[senit] Scratch from MIT

Hi there
I've been watching the list for a while and noted the number of requests
for simple music creation applications and the like. I know the
frustration - I'm after simple (just arrow key operated) games and its
painful. However something that popped up just recently on the interweb is
"scratch" from some clever folks at the MIT Media lab. Although its been
designed for children to develop simple programming skills it can equally
be a simple environment for educators and the like to develop quick games,
cause and effect applications and interactive art.

The demo video gives you a good idea of its usage
<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxDw-t3XWd0> - note the use of  your own
images and sounds. Check it out at <http://scratch.mit.edu/>. Good news
too - its for PC & mac. The one thing I can't figure out yet is if the
projects can be compiled as their own applications.

May be of use to some of you!

Will

PS: It appears to have been developed as a result of Squeak eToys which
some of you may be aware of <http://squeakland.org/>
PPS: The server is pretty slow at this time - Its on the front page of
del.icio.us and I think they may have underestimated its popularity!
-- 

Will Wade
Researcher / Occupational Therapist
Oxford Brookes University
School of Health & Social Care
Marston Campus
Jack Straws Lane
Oxford OX3 0FL
tel:      01865-482712
email:    willwade at brookes.ac.uk