I’ve been looking for this short story for quite some time but have never been able to locate it, and now over on WorldChanging.com someone replied to my comment describing this story and provided the reason why I could never find it: I always thought the story was called “The Occupation“. It’s called “Profession“. They also mentioned reading it online, so I did a quick google and found this Link. Having just read it again after 30 years, it strikes me that this story – and Isaac Asimov – had a profound impact on my life. After originally reading that story, a huge light went off inside my teenage head. In some ways, I’ve landed the job that the protagonist, George Platen, endured so much to achieve. Highly recommended reading.

Interesting story over on the L.A. Times newsite (Link) concerning Midway Games‘ new (but not NFL-sanctioned/licensed) football videogame. From the article:

When Electronic Arts Inc. secured exclusive rights to make video games based on the National Football League last year, many industry observers figured it was “game over” for other makers of football-related games.

But instead of throwing in the towel, Midway Games Inc. chucked a Hail Mary — and scored.

Lesson learned: Give the creative people a little room to breathe.

via Blue’s News

It’s always a treat to find something like this: an object made from simple processes (in this case thermoforming) that’s striking in its sculptural beauty. It’s by far my favorite piece on display at designer Brodie Neil’s webpage (Link – opens into a new Flash-based window).

via MoCo Loco

{Image Copyright © 2004 Brodie Neil}

Wired has posted an article called “Games Tackle Disaster Training” (Link). It’s a bit short though, as I’m sure there are some amazing details in these simulations (I’m wondering at what point does a simulation become a game, and vice versa?). Now, being aware that an immersive simulation can get some pretty real reactions out of participants, this part caught my attention:

The new approach is expected to save money — but it can also prepare many professionals and volunteers quickly in the event of a health emergency, like the potential bird-flu pandemic.

I can’t help but wonder if there’s an in-game psychiatrist to “power-up” the players’ mental health. Seriously.

Bruce Nussbaum over on BusinessWeek got it recently after a report on teenager mash-ups and content repurposing. And now the MIT Advertising Lab is apparently catching on (Link). I’ve been harping on the issue of pirated 3D product design for about the last 9 years. Maybe soon people’s eyes won’t glaze over when I raise the issue in the future (like some did when I posted one entry on it and CNC-wielding goobers jumped on the “make it yerself” bandwagon). Hard to believe that so many inside of Industrial Design are still oblivious to this.