Mr Pelletier's Site

Ever want to make your own iPhone/Touch app?  All you need is HTML, CSS, and Javascript.  Two of those things, HTML and CSS, you learned or will learn in my class!  The other, Javascript, isn’t too hard to learn.  This free online book has since been published by O’Reilly, but their free evaluation copy is still available on the interweb.  Yay for free stuff!

http://building-iphone-apps.labs.oreilly.com/

So, say you had infinite money and you could turn your education into anything you wanted.  What would it look like? Welcome to Bill Gates’ life!  Having retired from active duty with Microsoft, Bill Gates spends his time and his 80 billion dollar fortune on helping important causes and learning from the world’s greatest teachers.  I am completely jealous.

Fortunately, Bill Gates has decided to share what he learns about the world on his web site http://www.gatesnotes.com.  Although it pays to be aware of his biases, this is a pretty cool opportunity for everyone to learn from the greatest teachers in the world.

Crayon Physics Screenshot

I remember when this game first came out – it was the first year I began teaching at Byng.  I insisted my grade 8 computer class download this game on the day it came out and we played it all class.

I don’t remember all the details, but the game was created by some person during a programming contest where you try to make an awesome game in 24 hours.  This was the winner of the contest, and the maker went on to create a deluxe version which he sold online.

It’s been quite successful.  It’s one of those 2d puzzle/sandbox games that uses real world physics to make it interesting.  What makes the game so appealing is that it looks entirely like a child’s drawing.  It’s like you’re a 4-year-old child again, and your drawing just came to life.  Simple concept, but it’s what makes it very popular!

It just goes to show, if you have a cool idea and the programming skills to make it come to life, you can make a lot of money.  It’s too bad we didn’t get to pygame, because we would have been moving in this direction, but there’s nothing stopping you from learning it on your own – I’d be happy to lend you amazing resources to help you learn it.

ANYWAY… the reason I’m bringing this up is that until January 15th, the deluxe version of Crayon Physics has a blank price tag and you can fill in whatever price you want.  You do need a paypal account.  You can always download the demo too.  Download it here!

ThinkGeek :: Tauntaun Sleeping Bag

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You know about this, right?  Ever since you were a little child, you have dreamed of a machine that would do your math homework.  This dream has now come true.  But be careful what you wish for – use it wisely!

I haven’t been this excited since I found out you could put tanks into siege mode.

http://mashable.com/2009/10/22/civilization-facebook/

Welcome back everyone to my course page. So far the 2009-10 school year is off to a great start. Stay tuned for more updates…