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Sand!
Originally spotted over at Kotaku, check out this neat java game. You can construct and destroy your own particle based shapes. I had a version of this for my PDA years back, and it was highly addictive
Posted by: Sim9 at 9:41:51 PM Comments (6) >>

Good news, everyone! (Re: Mass Effect online activation)
According to popular gaming news site Kotaku, Bioware has backed down from using the online reactivation/checking system that was going to be implemented in Mass Effect.

When Mass Effect comes to the computer it will not use SecureROM's 10-day periodic re-authetication and instead will instead use a modification to do only a one-time online authentication, Bioware announced today.
The developer said the decision came after listening "very closely" to its fans and that the new system will also allow gamers to play the game without the DVD in the drive.
The system will allow gamers to authenticate their game on just three computers, but EA does have the ability to give additional authorizations if they are warranted.
Kotaku - Source

Archive's Sixth Birthday!
The Archive turns six today! Six years ago to this day, I opened up registration to all users and we steadily grew and grew

Public Beta
We're now in open public beta - feel free to register yourself! What are you waiting for? Go get an account and upload some quality content!
Posted by: Sim9 (Site Admin) at 7:31:17 PM CDT on Monday, May 6 2002.

Spore and Mass Effect (PC) to Require Internet Verification Every 10 Days
There really isn't any more to say than that.

After the first activation, SecuROM requires that [Mass Effect PC] re-check with the server within ten days (in case the CD Key has become public/warez'd and gets banned)
Derek French, Bioware Technical Producer

Q: Sure, I have an always-on net connection but what happens if I don't play for 11 days and the moment I want to play my connection is down? Are you saying I'm not going to be able to play my perfectly legitimate purchased copy of the game, even the retail version, until I get permission?

A: That is correct. And I would suggest that you contact EA Support the moment this happens (once you get your internet back) to report the issue. If there are people having problems with the system as designed, then Support needs to hear about it so they can help us evaluate it for the next game title.
Bioware Forums

Mega Forums Update!
The forums have been updated to the most recent version available. Here's the changelist:

• Inline spam management & prevention
• Thread tagging
• Search cloud / tag cloud
• Thread prefixes
• Reciprocal friendships between users
• Public visitor messaging on profile pages with 'conversation' feature
• User picture galleries with user comment facility [On Archive, currently disabled for non-staff members. This will be a donator feature shortly]
  
• User-created social groups with invite only and moderated membership options
• Extended member profile pages
• Customizable member profile pages with admin-controlled styling abilities [On Archive, currently disabled for non-staff members. This will be a donator feature shortly]
• Inline editing of custom user profile fields
• Lightbox viewer for attached images
• Viewable and comparable history maintained for post edits
• Extended re-authentication for inline moderation actions
• Notices system for navigation bar
• Multiple human-verification systems including reCAPTCHA, image verification and Q/A
• User change history
• Social bookmarking integration
• Also: Updated Activity Page [Supposedly when a user has an activity 'combo' it'll show a countdown to 100% activity for that user... so let's keep an eye on this page ]
  

Super Mario Plumbing and Heating
If you happen to live in the UK and need some plumbing work performed, why not call up Super Mario Plumbing and Heating? Depending upon your needs, they can remodel your bathroom or save your kingdom from malevolent turtles!
Posted by: Sim9 at 4:09:47 PM Comments >>

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