RIP-Felix

Good, we're getting somewhere. Sometimes a game is filtered when it's not supposed to be. In those cases you can add games to the "Don't Filter These Roms" field under the "Advanced MAME Settings" section of the integrated "MAME Settings" page of the Setup Wizard. Here is an example of mine which I had trouble with being filtered in the past (pacman;splatter;1941;1943). Another thing to try is setting "Verify Roms" to "No". Update the list again and let's see where that gets us. If your using the most basic build of MAME you may have to open and run a rom manually from a command prompt. This is why I like MAMEUI64, it has it's own GUI that lists your roms (the ones in the Roms folder) and you can run them from inside MAMEUI64's GUI independent of any Fronted. That being said, if you're seeing it load to 100% and kicking you out after GameEx launches it, that suggests to me that Mame is failing to create the correct environment for the game to run in, then exiting. GameEx sees that Mame has ended and regains focus like it's supposed to do. Lets try a few things. First things first. Lets make sure you have the latest DirectX runtimes, EDIT: If the web installer gives you lip, try downloading the "directx_Jun2010_redist", extract to desktop, find and instal the "DXSetup.exe" within and update them that way. Then restart the computer. You might as well update your C++ dependencies, DotNET frameworks, and grab all available automatic updates and optional drivers. This will save some headache later on down the road in the emulation hobby. If your game needs a CHD, the CHD needs to be in the Roms folder too. Sometimes those of us who have been doing this for awhile forget to mention this, but it would cause the exact symptom you're describing. NFL Blitz, for example, needs to have the rom "blitz.zip" (it must be compressed, so don't uncompress it) and a folder called "blitz" which contains "blitz.chd". Both of these must be inside of the "roms" folder or it will load to 100% and fail, like you're describing. Make sure that your Roms are not a split version without it's parent dependencies. A merged Rom would have the parent and all the subsequent versions (bootlegs, hacks, regional, and etc). Sometimes a Rom will be "split" without it's parental dependencies and cannot run without the parent being in the romset. If you only have a few cherry picked roms, you may have separated it from its parent dependencies. A merged rom will not have this kind of issue, or a proper split set either. This is why you need to verify the rom can play outside of GameEx. Otherwise, we will be chasing ninja gremlins until the nature of dark matter is fully understood. Try using the -video d3d option in "MAME options" under "advanced MAME Settings" in the "MAME Settings" page of the setup wizard. For example, I use these: (-joy -skip_gameinfo -video d3d -noswitchres -triplebuffer). Try cutting and pasting the contents of the parentheses into your MAME option field . If it works, try deleting the options you don't care for one by one, testing that MAME still loads each time. I vaguely remember having the same issue, which cleared up after getting the correct settings and runtimes. Also, you can run into issues with MAME if you run GameEX.exe in windows comparability mode, so don't do that (just in case you are). I had that problem recently and it was a pain to troubleshoot.

Are you talking about the list of games when you run Mame outside of GameEx or do you mean that you want GameEx to show only the Roms you have inside of GameEx's Mame lists? Try creating a folder in your Mame folder named "Roms" (C:\Games\Mame\Roms for example). You must place your roms in that folder for standalone Mame to work. Try again to start the game by manually double clicking the mame.exe, If should work. If not, the issue is not with GameEx, it is with your mame/rom installation. Have a search around to sett it up correctly, verify it works and come back here to finish setting up GameEx. I recommend using Integrated Mame in GameEx: GameEx Setup Wizard --> "Mame Setup" --> "Mame Path" = the folder containing Mame.exe (the one you verified worked). On the same page, make sure the "MAME EXE" = the mame.exe application itself. Lastly, make sure the "Rom path" field is pointed at the rom folder that you verified was working. This can be any folder though, it's not required to be the one nested within Mame's folder. However, use that one first to get things working. You verified those roms worked outside of GameEx, so we want to use them to make sure GameEx is setup correctly. Then, if everything is working, you can change it. GameEx Setup Wizard --> "Advanced Mame Setup" --> "Only Existing Roms" = "Yes", to list only the games in your rom folder. You can also, enable/disable lists in this section (show lightgun games, show vertical games, and etc). It can be overwhelming if all of these are enabled. If you just have a handful of games it is cleaner and easier to disable most of these. GameEx Setup Wizard --> "Enable/Disable Features" --> "Hide Update List" = "No". Run a list update and wait for it to finish (Can take a long time for a full romset).. Hopefully this helps, good luck!

Defender? I'm not sure it fits the requirements, I've not played in a long time. It seems like it would be on the list, but I didn't see it

I would like to add that the forums have a good following of creative, helpful, and respectful people. So finding answers to your questions or someone willing to help troubleshoot a problem is not a painful process. Noob question? Not a problem, we welcome newcomers! I suggest trying GameEx first. This is to become familiar with the setup process. The process will be very similar in Evolution. Then Feel free to try the GameEx Evolution Alpha to get an Idea of what's to come. Right now only Mame is enabled in the Alpha, so you can imagine how the rest of the systems and emulators would fit into context.

It had the kiss of death from the beginning..It aired on ABC and was produced by Fox (Actually, to be fair, it was co-produced by multiple companies which included Fox).

Yes

I just polished off "Defying Gravity." Fox killed another good show, and just when things were getting good. Damn, I liked the Solaris like psychological aspect of the show. Very interpersonal with the character development, more focus went into this than I prefer (I'd like to see more plot and atmosphere), but it blends well with the theme (a long space journey) and did invest me in the characters. It's jut they did a lot of jumping back and forth in time rather than focus on linear narrative, Overall, I really liked it. At least the season long sub-stories were concluded. As is it stands partially complete, but makes me want to see more. They still have the rest of the solar system to explore! This could have gone 7 or eight more seasons, 6 for the remaining planets and another 1 or 2 for the overall plot to develop and conclude. Too bad.

I mean really, who would like to see the opening read of Star Wars be: "A long String of Temporal Divergences ago, in an Alternate Reality Pointlessly Far Far Away"? To typify my point, I just got caught up on season 2 of Dark Matter. Anyone watching this? The show has been going along well (IMO), with a decent plot and atypical developments. Human colonies and no aliens as of yet. Nefarious Multi-system Militant Corporations and a complicit Galactic Authority. Main characters all with amnesia, which affords multiple routes of plot exploration and twists as they navigate through an unpredictable gauntlet of past demons. It reminded me of Firefly in many ways, but not with quite as much intrigue (River's backstory was more compelling than anything I've seen on Dark Matter so far). I'm into it and like it as much as The Expanse, which I think has more potential (in production value and momentum), but both can skyrocket since it's still early. I had high hopes that this show would avoid the multiverse traps I've detailed above, but...Spoilers to follow, not just of Dark Matter but Game of Thrones as well. If your not caught up, maybe skip until then... Don't get me wrong, I like the show. I'll keep watching and so far it's been compelling. They just crossed one of my pet peeves.

I just don't get excited by the prospect of watching it a second time. It's been a couple of years since I binged it. I vaguely remember the temporal cold war stuff, but I must not have been too into it. I generally don't like time travel or alternate realities. Essentially it feels to me like a juvenile game of made you look. They cry wolf so often I can't trust them when something really does happen. It makes the real thing anticlimactic. Time travel and alternate realities are too esoteric. They remove the suspense building throughout a show, undoing the setup by casting doubt on the pay off. You get jaded, half expecting events to be reversed by time travel or explained away in an alternate reality. This is my major complaint with Fringe, the alternate reality stuff killed fringe for me. The last season was almost unbearable. My 2c

Yeah, I'm not sure how diligent their writing and research staff with be with show mythology. I'm sure they will conjure up some lame excuse like a violation of the temporal prime to justify breaking from an inconvenient bit of show history. I'm a little dubious we're in for a good brand of startrek, I'm just hoping it's not going to be another enterprise! To tell you the truth, startrek is loosing its appeal to me. It used to be my favorite, since it got me into Science fiction. But as I've gotten older, I'm more put off by the social commentary and sociopolitical bias.

I agree with the others, summer is when I have more time off from work to mess around in the scene, but it always seems to die around the same time. That's ok, I can get out and enjoy the star we call sun!

Some of us more than others...Lazarus.

@hansolo77 As Tom pointed out fool.com has a bunch of good info. You should read this and this. You may find it useful. If you can, try and get your credit reports and correct the errors. I'm not sure how you're getting paychecks now, but if you can get them to direct deposit the entire amount into your saving/checking account with your bank, they'll have your monthly income. Having all my income go through my bank first, instead of cashing at a Fred Meyer and paying for everything in cash, allows me to take advantage or their financial analytics (pie charts, budgets, categories to place each purchase into, financial history, and etc.). I match their analytics to my budget and keep track of spending etc. Also, the bank offered me a low interest (7%) credit card with a low limit ($750) shortly after opening my account (I guess after they saw I was receiving a regular paycheck). I use it everywhere possible and pay it off in full every month, but it makes it hard to buy certain things from stores that don't accept checks. I prefer using the card because regular responsible use establishes good credit and I don't like to carry cash on my person. I have tried several times to get them to up my credit limit, but they keep finding reasons not to.The first time I didn't make enough money, but recently they saw my student debt and ran for the hills - Which I paid off in full about a month later. I tried to get my free online credit report, but they asked about some accounts I don't remember opening, during the part where they ask questions about various accounts to prove who you are. So I'm probably going to have another talk with a rep at my bank to see if everything is on the Up-n-up. It reminded me of this (check out 4:44):

Just found this. It has a bunch of the same information I summarized but is easier to understand. I think I'll print one out, bust out the old pencil and highlighter and see how I'm doing! A refresher is never a bad idea. Plus I find it motivating. Page 17 talks about the advantage ot non actively managed "Index" funds. I alluded to it ealier but they put it best, "Historical data shows that index funds have, primarily because of their lower fees, enjoyed higher returns than the average managed mutual fund."

Doesn't sound like the right time to start investing, if you're having a hard time saving enough to move out. Remember there are many expenses to consider when living on your own that you'll be solely responsible for. A budget will come in very handy for that. Other Thoughts: It's a tragedy that personal finance is not taught in public high schools as a required course that takes at least 2 years to complete, and with regular exersizes to remind/rebuild on previously covered material. It is by far the most useful skill anyone could learn and everyone should have been taught.

I don't feel qualified giving out advice, so if your serious about learning this stuff, Hit the internet like I did. Just start reading. Having said that, I kinda like summarizing what I find in words. It helps me understand this stuff better. Before choosing between any plan it's best to research all options, utilize online calculators to try different scenarios, and speak with a financial adviser to make the best choice for your situation and goals. @hansolo77 I would consider doing so anyway as it sounds to me like you may have some issues with your credit, like identity theft, or just your account got associated with another person (this happens more than you think). Maybe, swing by the bank and speak with a rep. Voice your concerns, ask about steps you can take, and show them your committed to improving your credit. Also, I wouldn't worry about your living situation if you and your family are good with it. I don't buy into these social stereotypes anyway. In many countries it's customary for children to live with their parents until marriage and often the parents and grand parents still live with their kids into advanced age. This is something that America vilifies for no good reason, especially when this arrangement provides financial, emotional, and physical protections that going out on your own doesn't. Of course the decision is yours, just saying not to be ashamed. There's nothing wrong with living with, and helping, your parents into middle age. In fact, it's commendable, as long as you pull your weight (so to speak).

James Bond: You know I was just wondering what South America would look like if nobody gave a damn about coke or communism. It always impressed me the way you boys would carve this place up. Felix Leiter: I'll take that as a compliment coming from a Brit. [after a gunfight with henchmen] Felix Leiter: [to Bond] Hey, observer! You trying to get yourself killed? James Bond: If I don't get you back in time for the wedding, I'm a dead man for sure! Felix Leiter: Where's my wife? Dario: Don't worry. We gave her a nice Honeymooooon James Bond: Special plane, lunch at the White House... how come? Felix Leiter: The President wants to thank you personally. James Bond: Oh, it was nothing, really. Felix Leiter: I know that, but he doesn't. James Bond: I suppose I'll be able to get a drink there. Felix Leiter: I told the stewardess liquor for three. James Bond: Who are the other two? Felix Leiter: Oh, there are no other two. [seeing the body of Oddjob who was electrocuted] Felix Leiter: You okay, James? Where's your butler friend? James Bond: He blew a fuse. More...

Here's what got me thinking of this issue. An IRA is managed by the financial management company you choose. They will consult you on how you want the account invested. I'll probably go with an Indexed fund like Vanguard which has averaged >6% since 1926 (Stock market crash). You will never see 6% returns in a saving or money market account, so this is an incredibly reliable way to grow the investment. While there are periodic ups and downs, over the long term (30 years or so) these average out to that 6% or so. My mom's averaging >10% right now with a mix of safe to moderate risk investments diversified for greater safety! With a $100,000 investment spaced over 35 years (~$2800/year or $238/mo) you can turn that into over $370,000 with little risk. As long as you don't get greedy and try high risk investments with greater returns or put all your investments in one place, your taking a calculate risk that usually pays off. Even if another 1926 or 2008 occurs, if your diversified enough and ride out the storm (don't panic) you'll likly regain the losses in the long term. My mom's account was seriously hit by the "recession" but has more than returned now. Had she sold off her losses then, she'd have lost almost everything. The gamble you take though is if all your investments go bankrupt, as happened to a lot of people in 1926, then your out everything for good.

Dang, Father time has a sick sense of humor, how's this for irony? Just as we were expecting to get to see R2 do more than just play dead in episode 7 it had to happen for real Sucks! My heart goes out to the family, may God keep him in his memory.

Suggestion: How we judge the actions of others usually better indicates of how we really feel, so please make the selection that best describes your view after considering how you would judge someone else who invests their money in the stock market. If you feel society wants you to answer a certain way try to ignore that outside influence, I'm only interested in how you feel! Answers are confidential, no one will know how you voted, and multiple answers are allowed.

looks good...I want to see it!

While I too would prefer not seeing openly gay conduct on television, we live in a disputatious but democratic society. The US has integral to its population people of every race, ethnicity, religion, and even sexual preference. We may bump heads over every sort of issue, but ultimately we realize the necessity for patience and understanding. We all sacrifice a little comfort and preference so that we can live together according to our beliefs, different but together. While I may disagree with a persons choice, I respect their right to make it. The alternative is unacceptable, except in cases where a persons choice is dangerous to others (crime). If having an openly gay character helps this sector of society, one that has been ostracized by society for a very long time, feel more included, I'll deal with it. It's not too much of an inconvenience to view on TV what I've seen in real life anyway. I had friends who were gay/Bi and frankly putting it on TV adds a bit of realism. Besides, it's a trending issue which will get people talking and add attention to the show. Free publicity is not a bad Idea. It might help draw viewers. "Times They Are A-Changin" - Bob Dylan

They said there are 2 admirals on the lead cast too. Maybe the mission has to do with going behind enemy lines, and the Klingon is sympathetic to the cause of peace (AKA, a traitor). Aren't admirals usually sent on diplomatic missions? Also, they said that there would be a Klingon as one of the main characters, not that he would be crew on the ship. He could be an enemy captain that the show follows for a different side of the story, one we rarely get a good look at. I kinda like the possibilities this idea affords. I guess the answer would be to look for some reference to this. It's been a while since I've watched TNG and I skipped the original, so I don't know what they might be refereeing to. . I like the idea of following a character or group of characters that isn't the captain or senior bridge staff. The plight of less senior officers is one of more dramatic appeal to the common person, most of us won't personally identify with a captain or commander, but might with a civilian, ensign or maybe even a lieutenant. Moreover their stories would be more dramatic because they aren't in control of their destiny, having to take orders and being led into dangerous situations. The plot will develop frantically, more like a turbulent stream, the characters are swept away by the actions of others and be forced to deal with the consequences. They'll have to reconcile personal dilemmas about compromising the chain of command, following orders rather than debating the moral and ethical options as do senior bridge staff (That's been done to death). They said the lead character would be female and that there would be a gay character, but I didn't get the impression they meant the same character. Besides, wouldn't lesbians get higher ratings? Just saying...

I caught one once! I have the scar to prove it...not kidding. I learned my lesson about squirrels that day. 10 year old RIP-Felix Vs. Squirrel = Bloody Felix (There was no victor) Moral of the story is...Parents tell your kids not to F*@$ with squirrels! Other thought: This was my 600th post, have I been here that long?

AT least in the past the first 10-13 episodes were the trial period. Then if viewership were what they hoped for, they would "order up" 7-10 episodes to finish first season (after a mid-season hiatus). The biggest hurtle was getting picked up for a second season. If that happened you would see a five season plot be developed. Starting with the second season and continuing through the third and fourth season. The fifth season is where you would see if the show would be picked up for more seasons (rarely) or culminate along the planed five year plot. This is why the first seasons always seem to be more self contained. The writers didn't know if the show would be picked up for a second season, so they try to close the story enough it doesn't feel like things end on a cliffhanger, but not so much it gives the executives an excuse to cancel. I kinda like the streaming model from what little I've seen so far. They tend to focus more on full season stories that culminate in a cliffhanger rather than self contained episodes. The story develops more naturally and culminates in bigger payoffs, since they can be set up more masterfully than two or 3 part episodes allows for. However, as you say, they risk canceling during the off season, potentially leaving the show on a cliffhanger. However, I have a feeling they will follow up with a final season rather than doing this. Essentially they commit to at least two seasons at a time. If the rating aren't what they hope for after the first season, then they finish the plot with the "final season." One benefit is that if there is time for the show to be renewed before the final season is finished airing.