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http://blog.instantaction.com/2008/07/blur-game-forme.html

BLUR is InstantAction’s very first racing game, brought to us by the South African studio Luma Arcade. In BLUR, players race to the finish against seven other cars, manned by either the computer or other players. The races are intense, thrusting players behind the wheel of supercharged cars that deliver a true sense of speed.

Two cars can be raced in BLUR; a sleek sports car or a beefy muscle car. Selected within a full 3D showroom-style car selector, both cars have a unique personality. On top of offering different car models, BLUR also allows players to customize the car with one of nine very different paint jobs. While most games only offer different color schemes, the paint jobs in BLUR are individually designed and extremely detailed. There’s something for everybody here.

The races of BLUR take place on one of three tracks. Paradise Cove is a winding track that rests along a beautiful beach littered with tropical plant life and small villages. Sky City is a sprawling metropolis with a race track along its skyline that features tunnels and the biggest jumps of BLUR. Reactor Station is a futuristic race stadium where anything goes and only the best racers will find the shortest route. Each track requires a different race strategy and practice to master.

The car models in BLUR look fantastic, blowing away some of the PlayStation 2 and Xbox’s best efforts. The game conveys a great sense of speed using blurring affects and a very smooth framerate. Creeping up on another racer even grants a bit more speed through drafting, characterized by cool waves of air slipping over your ride.

BLUR will be a hot edition to the InstantAction family of games and will give gamers a new way to play. Get ready to prove yourself on the streets of InstantAction!

-Birthday Bot

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Still waiting for it to hit public beta, and that date is un announced :D

I did not have time for turtle rescue, so I put the turtle down in the grass and figured he could hang out there until I got back. I can't for the life of me figure out how a giant turtle got into my yard in the first place. I have a high wall and gates that are not high enough off the ground for turtle passing. My only thought is that someone knows I'll take care of animals so they chucked the turtle in my yard.

I came home fully planning on making a turtle box for Jesus, my new turtle, but he was gone. I walked through the grass trying to find him, because it makes even less sense that he could have escaped the yard. Of course, he's green and my grass is high, so maybe he's still hiding in it. I'll check again when it gets cooler out. You would think I could spot a big turtle though. Maybe Snow and McCavity II took him for a walk? Maybe the neighbors are making terrapin soup? Maybe it's my pink elephant and I should taper off the absinthe and opium?

http://www.laurachipley.com/mayatutorials.html

There's a lesson on basic extrusion and how to apply textures using the hypershade window. A lesson on exporting polygons for Torque coming soon.

I'm still looking for a Mac DTS exporter for Maya 8!

If anyone finds it, let me know!! I know it's out there!

A free Codec for DTS & AC3 is available at ac3filter.net, but VLC plays it just fine.

[source]

There is a huge pressure in today’s church to conform or to be quiet if one does not agree.  There is a lot of spiritual bullying done under the guise of spiritual ’submission’, ‘humility’, ‘obedience’, ‘discipleship’, ’mentoring’ or ‘fathering’ in the name of ’love’ and ‘Jesus’. I was reading earlier today about classic cult mind control techniques and how these overflow into much of today’s church.   I read how a Christian is told to be ‘humble’ and by being ‘humble’ the controllers mean coming into perfect agreement with what the leader or organisation is saying (not necessarily GOD) and effectively lose one’s own opinion and voice. I was shocked to realise that is exactly   what YWAM did in their DTS’s (Discipleship Training Schools) for example. YWAM is affiliated with the new prophets and apostles and sits within the New Apostolic framework. It feeds many young people into the NAR way of thinking, and is also associated with prophet Bob Jones’ and Mike Bickle’s IHOP. A student on a DTS is praised for being ‘humble’ and ’spiritual’ and ‘discipled’ - not when they are truly humble or spiritual or discipled bur rather when they become a total doormat to be abused at the leader’s will, without being able to speak out about it. One was more ‘humble’ and more ’spiritual’ when one parroted their rote word for word and was NOT a Berean. Never question a lecturer’s dodgy teaching in a Berean manner! That is a cardinal sin in YWAM. If you refuse to participate in their gnostic practices out of conscience, you will be sent home with bad reports and be openly mocked. Speak up, even slightly about abuse and bullying - eg tell a leader ’stop screaming in my face’ - and they send a crappy report about you to your home church about how rebellious you are and threaten to kick you out! Free thinkers were beaten (not literally but nonetheless bashed) into a false and unbiblical submission. DTS’s were therefore not about discipleship, they were about something far more sinister and have conditioned thousands of Christians to be unthinking pentecostal doormats who will ‘love’ and ’serve’ and be ‘abused by leaders’ without question because they have been taught to and conditioned to. Just what the NAR wants! This along with heretical teaching and dodgy prophecies and dodgy gifts and dodgy teaching passed on means YWAM is far from the blessing that many think it to be. (There are some great individual YWAMMers, I am talking about the organisation as a whole). Loren Cunningham (the founder of YWAM) came to speak on the last day of my DTS, and gave, what I realise now,  a classic mind control speech - shame on him for manipulating us in such a way, and shame on YWAM for its consistent abuses, covering up and lack of accountability! I always thought  YWAM was a missions organisation. That is NOT its primary function at all (though they do some   missions work). They showed this by their obvious focus on the DTS for more schools, and DTS’s, and for getting staff and leaders to become part of the system for future DTS’s and training schools. They were not nearly as interested as one would think they should be with someone with a genuine missions or evangelism call on a genuine mission field, which speaks volumes (though I never saw this at the time I was with them, I thought they were wonderful!).

Anyway, when a church group stresses unity instead of facts, watch out and be careful, as they are asking you to mindlessly accept them, said this mind control report.

This is just what Rick Joyner asks us to do for the sake of the unity his   NAR promotes. He even goes into great detail why sola scripture is not enough. Rick Joyner and others in this false movement prophesy coming civil war in the church between the blues (those who will be led by new revelation and will be on the side of the new prophets, even if it contradicts the Bible) and the greys (those in the church who oppose the new prophets and apostles because they stand by sola scripture and the new prophets contradict scripture repeatedly). Joyner’s army is dominionist and seeks complete takeover, and wants unity (for them power) at the expense of truth, hence all the new interfaith ecumenical moves. Obviously they do not want you questioning them. If people questioned them, they would not have the support they do! If people questioned them, their cancer would not be allowed to spread through the church. But for Rick Joyner et al - anything  goes, except the scriptural TRUTH and criticism or revelation of error. ‘Judgment’ they all parrot should be left to God, which could not be less biblical in this context.

The new prophets and apostles spiritually abuse the flock. They are elitist and lord it over others. ‘Normal’ ‘lesser anointed’ Christians are not allowed to question these prophets or their prophecies even slightly, without risk of great fire being breathed out of the dragon’s mouth back at them. (If it is true that we should not question, what are the controllers doing questioning and abusing the flock, the opposite of what they say we should do? It seems it works only one way - their way!) Most of the Christians in this movement will not question anyway, as they have conditioned to be humble and obedient in an unscriptural and non God pleasing way, and more than that, they have been taught to ‘just’ go with the flow, and not think or question which blocks their passive receptive state. They have been taught to go by experience instead of truth. They have been taught to add up 2+2 to make much more than 5, with great leaps of lack of logic. They refuse to test and weigh, because they have never been taught to. Rather they have been taught NOT to test and weigh. And never criticise. 

But let us look at what the Bible says about how one should view a prophet’s words and a prophet’s ministry. The apostle Paul says NOT to just accept the prophetic word given ‘blindly’ without first judging it. So that applies for Todd Bentley’s words and ministry. It applies to Bob Jones. It applies to Rick Joyner. It applies to Patricia King. It applies to Paul Cain. It applies to Chuck Pierce. It applies to John Wesley, George Whitefield, Smith Wigglesworth, Kathryn Kuhlman, William Branham, Benny Hinn. It apples to me. It applies to anyone and always has done since the apostle Paul wrote the following words to the Corinthian church -

Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others pass judgment. ( I Cor 14:29)  (NASB)

Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. (KJV)

And let the prophets speak by two or three, and let the others discern. (ASV)

Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. (NIV)

The Greek for ‘judge’ here is ‘diakrino’ which means to discern, distinguish, judge and doubt. 

Judgment here, in this context, of false prophecies and false prophets is NOT God’s job as everyone likes parroting, it is the church’s job!

Strong’s Greek concordence says of the word  ‘diakrino’: From dia and krino; to separate thoroughly, i.e. (literally and reflexively) to withdraw from, or (by implication) oppose; figuratively, to discriminate (by implication, decide), or (reflexively) hesitate — contend, make (to) differ(-ence), discern, doubt, judge, be partial, stagger, waver.

The word Dia - A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional) — after, always, among, at, to avoid, because of (that), briefly, by, for (cause)… Fore, from, in, by occasion of, of, by reason of, for sake, that, thereby, therefore, X though, through(-out), to, wherefore, with (-in). http://strongsnumbers.com/greek/1223.htm

The word Krino - Properly, to distinguish, i.e. Decide (mentally or judicially); by implication, to try, condemn, punish — avenge, conclude, condemn, damn, decree, determine, esteem, judge, go to (sue at the) law, ordain, call in question, sentence to, think.  http://strongsnumbers.com/greek/2919.htm

The Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary says that one is to judge by their power of “discerning spirits” (1Co 12:10), to see whether the person prophesying was really speaking under the influence of the Spirit (compare 1Co 12:3; 1 Jo 4:13).

It was the tradition of the synagogue to dispute and dialogue and so with this instruction of Paul’s. Paul says not only show we discern, but we should PUBLICALLY discern, and by this PUBLICALLY approve God-given prophecy or conversely PUBLICALLY oppose and criticise false prophecy and teaching. We are to judge prophecy. Those Christians who yell ‘judge not’ about those who warn about false prophets and false words are not being scriptural. The public discernment - at the time the word was spoken (not after it expressing concerns behind closed doors to the pastor) - was for the sake of the whole body, especially its weaker or younger members as a little leaven, a little false teaching spreads through the whole batch. I was reading in a magazine today about someone who had a really tiny mole on their face. A tiny little spot. Nothing, barely noticeable. Surely not harmful, surely not a big deal, surely not necessary to deal with - no problem! Yet it was cancerous and poisoned a lot of the body from within, and had to be cut out ruthlessly along with the surrounding lympth nodes. The girl looked really butchered after the operation, all for the sake of this little spot. But she knew it had to be done to save her life. This tiny little spot was cancerous and spread little cancer does - and so with false teaching. Even a little spot can KILL. It is poison. False prophecy must be dealt with ruthlessly publically so the body does not die.

It is right therefore to ‘doubt’ any prophetic word (and teaching), and scrutinise it. Anyone who does not question, challenge or allow himself to doubt sets himself up to be decieved.

It is clear therefore that we can and should, for our own spritual health, and the sake of the church, PUBLICALLY criticise false teachers and prophets - once they have been tested that is and found to be false. Elsewhere the apostle John talks about testing the spirits, and spiritual manifestations and experiences can also be tested as well as prophetic words.

Anyone weighing up Todd Bentley’s words will find them blatantly false. On many many counts. The guy is obviously a false prophet. People say ‘better be careful what you are saying, what if you are wrong?’   But I am not wrong. Because it is obvious Bentley is a false prophet by weighing what he had prophesied which contradicts scipture far too many times to count. There are also other aberrant practices too in the Lakeland Outpouring. I have obeyed the Bible’s command to discern and judge what Bentley says, and find it lacking, why won’t Bentley supporters do the same and honor truth over experiences? They only want to see the signs and wonders and refuse all reason! 

For those shooting the voices down who speak about Todd Bentley and his many false words, consider this. If anything, the voices speaking against Todd Bentley’s words have been too soft and kind, and should be far MORE vocal and condeming because of the Greek word used in the command to ‘judge’ false prophecies. For the word’s meaning for ‘judge’ includes the meanings to condemn, and to damn. Note I do not damn Todd Bentley the person, neither do I want to. Rather, I ‘condemn’ and ‘damn’ his words and any false spirit he prophecies by, or any angel that gives him false revelation (though I believe most of his accounts involving angels to be intentional lies), and ‘judge’ his contention that he is a prophet of God as being false.

Galatians 1:8,9 says ‘If any man, even an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.”

Let Todd Bentley’s and Bob Jones’ angels be accursed!  Instead of wanting to see these false angels, and pick up their glory dust or gemstones or anointing, why not join with me and a true apostle, Paul, and agree: ‘let the false ministers and the false spirits and false angels surrounding the NAR and this Lakeland Outpouring be accursed!’  

See here for an associated post: http://endtimespropheticwords.wordpress.com/2008/05/17/naming-names-calling-a-spade-a-spade-on-christian-watchman-ministries/

and here: http://endtimespropheticwords.wordpress.com/2008/05/16/judge-not-lest-you-be-judged-should-we-criticise-anointed-men-of-god/

See here for prophetic art re the classic touch not my anointed  line:  http://endtimespropheticwords.wordpress.com/2008/05/16/touch-not-my-anointed-prophetic-art-re-new-apostles-and-prophets/

But for now I'm enjoying of a weekend of domestic bliss at the Pizzo cottage. The garden is in full bloom, the sweet smell of sizzling meat and veggies on the BBQ is wafting into the room, and best of all are D&P and for one day more Auntie Kathy.

P.S. Today we went to Art in Action and saw some incredible art, including this painting... def check it out.

Its exciting, to see things getting close to public launch.
Just got to survive, close beta and public beta testing now!!

Hopefully we launch soon!!! :D

Thursday was Nattie's birthday and we had a lovely time walking round York, feasting on a home-made Lebanese meal, eating chocolate ganache and talking talking talking. This is the 4th birthday in a row we've spent together and it was wonderful reminiscing good times.

On Friday we set up a stand in the centre of York for Stop The Traffik, a charity that works to stop human trafficking. Our housemate Dave also set up an art installation w/bound child dummies laying in the street. Art has power. People really took notice, and some took offense. I think in many ways we wanted the art to cause a strong reaction in people, because modern-day slavery is an appalling reality. But it was tragic to discover that some felt more sympathy for the dummies than for the millions of humans that are enslaved right now.

Our last day w/Nattie we even got a break from the incessant rain as we explored Knaresborough. We've found a whole row of houses there that are unoccupied so we've decided to start a squatting community there in November. We're now accepting applications if you'd like to join. Then we attempted to dance our blues away at a cheese-alicous club before saying farewell to our bosom buddy at 1am as she climbed onto the bus and disappeared into the darkness.

Only a visit from Aunt Kathy (who arrived today!) has eased our grieving.

While this does not surprise me, it is somewhat startling to see it printed in black and white by a major research university. What I’ve been calling the Painkiller Epidemic is essentially a rising tide of patients developing powerful addictions to prescribed opiate-based painkillers. Like it or not, these illegal web merchants are simply responding to a very real surge in demand.

If the failed “War on Drugs” has taught us anything, we should know that shutting down these Websites will not fix the problem. Fundamental changes in the way narcotic painkillers are used and prescribed are needed to combat this problem in the future. As for the present, the needs of these addicts will be addressed one way or another—either through treatment, or through the criminal—and often violent—machinations of the black market.

It’s up to us to choose.

_

CASA's Website: www.casacolumbia.org

Download the CASA White Paper: "You’ve Got Drugs!" V: Prescription Drug Pushers on the Internet

I have been struck by the powerful lyrics and the thought provoking and challenging video to Casting Crowns' song Slow Fade (from their latest album The Altar and the Door). It's a challenging song. And it's a brave song. It dares to go against what too many evangelical churches forget to tell people today. It dares to say that your choices, what you look at, what you listen to, the people you hang out with, etc. influence you. It shouldn't be a surprise to anybody! But in the last five years I've been shocked to see how many Christians live under the assumption (lie!) that it doesn't matter what they watch, listen to, buy, download, and around what people and at what places they choose to spend their time. I remember being laughed at in my Discipleship Training School five years ago when I suggested the thought that if you listen to depressing, secular music and watch sex-focused movies it'll affect you and eventually lead you farther away from light, life and love. I thought I was stating the obvious (...), but according to many of my fellow students music, movies and tv-shows didn't affect them at all. Or if it did, they were definitely too strong to let that become a problem.

The rest of us who want to admit that what we watch, say, do and who we spend time with affect us either for good or for bad, should listen to this song and remember that being a forgiven and perfect (at the spirit level) child of God doesn't mean that we are immune to making poor choices that potentially destroy our lives and the lives of the people around us. 

I have seen many of my friends over the years who thought that it didn't matter what they did and what choices they made. Many of them live lives that are far removed from Christ and many of them certainly don't experience the life, peace, freedom, love and joy they were hoping for. 

I surrender to God and I openly admit that I am capable of making horrible choices. I surrender to his Spirit, and I ask Christ to make the right choices through me. He is strong, even when I'm weak and tempted to choose what will lead me away from the abundant life in Christ! And I'm so glad that I am forgiven and can run to him when I fail and choose what doesn't bring life and love to me and to others.

Blessings, Torben

There's Arthur, an alcoholic who lives in a trailer by the river and calls me "lit'lun." He looks like a jolly Santa Claus - full white beard, rosy red checks. He kisses his crucifix and tells us of his Irish Catholic upbringing as he sneaks sips of beer from behind his jacket. Recently he was sober for over a week. "My boys were so happy," he recounts, "but I missed me mates." So he returned to his friends, and returned to drink.

There's Eddie, who's looks about my age. "People tell me I don't look homeless because I wear nice clothes, but I'm living on the street," he tells us. His father is also homeless. "I used to be a drug addict," he tells us, "but now I'm just an alcoholic." Moments later, a man approaches him and the conversation ends abruptly as the two exchange cash and drugs.

Then there's Tammy, whose bulging belly speaks of possible pregnancy. Her face is black and blue like I've never seen before. "He would never hurt a fly. He just looses his temper sometimes... but I deserve it." Then her partner arrives - "She's so pathetic," he smirks.

Miss Smith is a dear old granny in her 70s who hauls a large pink duffel bag with her as she enters the cafe. Years ago the hospital she'd been at dropped her off on a dangerous street in the early hours of the morning. Thankfully Mr. Fox, a sweet Scottish man who was working at a hot dog stand, befriended her. They've been companions on the street ever since. But now their dear dog has died and they've been denied a busking license.

Trev, Arthur's drug dealer, recently received free furniture from Besom, a social action project we're involved in. At church he can't stop talking about how God has blessed him through this. He's buzzing with unbelief at people's generosity and wants to give something back to the community. But first he's just going to finish his can before the Sunday service.

These people are all so precious, yet so broken. Some are slaves to addiction. Others are trapped in abusive relationships. All seem caught in a cycle of despair and destruction.

I take heart in stories like that of Gram Seed, a former homeless heroin addict who encountered a dramatic healing while on death's door. Or Paul, another homeless man who tried to commit suicide a week before he found listening ears, hot coffee and hope at the cafe. And by the end of the week he decided to pursue God and change his life.

But the road is seldomly easy. Healing's rarely instantaneous. And sometimes hope is hard to find.

CEI08 was a very successful event for DTS and the booth was extremely busy with interested customers and business partners over the course of the tradeshow.

More information: www.dtsdcinema.com