I've been really busy of late (University crunch period, wahey) so I've not really got much done on the FF front other than some playtesting and bug reporting / testing. I went through the trials and tribulations of creating prop collision models for some girders I made. Riddle me this: Why do prop collision models require smoothing groups and a texture? It's baffling. I can understand the necessity for a bone (as each collision section may be animated)... but smoothing groups and a texture? Is there actually any point in this or is it just included to infuriate people? Also, if a prop is static then surely the compile tools should be able to figure this out and add a bone if one isn't included? There's three simple usability issues with the prop pipeline valve could sort out (or at least clarify) for starters. Answers on a postcard if there's actually any point in having a bone for static props or applying smoothing groups and a texture to collision models; I'm interested to find out whether any of this stuff actually serves a purpose. If it does serve a purpose, then I can't find any documentation about it. I also find it irritating that the compile tools don't warn you if your collision model is misbehaving (it will warn you if your shapes are bad, but if you forget the texture & smoothing groups stuff it will quietly compile it and you'll have a messed up collision model). Thank God for HLMV, I guess. Anyway.. that was the little FF work I did this week.

Annnnnnnnnnnd... I went to see Morrissey in Dundee last night. It was the first time I've been to one of his gigs and, the amount if dolts in the crowd aside (my friend and I got stuck beside a group of about eight people who were daubed in permanent marker and all kissing each other while chanting "FREE TRADE". I would've thought that Moz would've taught 'em that shyness is nice.), it was a fantastic gig. We moved away from the extroverts/twats and got a bit closer to the front. Morrissey was on top form, banter aplenty. It took a while before they got the sound levels right, so the first few songs were a little bit off due to heavy distortion and guitars drowning out his voice, but as the evening went on his voice cut through the instruments a lot more. The highlight of the evening was definitely "Life is a Pigsty". I was wondering how they'd replicate the earth-juddering huge drum thumping parts, but the esemble came replete with a couple of huge drums (including a man-sized bass drum which shook the whole venue with every impact) and a gong to boot. Splendid. If you've got a ticket for the tour, you shan't be disappointed. "Julia knows."