Luke_L

Video games and mood/personality disorders don't go well together. It's really a shame when people commit suicide, no matter what the reason is. Call me mad, but due to my own experience I'm kind of sympathetic to those with mood/personality disorders. I don't think anyone is to blame for this case, as the game company didn't cause him to commit suicide, neither did the game. His mind told him to do so, and unfortunately, he obeyed it. :( It is a sad loss - and it is also sad that people are so quick to jump on the 'let's blame the game's publisher' bandwagon. Just my two pence.

I don't think creativity in art/music is inherited. I'm the first musician out of my family in ages, and my brother is an amazing artist. I got good by hard practice, study after more study, learning my instrument through and through. The same for my brother; all he does is draw. I believe that a large part of my creativity comes from having bipolar disorder and the incredible manic episodes that tag along with it. Unfortunately I rarely remember my episodes so I have to rely on information from my friends and family. Apparently, I practice more in those few days of mania than I do in 3 weeks. I don't know. Maybe that's the secret as to why, after only 3 years of playing brass in general, that everyone tells me I play at a university standard. That's not to say everyone with bipolar disorder is over creative... Some people just don't get the sparse-ish advantages of it, which is a shame. Do I like being bipolar and having to take endless medication? No. I do like, however, my drive and determination. I know I sound awfully egotistical, but... I'm trying to explain my talent in a way that others may be able to relate to them. All of this applies to artists and actors too. I'm saying, there may be a hidden reason for a talent. Some people, however, practice endlessly and never get better. A bit like me with art. It's frustrating. >.<

For Christmas this year, I have received, in no particular order: - A new television, since my old one broke. It's very nice. - A fancy looking metronome. Those things are so mesmerising... - Richard Hammond's autobiography. It's a good read. - Chocolates, which I'll put out for new year since I'm trying to keep my weight down. - Socks. Very warm. Most of all: -The love and goodwill of my friends and family. Thanks so much, guys.

It seems possible, but only after a long period of doing it. I don't crack my knuckles as I find it uncomfortable...

I think all of my presents so far (still haven't opened them all) have been useful, except for that tin of sweets. I'm trying to lose weight here. >.

Sleep deprivation isn't fun. It's not good to publicise it either. I have/had sleep difficulties due to battles with a nasty mental illness. It nearly killed me. All I can say is have fun trying not to a) give in, B) go mad or c) die from lack of sleep. :|

That'd be an excellent choice for what the OP wants it for. It looks pretty nice for the money too! Couple it with that RAM and you're away, really. I also agree with Nadril on the dislike for Vista - it's really not as bad as everyone says it is. A lot of it is purely rumours made up and spread around the internet. The only reason that I was forced to downgrade was driver trouble. Stay with Vista - you might like it.

I've had experience with Ubuntu, Kubuntu and Debian. All three are very nice indeed. It's a little unfortunate that Debian, my favourite out of the three, would be too complex at first if you're just starting on Linux. Myself, I would recommend Kubuntu, purely because I'm not a fan of GNOME. :D