If you're fortunate enough to have a shiny new MacBook Pro, and want to bump up its graphics performance, this MacBidouille article notes that the X1600 within is substantially underclocked, seemingly to keep the unit cool, and to prolong battery life. Using ATi Tools b0.25 R14, they established that whilst the chip is specced to run at 475/470MHz for the chip and VRAM, the MBP currently ticks along at 310/278MHz. So, they set the clock rates there, and "using Counter Strike source benchmarks (all settings to the max and definition at 1440x900) FPS jumped from 61 to 97!" As ever, whether this proves to be stable and safe is a matter of investigation at your own risk. ^_^ ATIcelerator achieves the same on PPC boxen, though I've not tried it - I've no real need for additional GPU performance (SL not being exactly GPU-bound), and a blown GPU in a PowerBook is a little more serious than a blown GPU in a desktop. Not to say I won't experiment, though. =:)

They also note that there's apparently a native (ie no need for X11) version of KOffice on the way.

BTW, if you want to see that SNL/TV Funhouse piece, check the comments in the previous entry. ^_^ Many thanks to hawthorn for the original FLV file.

Princess Princess is aarinfantasy's latest project, and.. it's amusing. ^_^ Definitely one I'll be keeping up with. It's centered around a new transfer student, who suspects there's something a little odd about his new school..

KIBA ep.2 - ah, not bad, but not one I think I'll bother following; it's more the kind of series I'd be happy to watch along with some friends. The format seems to be gearing up to be another combat game-inspired show, with each "shard caster" having control of a "spirit" they cast into battle. There does seem to be a story behind it all, though, and the design's vaguely reminiscent of a more technological El Hazard - worth a look if that kind of story appeals.

Gintama eps.1-2 are/is.. a series with a historical flavor, set in the future. It's a comedy, but often tries a bit too hard for my tastes, winding up being self-consciously Wacky™. If you liked Excel Saga and Cowboy Bebop, this might be worth trying. I'll leave it here.

Speaking of TV, something that you might want to look at: Rob Newman's History of Oil (50MB, 368x208 MPEG-4, zipped). It's adapted from his one-man stage show, augmented with clips here and there; it's satirical, educational, cutting, piled with snark, and very funny. ^_^

Seems Apple had a pretty decent Q1 2006: profit of $410m on $4.36b revenue, equating to 47¢ per diluted share, compared to $290m on $3.24b, 34¢/d.s. in Q1 2005.

Ah, cool beans! PCSX test3 does seem to work pretty well, at least with Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko (mmm, shiny..). Now, if only there were a good PS2 emulator.. or PSP, for that matter. ^_^ (Maybe there's a good GameCube one?)

So, the "Sponsored+" level of LJ account comes to pass. And yes, if you're not a paid user, you'll see ads from those journals. I'd say this blows goats, but.. hey.. Frank? [Edit: actually, it's unclear whether ads will show in a free user's friends page. I'll want to look into this for a definitive answer] [Edit again: here appears to be the answer, assuming you're a free user. If you view the journal of a "sponsored" user, you'll see ads - but you won't see them in your own Friends page]

Yay! Passed the first stage in the AC:WW turnip trade. ^_^ Wendell was wandering around, so I managed to receive the turban in exchange for the red turnip. Next step is to wait for Sahara to turn up again, which could take some time.. and hope I receive the massage chair rather than the red vase. (Oh, never realised that.. you can join in conversations two villagers hold between each other)

And picture for the day, without a question, has to be this beautiful piece from Seel Kaiser and Skifi.

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