title, then disappeared in a shroud of mystery or—in one particularly sad case—tragedy.
Game On Eileen (or, Mac Gaming One Hit Wonders) 10/08/2003 Quickly, what do these names have in common: Dexy's Midnight Runners, Peter Schilling, Cajun Games and Altor Systems? They were all "one hit wonders." There are plenty of shows covering such bands in the pop music industry, so I felt it was time we recognize some of the best "one hit wonders" of Macintosh gaming.
Robin Hood: Prince of MP3s 09/25/2003 Do you know what? I kind of hope the RIAA wins every lawsuit they've laid out and completely puts an end to music sharing of all forms. This way, when CD sales are still plummeting by billions of dollars a year and they no longer have some cheap excuse upon which they can fall, they'll have to figure out what the real problem is.
Whither Alex Raymond? (or, How the Computer Killed Science Fiction) 07/31/2003 There was a time, not too far back, when science fiction used to fun. Remember that? Remember those days? Remember when science fiction used to be about alien invasions and giant radiation monsters and voyages to other planets? Remember when the Star Wars movies were entertaining? I do. I remember those days, and I miss them.
Rise of the Robots or, Yeah, I've Got Your Human Interface Device Right Here, Pal 06/17/2003 The other day, a new error appeared on my PC. I can't remember what caused it (as if Windows errors need to have a cause), and I can't remember exactly what it said, but it did use the phrase "human interface device." Human interface device? What other kind of interface device would there be? Why would my computer feel the need to remind that I'm human, unless...
The iTunes Music Store, or the Music Service for People Who Don't Like Music 05/05/2003 Applelinks senior editor Kirk Hiner today announced his intention to create his own online music service, tentatively called HiTunes. The music service will allow Macintosh users around the world to access what Kirk likes to call, "Music that doesn't suck" for a certain fee that will vary wildly depending upon Kirk's financial situation that month.
