Mathachew.com

New designs for bfac.com and textingleader.com

Matthew — Fri, 18 May 2012 16:25:50 +0000

I wanted to drop a quick note that I have recently finished the redesign for both bfac.com and textingleader.com. My portfolio has been updated with the new images, but you should follow the links to see the new designs in action! Unfortunately I could not run amok with HTML5 and CSS3, though I did put in some CSS3 definitions that enhance the design rather than break it. I also updated the thumbnail for the Stayhealthy kiosk I have been working on for the last few months. Now that puppy has full fledged HTML5 and CSS3 running it, loaded with JavaScript. Oh the beauty of working with just Chrome, it makes my heart go pitter-pat!

Review: Partials

Matthew — Sun, 13 May 2012 03:07:16 +0000

I have read Dan Wells' John Cleaver series and thoroughly enjoyed them. I was excited about what he could do with Partials, but was sorely disappointed. There are certain aspects to the setting that are a positive, but there are a plethora of other issues that make this a mediocre read. Mild spoilers are forthcoming.

The Dark Knight Rises Trailer #3

Matthew — Tue, 01 May 2012 04:34:10 +0000

Oh man this is going to be soooo good!

Review: Deceived

Matthew — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 03:17:54 +0000

Breaking away from the post movies books, I have focused my Star Wars reading on stories covering the days of old. While Revan was not a great book, I found it to be good enough though ultimately unsatisfying. It did get me interested in reading not only Drew Karpyshyn's Bane trilogy, but also the other Old Republic era novels, Deceived and Fatal Alliance. I was hoping for a similar somewhat fun, but not spectacular, experience. Instead I was treated to a flat "nothing new to see here" plot whose sole purpose seemed to be building momentum for the then upcoming MMO, Star Wars: The Old Republic, focusing on characters that felt like flat rehashed versions of other characters I have read about in other Star Wars novels. I wanted to like this book, but I had a hard time enjoying it for what it was like I did with Revan, despite the backlash the latter book has received. I know I am among the minority concerning Deceived, but aside from the over the top but still fun to watch trailers for the MMO of Malgus, there was nothing in this book that left any memorable or positive impressions. I did not hate this book, but I certainly did not like it. Read it today, forget it tomorrow. In my opinion, that is a telltale sign of, at best, a mediocre book. I intend on giving Paul Kemp another shot with Riptide or Crosscurrent, though it may be a while before I push myself to do so. I give Deceived 4 out of 10.

The Avengers Trailer 2

Matthew — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 18:15:55 +0000

E.P.I.C.

Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter Trailer

Matthew — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:56:11 +0000

New sandbox toy: Chat with Node.js

Matthew — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 04:01:05 +0000

A few weeks ago Timothy Strimple introduced Node.js to me. If you do not know what it is, go check it out. My new sandbox toy, Chat with Node.js, will fill you in on the history of how this came to fruition. So what are you waiting for? Go check it out!

Review: Revan

Matthew — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:32:24 +0000

It has been a while since I read a Star Wars book, having taken a break after finished Vision of the Future and not really enjoying it. I usually read Star Wars book sequentially and have avoided anything prior to the Han Solo trilogy as I do not have an interest in reading about the Clone Wars. However, I thoroughly enjoyed Knights of the Old Republic, somewhat liked its sequel, and am a fan of The Old Republic MMO. Having said that, I saw this book at my library and decided to give it a shot. Not perfect, but still enjoyable.

The Hunger Games Trailer

Matthew — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:36:40 +0000

Review: The Ambition

Matthew — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 22:01:09 +0000

I have read most of Lee Strobel's Case For books, but given his extensive journalistic background, I was confident that he would have plenty of material to glean from when I heard about The Ambition. I started it yesterday afternoon and just finished it today. It was hard to put down and was a very enjoyable read. Similar to his writing style in his other books, Strobel wrote The Ambition in a way that was easy to read, kept you interested and engaged, and nicely tied multiple story lines together. Initially I found myself going back to seeing who was who because the story quickly jumps to different main characters interacting with key supporting characters, but once acquainted, it was a smooth and entertaining read.