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Wow!!

Some how the phrase “easier to manage” fails to fill me with glee. Maybe… “simple & fun” would have generated a warmer feeling?

:)

Danah interviewed on the concept of an “email sabbatical” impact of email on relaxation and vacations – and life, in general. What’s so interesting is that it really does surface the tension between email for connection vs. email for work vs. email for obligations in the future – as she says “getting into the queue”.

Very similar to sentiments expressed at Lift, in and around discussions of technology addiction – such a phenomenon that you can get some pretty neat stuff out of the phrase on Google Images.

:)

Once again, Jones is bending and reshaping the mold of minds with his preso on The New Negroponte Switch. Included is new excitement from Shulze/Webb re: mapping and visualization. Now, everywhere I look I’m seeing adventure! New perspectives, new ways of seeing – new messages for a new time.

It’s funny how things work out. Images from HOME burned into my brain yesterday, and today it turns out I’ll be seeing it premiere here next week, thanks to Hollywood Hill. It’s easy to get sad when thinking about how much work we have to do to fix the bugs we’ve introduced in the last few generations – but at least we know now that the bugs exist. Maybe it’s the producer in me talking – but I feel hopeful, and inspired! Creativity at the office, brainstorming with the Impact Lab, IndieCade planning, new pets, happy garden, loving friends & family – there is just so much to be connecting to and grateful for.

Thank you, universe. I am working to give back as hard as I can!!

So it’s been 2 weeks that I’ve been at TGC – and that has been an awesome 2 weeks, indeed. So much to learn and do – so many fun things to start thinking about. And… on top of the inspirational team, welcoming vibe at Sony Santa Monica and general boost that comes from exposure to new ideas… I still have time to play and enjoy some of my favorite games! So tonight, Ben and I decided to check out the latest in downloadable levels for BBBP.

OMaMothaf*inG!! We have been playing JReflex93’s “Labyrinth” for the last 30 mins and loving every second of it. Warning: if you want to avoid spoilers, try to solve this level before watching the vid!!!

After playing this for about 10 minutes, Ben said “This is exactly the sort of thing we imagined people would build!”

When BBBP began production, Ben spent a lot of time working out how we could merge the design tool we had at the time (which was actually a text-based editor) with the shipping in-game editor from the original Boom Blox. I remember helping him outline the plan, and making the case that this solution would be worth (what seemed at the time) to be a heavy time investment. Looking back, it’s hard to believe that this was even discussed – because integrating these two tools has been incredibly beneficial for both the design team and the end users.

But never in a million years would I have forseen the designs out there now. That, as Will has said, is the power of a great editor!! And the levels just keep coming. You can check out a bunch just surfing the YouTubes.. or search for highest rated in the Download area. We love “Justice Served” and “Wicked Tower” (by our very own STV), the Color Match levels of CheeseJam… and too many others to mention.

Ben and I created a level for y’all a while back (Level ID 349 – you can also search for “Message 4 Fans”) when BBBP first shipped – and it is still as true today as it was then. To all of you Boom Bloxers, we send huge hugs and lasting gratitude. Your continuing creativity makes us so happy!!! Keep making great levels! We <3 you all!!!

Super wonderful times this week and weekend – everyone in LA for the show, and then some staying over to attend the annual “Missed My Flight” BBQ & impromptu afterparty at Casa de Roja.

In addition to a fantastic first week at TGC I was able to meet up with tons of fun Indie friends (including some quality time with team Scary Girl), rock out with our lovely Harmonix peeps, hang with Mark, Kim, big Ben – and of course, take some great photos!

Here is my favorite triple so far: from our evening with The Beatles – in which Lulu rocks her inner Joan Jett and Ross… just plain rocks!

Even better than having a whole week of seeing my leading lady and man – they will be back in town next weekend for a spectacular birthday BBQ (both she and Juli are celebrating!) that doubles as a shipping, job change and engagement celebration. I would wish for a copy of The Beatles to round out the event – but I’m pretty sure that it would cause Ross to explode in a puff of unicorns, rainbows and 3-part harmony.

Special shout-out and superthanks to our house guest Crankyuser… who not only helped Lulu clean up the whole place today, post-brunching – but also fixed the kitchen tap and front door – so that next weekend’s soiree will not include the sound of continual slamming. Should have known that our favorite UI designer & Project Natal schemer would have great ideas for improving the Casa’s user expereince. Rock on!!

Sugoooooi!!!! Keita sent this link to celebrate!!

:)

Congratulations Nobi fans, creators and most importantly Mars! You have a new friend now!!

On time, as always! Congrats to ma, pa and babe!!