Triumphant Return

Time for an update. Back from Vienna, which was amazing as usual. I had a fantastic time, refreshing my memory of European delights such as bakeries on every corner, efficient and reliable public transport systems, and an amazing sense of culture. It was good.

As for the competition, we did fantastically well. The team made it all the way to semis before losing, placing us 3rd out of 204 universities. Brilliant job. Catherine and Arjun both won honourable mentions for best oralists, and we won an honourable mention for our Claimant submissions. It was a world class achievement. And it add to top it all off, our university is now the most successful university in the competition - we are the only university to make the elimination rounds every year for the last six years, have consistently been ranked 1st or 2nd in the round robins, made the finals, semi-finals, quarter finals, and of the 12 speakers over the last 6 years, 9 have won honourable mentions. And I've been involved for the last 4 years. It's such a good feeling.

Speaking of good feelings, I arbitrated at the competition and while it was nerve racking and extremely draining, I loved absolutely every minute of it. It's quite a feeling to talk to leading scholars in the area and to be treated as an equal. And then there's the networking, for example I had one US attorney hunt me down specifically. Must be getting a little bit of a reputation, which feels pretty damn cool. So going back next year in some capacity.

This escape also provided me the reignition of my passion and drive for litigation and arbitration, resolving myself to do more about it. And that I am, making enquiries, chasing people up and even including enquiries for work overseas. Something will come of this, hard work usually pays off.

On another note, I'm now settled into my new place in Auckland. The flat is great, my flatmates are lovely, and it's so nice to have a place to live and call my own now. And such a retreat it is, great polished wooden floors, open spaces, and generally a great ambiance. I like it. I'll attempt to provide photos soon enough.

Time Out of Joint

First things first - I should clarify that I'm in Vienna from next Monday, that's March 10. I'm still in Auckland this week.

On a completely different note - ever had the moments that make you stop, pause and contemplate: "I really think I could be in the middle of my own Truman Show."?

No? Just me then. Seriously, there's been an insane number of coincidences, perfectly timed opportunities, and weird occasions of Deja Vu. I really start to wonder. I'd give more detail, but chances are then people may call for medication.

In any event, I suppose I shouldn't come here empty handed now that you've come to expect goodies. And this one is a treat - The Wellington Ukelele Orchestra has just made their debut release The Heartache EP. Mint. I want it. Buy it now. And if you want to check it out before you buy, visit them here. Need I say more?

Bag of Loot

By way of an update, I now have a place to live. It's a nice house in Ellersie in Auckland, flatting with two girls of my own age. Hopefully moving in sometime this week. I say hopefully, as I'm back in Wellington on Saturday before I fly out to Vienna on Monday for two weeks. Fingers crossed.

But boy do I have some wicked entertaining things for you today. Recently there's been the 10th Annual Independent Games Festival. Why mention this? Because of some of the freakishly awesome stuff that has come out of it.

I mean, you have to see Audiosurf to believe it. You get it off Steam, first indication that it must be good. The tag line is "Ride Your Music", and an explanation doesn't do it justice but I'll try - it's a puzzle racer game. Huh? Well you have to drive along a track collecting, and matching, different coloured blocks. Sounds pretty cool. But wait, there's more. By running your music through the game, it changes the gameplay according to various parameters against your music. Seriously, watch it run through Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody:

I'd get it, but sadly, it's PC only at this point. My PC is still in storage, but I'll be downloading that sucker once I move. And at $9.99 for the full game - it's mint for an audiophile like myself.

Other equally enjoyable indie games have emerged from IGF: things like the Iron Dukes and World of Goo. Play the demo of Iron Dukes. It's addictively simple with superb detail. And World of Goo is mind blowing. Try them. Now.

And for something utterly entrancing, have a look at Crayon Physics Deluxe. The game is not out yet in a form resembling that in the video below, but this is definitely one worth watching for.



Sweet Jesus, it's a good time to have nothing else to do. Thankfully I don't have my PC yet, otherwise I'd get nothing done.