EarthSim - 3D Universe Browser. Cool stuff!

 Just wanted to let everyone know of a little project that's been in the works for a while, and is constantly evolving as our computers video tech is. Called EarthSim, it's a 'browser' of sorts, but you can also interact with it a' la google earth, but much better!

I have to go and check this out now...looks pretty incredible!

From their webpage HERE:

Earthsim - an Online Universe of Discovery

Earthsim is an Online Universe, it keeps growing as we add more content. Earthsim uses the latest graphical features of your PC so you can explore each planet and moon for yourself.
Our latest Universe browser allows access to real-time space views of the Earth, the Solar System and even the nearest stars. We believe its the best looking space exploration program and planet screensaver around, and its free.

Earthsim 2 is now optimized for best performance on the AMD Fusion APU and also supports AMD Eyefinity multi-display technology with AMD Radeon™ discrete graphics for stunning super high resolution displays of the Universe and planets.

The video below shows you where we are heading with Earthsim over the coming years. You can also check out the Earthsim 2 Blog, for the latest tec info and news.

Rebecca Black Friday Video --LOL viral video here-->

I have to show you this, now, keep in minde, this is from a 13 year old girl, with a heavy dose of auto-tune gear and someone obviously helping with a bag of techno-pop equipment. Today is Friday, so compliments of Rebecca Black, here's is a hilarious-yet-infectious little ditty that will probably burn out faster than a sparkler on the fourth of July.  Heh heh

But it's all in fun...right??

2011 HGTV Dream Home Winner declared! -->

UPDATE- See my new post for the 2012 Dream Home Sweepstakes HERE

Well the dream for me is over, [at least for another year :], but just beginning for one Eric Makstenieks and his family of suburban Illinois! As of tonight 9/8p time, the HGTV Special aired showing the lucky winner to the beautiful Dream Home nestled in the picturesque mountains of Vermont.

Lucky family...

I participated, submitting my allotted two entries a day for over a month, wishing and hoping that some miracle happened and we were the fortunate winners. While it's certainly fun to dream and picture all that you would do and how would  you actually handle that size of a house -  the details perhaps, are not all a bed of roses one might think.

If you do a little searching into the past winners, you will see what I mean. Many, if not all of the previous years winners end up not living in their dream home at all, past a few vacations or short-term 'try-out's'.

It appears, that TAXES, being a significant reason, but monthly maintenance costs, and location may be significant other factors. So while it is still a life-changing moment for these family's, the changing usually comes at the price of giving up their beautiful, custom built and elaborately furnished dream home...and using whatever money is left over after uncle sam takes his cut, to briefly enrich their current, real lives.

It seems sad, that a contest so focused on making a dream come true for one lucky family, can be so fraught with the thorns of reality that is our US Government. :(

Regardless of all that... I STILL want to win next year! As I said, it would still be nice to pay off our own house, buy a few toys, keep funds for kids college, and perhaps that long overdue honeymoon in Hawaii my wife and I never took.

To the winner, I say Congrats! Hope you use your new asset wisely, and have a little fun while you can.

Check out the article on the selection of the winner HERE at a random MSN blog, which details further what past winners have done with their Dream Homes.

IL2: Cliffs of Dover - HD Trailer here! Brand new Sim on its way!

I love the IL2 Sturmovik series, one of the very few old airplane sims that don't cater to the 'Arcade' Shoot em' up crowd. Here's brand new eye candy, for the forthcoming new updated game in the series for you to get your joysticks dusted off for. Behold - IL2: Cliffs of Dover

Check it out, it should be a sweet game....as long as they maintain the 'Sim' in Simulation!


For more reading on the announcement, check out the article at PC GAMER for a quick preview of Oleg Maddox's newest creation. PC GAMER

Oleg looks like a happy guy here!

 Lol