Further details on a new texture pack and screenshots from a new test map. Links to a new article on triggerable shaders.

One of the primary effects used in the map Edge of Forever was to trigger shaders between different states. It was an essential component of the environmental immersion because it gave valuable feedback to the player.

Trying to find something to do with the small gaps in my life.

A New Year technology surprise and an early picture of my new texture set painted on some doodle architecture.

The last set of photo's from my visit to Italy during my summer holiday.

The lack of pollution, noise and possible accidents from cars is an awesome experience which certainly makes the city a magical place to visit and enjoy. Most buildings have stood for hundred of years and over time have become a hodgepodge of different architectural styles making the city a visual paradise of unique details that makes every street corner a fresh experience.

The Siena Cathedral was finished in 1263 and was due to be extended in 1339 but the Black Death interrupted the construction. The adjoining roman style bell tower has an unusual design with a single lancet window at the bottom and a sextuple lancet window at the top. The beautiful façade was built from polychrome marble in a gothic style by Giovanni Pisano and the upper section was finished by Giovanni di Cecco.

Atop of the tallest hill overlooking Florence is the Basilica of San Miniato dedicated to Saint Miniato. In 250AD he was beheaded by a Roman Emperor for being a Christian and alleged to have picked up his head, crossed the Arno river and walked up the hill to where the church now stands.

The crowning glory of Florence is the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Flower dominating the city skyline with the largest brick dome in the world designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. The new gothic cathedral took a 170 years to complete by various architects and eventually by 1418 only the dome was missing.

La Piazza del duomo (Cathedral Square) consists of the Cathedral (duomo) at the center, the Baptistery opposite the Cathedral front entrance and the world famous leaning tower of Pisa at the back.