What a boring Saturday night. We had a good visit with Nautallica when he was in Cbus for a convention and had a good time at the Winking Lizard. Anyway here are some random links.
Looks like the very troubled network NBC might be running a super hero show this fall called The Cape.
Iron Man 2 comes out May 7 and looks pretty good in previews. Check it out here.
Get your game on each Wednesday with D&D Encounters, an ongoing mini-campaign where you’ll play one encounter each week at your local game store. Earn exclusive rewards as you gain Renown Points for accomplishments made during each season! Check it out here.
Baseball will soon be with us. The Reds pitchers and catchers report on 2/17 and The Tribe gets it going on 2/22. Both teams will be using the Goodyear Ballpark in Arizona. Maybe an Adventurers trip to Spring Training is in the future???
It would be fun to get a nice group for Gencon this year. If you are planning on going you can get your ticket early and save some $$. I might do the MegaBus thing again. Hard to beat it for $1 each direction.
Feb 2 is Signing Day for NCAA football. Ohio State has an interesting class lined up and it get to outstanding if a couple of the last minutes studs come on board. I'll post more on Tuesday but you can read about the class here and here. For anyone interested the OSU Spring Game will be April 24
Speaking of OSU former round baller Greg Oden is probably rethinking that cell phone camera thing right now. Popcrunch has the photos.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
I have fought the good fight....
I went and saw The Book of Eli today. For an Apocalyptic movie I really liked this one. Denzel Washington heads up a pretty good cast, although he can pretty much carry a movie by himeself, that includes Gary Oldman, Mila Kunis, Ray Stevenson, Jennifer Beals and Michael Gambon. Eli (Denzel) is on a pilgrimage of sorts to head "west" with "The Book". The story builds as he keeps coming across other survivors. It also has a pretty cool soundtrack. Other than the original Mad Max this is probably my favorite of this genre. Three Floyd's and a bit
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
True Dungeon
True Dungeon is a d20 variant that allows players to experience their D&D adventure within a life-size, walk through dungeon environment. ot a LARP, True Dungeon instead focuses on problem solving, teamwork and tactics while providing exciting sets and interactive props. Players may find themselves creeping down a dark passageway and entering a long-forgotten crypt. After dispatching a lurking guardian, the players may have to solve a cryptic puzzle or find a secret door in order to gain a wondrous treasure chest - a chest that might hold a shocking surprise if opened without care. It takes two hours to explore the dungeon, and teams of seven players need only bring their imagination and quick wit. No prior D&D or gaming experience is needed. In fact, a party with an array of different experiences usually does well. This is a perfect vehicle to let some non-D&D gamers experience the fun and thrills of dungeoneering.
There is an article here.
It looks like it costs $24 to play and it is for one two hour session. And we will need tokens. What say you men?
GenCon prereg now open
If you are going to GenCon in August you can save yourself some bucks and buy your passes now. Go to the site at GENCON.COM and check it out.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Haiti
As I am sure you all know Haiti got rocked by an earthquake earlier this week. If you are looking for some way to get involved beyond prayer may I suggest Lifeline Christian Mission. The above picture is of one of their classrooms which was leveled. They have had a presence in Haiti for 30 years and will now have to go about rebuilding everything they have done. Check them out here.
One thought that has been weighing heavily on me is to go there on a short term mission trip this summer. What say you men?
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Pre-pre-season 2010 football rankings
Well it didn't take long but ESPN has released it's 2010 early rankings. Here they are and you can read #'s 11-25 here. At the end is a video of Kirk Herbstreit's Top 5.
1. Alabama Crimson Tide
The Crimson Tide will suffer some heavy personnel losses on defense, including mammoth nose tackle Terrence Cody, cornerback Javier Arenas and possibly junior linebacker Rolando McClain. But nearly all of Alabama's firepower is coming back on offense, including Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram and receiver Julio Jones. The schedule gets a little more difficult, with home games against Penn State on Sept. 11 and Florida on Oct. 2. With the way coach Nick Saban has recruited the past few years, though, the Crimson Tide should be in position to win their second consecutive BCS national championship.
2. Ohio State Buckeyes
The Buckeyes might finally earn some respect nationally after beating Oregon 26-17 in the Rose Bowl Game presented by Citi. Terrelle Pryor finally looked like the quarterback everyone thought he would be, and coach Jim Tressel might finally be ready to open his playbook in 2010, Pryor's third season. Only two starters are leaving on offense: tight end Jake Ballard and left tackle Jim Cordle. Five starters, including end Thaddeus Gibson and safeties Anderson Russell and Kurt Coleman, are leaving the defense. But it would have been worse if end Cameron Heyward and cornerback Chimdi Chekwa hadn't returned for their senior seasons. The Buckeyes play Miami at home on Sept. 11, but play road games at Wisconsin and Iowa.
3. Boise State Broncos
Voters won't have a reason to keep the Broncos out of the Citi BCS National Championship Game in 2010. Boise State finished its second unbeaten season and won its second BCS bowl game in four years by beating TCU 17-10 in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. The Broncos will bring back 21 of 22 starters on offense and defense, losing only star cornerback Kyle Wilson. Quarterback Kellen Moore will be a Heisman Trophy candidate. Boise State will have two chances to prove its mettle to voters: at home against Oregon State on Sept. 25 and against Virginia Tech at FedEx Field in Landover, Md., on Oct. 2.
4. Oregon Ducks
Chip Kelly's first season as Oregon's head coach had to be considered a success, even after the Ducks lost to Ohio State in the Rose Bowl to finish 10-3. All but three starters are expected back in 2010, including quarterback Jeremiah Masoli and tailback LaMichael James. Tight end Ed Dickson is the only offensive starter leaving, and defensive end Will Tukuafu and tackle Blake Ferras will have to be replaced on defense. Oregon's nonconference schedule isn't too grueling, with home games against New Mexico and FCS opponent Portland State sandwiched around a road game at Tennessee. But Oregon will have to play Pac-10 road games at USC, California and rival Oregon State.
5. Texas Longhorns
After losing to Alabama in the Citi BCS National Championship Game, the Longhorns will undergo a renovation of sorts in 2010. But few programs are as equipped as Texas to reload from year to year. Replacing quarterback Colt McCoy will be Texas' primary concern. Freshman Garrett Gilbert assumed control of the Longhorns' offense much earlier than expected after McCoy was forced to the sideline with an injury Thursday. He'll be the favorite to start at quarterback. Receiver Jordan Shipley and three starters on the offensive line also will have to be replaced. Three starters are leaving on defense, including end Sergio Kindle and tackle Lamarr Houston. All-American safety Earl Thomas also could turn pro. The Longhorns play three of their four nonconference games at home, including a Sept. 25 contest against UCLA, and play Big 12 rivals Oklahoma State and Texas A&M in Austin.
6. Virginia Tech Hokies
The Hokies are hoping their 37-14 rout of Tennessee in the Chick-fil-A Bowl is a springboard to bigger things in 2010. With quarterback Tyrod Taylor and one of the country's best stables of running backs coming back, there's plenty of reason for optimism. Tailback Ryan Williams was one of the country's best freshmen in 2009, and sophomore Darren Evans should be back from torn knee ligaments that caused him to miss all of the 2009 season. Taylor needs to continue to develop as a passer, but his receiving corps will be more experienced. Replacing guard Sergio Render and tackle Ed Wang are priorities on offense. The Hokies will lose seven starters on defense, including linebacker Cody Grimm, safeties Kam Chancellor and Dorian Porch, and end Jason Worilds, who declared for the NFL draft. The nonconference schedule is challenging, with home games against Central Michigan and East Carolina, along with the Oct. 2 contest against Boise State at FedEx Field.
7. TCU Horned Frogs
TCU's loss to Boise State prevented it from finishing undefeated, but the Horned Frogs should be in position to make a run at another BCS bowl game in 2010. The Horned Frogs lose only two starters on offense: left tackle Marshall Newhouse and tailback Joseph Turner. Seven starters are coming back on defense, but defensive end Jerry Hughes, linebacker Daryl Washington, and cornerbacks Nick Sanders and Rafael Priest are big losses. TCU is expected to open its season at Dallas Cowboys Stadium against Oregon State on Sept. 4. The Horned Frogs also have a home game against Baylor and a road game at SMU in their nonconference schedule.
8. Nebraska Cornhuskers
After the Cornhuskers blasted Arizona 33-0 in the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl, coach Bo Pelini announced, "Nebraska's back and we're here to stay." Pelini might be right. The Black Shirt defense is definitely back, but Nebraska's offense will have to get better if it's going to contend for a Big 12 championship in 2010. All-American defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh will be sorely missed, along with four other starters on defense. Center Jacob Hickman is the only offensive starter leaving. The Cornhuskers play nonconference games against Western Kentucky, Idaho and FCS foe South Dakota State at home and play Washington on the road. They play Big 12 games at Oklahoma State and Texas A&M, but play Texas, Missouri and Kansas in Lincoln, Neb.
9. Iowa Hawkeyes
It would have been interesting to see how Iowa would have finished if quarterback Ricky Stanzi hadn't sprained his ankle in a 17-10 loss to Northwestern on Nov. 7. The Hawkeyes were undefeated before Stanzi was hurt, and they were really good when he returned in a 24-14 win over Georgia Tech in the FedEx Orange Bowl. Iowa will have back six starters on offense, but the line must be rebuilt with center Rafael Eubanks, right guard Dace Richardson, left tackle Bryan Bulaga and right tackle Kyle Calloway leaving. Nine starters should return to a very stingy defense. The Hawkeyes' nonconference schedule isn't overly challenging besides a Sept. 18 road game at Arizona, and they play Big Ten heavyweights Penn State, Wisconsin and Ohio State at home.
10. Wisconsin Badgers
After a couple of so-so seasons, Bret Bielema has Wisconsin back on track. The Badgers beat Miami 20-14 in the Champs Sports Bowl to finish 10-3. With tailback John Clay coming back, and quarterback Scott Tolzien making big strides at season's end, the Badgers should be very good on offense in 2010. Tight end Garrett Graham is the only offensive starter leaving. Three starters will have to be replaced on the defensive line, along with linebacker Jaevery McFadden and safety Chris Maragos. The Badgers' non conference schedule isn't especially challenging, with a road game at UNLV and home contests against San Jose State, Arizona State and FCS foe Austin Peay. Wisconsin will play Big Ten road games at Michigan State, Iowa and Michigan, but it plays Ohio State at home.
Herbie's Top 5
1. Alabama Crimson Tide
The Crimson Tide will suffer some heavy personnel losses on defense, including mammoth nose tackle Terrence Cody, cornerback Javier Arenas and possibly junior linebacker Rolando McClain. But nearly all of Alabama's firepower is coming back on offense, including Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram and receiver Julio Jones. The schedule gets a little more difficult, with home games against Penn State on Sept. 11 and Florida on Oct. 2. With the way coach Nick Saban has recruited the past few years, though, the Crimson Tide should be in position to win their second consecutive BCS national championship.
2. Ohio State Buckeyes
The Buckeyes might finally earn some respect nationally after beating Oregon 26-17 in the Rose Bowl Game presented by Citi. Terrelle Pryor finally looked like the quarterback everyone thought he would be, and coach Jim Tressel might finally be ready to open his playbook in 2010, Pryor's third season. Only two starters are leaving on offense: tight end Jake Ballard and left tackle Jim Cordle. Five starters, including end Thaddeus Gibson and safeties Anderson Russell and Kurt Coleman, are leaving the defense. But it would have been worse if end Cameron Heyward and cornerback Chimdi Chekwa hadn't returned for their senior seasons. The Buckeyes play Miami at home on Sept. 11, but play road games at Wisconsin and Iowa.
3. Boise State Broncos
Voters won't have a reason to keep the Broncos out of the Citi BCS National Championship Game in 2010. Boise State finished its second unbeaten season and won its second BCS bowl game in four years by beating TCU 17-10 in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. The Broncos will bring back 21 of 22 starters on offense and defense, losing only star cornerback Kyle Wilson. Quarterback Kellen Moore will be a Heisman Trophy candidate. Boise State will have two chances to prove its mettle to voters: at home against Oregon State on Sept. 25 and against Virginia Tech at FedEx Field in Landover, Md., on Oct. 2.
4. Oregon Ducks
Chip Kelly's first season as Oregon's head coach had to be considered a success, even after the Ducks lost to Ohio State in the Rose Bowl to finish 10-3. All but three starters are expected back in 2010, including quarterback Jeremiah Masoli and tailback LaMichael James. Tight end Ed Dickson is the only offensive starter leaving, and defensive end Will Tukuafu and tackle Blake Ferras will have to be replaced on defense. Oregon's nonconference schedule isn't too grueling, with home games against New Mexico and FCS opponent Portland State sandwiched around a road game at Tennessee. But Oregon will have to play Pac-10 road games at USC, California and rival Oregon State.
5. Texas Longhorns
After losing to Alabama in the Citi BCS National Championship Game, the Longhorns will undergo a renovation of sorts in 2010. But few programs are as equipped as Texas to reload from year to year. Replacing quarterback Colt McCoy will be Texas' primary concern. Freshman Garrett Gilbert assumed control of the Longhorns' offense much earlier than expected after McCoy was forced to the sideline with an injury Thursday. He'll be the favorite to start at quarterback. Receiver Jordan Shipley and three starters on the offensive line also will have to be replaced. Three starters are leaving on defense, including end Sergio Kindle and tackle Lamarr Houston. All-American safety Earl Thomas also could turn pro. The Longhorns play three of their four nonconference games at home, including a Sept. 25 contest against UCLA, and play Big 12 rivals Oklahoma State and Texas A&M in Austin.
6. Virginia Tech Hokies
The Hokies are hoping their 37-14 rout of Tennessee in the Chick-fil-A Bowl is a springboard to bigger things in 2010. With quarterback Tyrod Taylor and one of the country's best stables of running backs coming back, there's plenty of reason for optimism. Tailback Ryan Williams was one of the country's best freshmen in 2009, and sophomore Darren Evans should be back from torn knee ligaments that caused him to miss all of the 2009 season. Taylor needs to continue to develop as a passer, but his receiving corps will be more experienced. Replacing guard Sergio Render and tackle Ed Wang are priorities on offense. The Hokies will lose seven starters on defense, including linebacker Cody Grimm, safeties Kam Chancellor and Dorian Porch, and end Jason Worilds, who declared for the NFL draft. The nonconference schedule is challenging, with home games against Central Michigan and East Carolina, along with the Oct. 2 contest against Boise State at FedEx Field.
7. TCU Horned Frogs
TCU's loss to Boise State prevented it from finishing undefeated, but the Horned Frogs should be in position to make a run at another BCS bowl game in 2010. The Horned Frogs lose only two starters on offense: left tackle Marshall Newhouse and tailback Joseph Turner. Seven starters are coming back on defense, but defensive end Jerry Hughes, linebacker Daryl Washington, and cornerbacks Nick Sanders and Rafael Priest are big losses. TCU is expected to open its season at Dallas Cowboys Stadium against Oregon State on Sept. 4. The Horned Frogs also have a home game against Baylor and a road game at SMU in their nonconference schedule.
8. Nebraska Cornhuskers
After the Cornhuskers blasted Arizona 33-0 in the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl, coach Bo Pelini announced, "Nebraska's back and we're here to stay." Pelini might be right. The Black Shirt defense is definitely back, but Nebraska's offense will have to get better if it's going to contend for a Big 12 championship in 2010. All-American defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh will be sorely missed, along with four other starters on defense. Center Jacob Hickman is the only offensive starter leaving. The Cornhuskers play nonconference games against Western Kentucky, Idaho and FCS foe South Dakota State at home and play Washington on the road. They play Big 12 games at Oklahoma State and Texas A&M, but play Texas, Missouri and Kansas in Lincoln, Neb.
9. Iowa Hawkeyes
It would have been interesting to see how Iowa would have finished if quarterback Ricky Stanzi hadn't sprained his ankle in a 17-10 loss to Northwestern on Nov. 7. The Hawkeyes were undefeated before Stanzi was hurt, and they were really good when he returned in a 24-14 win over Georgia Tech in the FedEx Orange Bowl. Iowa will have back six starters on offense, but the line must be rebuilt with center Rafael Eubanks, right guard Dace Richardson, left tackle Bryan Bulaga and right tackle Kyle Calloway leaving. Nine starters should return to a very stingy defense. The Hawkeyes' nonconference schedule isn't overly challenging besides a Sept. 18 road game at Arizona, and they play Big Ten heavyweights Penn State, Wisconsin and Ohio State at home.
10. Wisconsin Badgers
After a couple of so-so seasons, Bret Bielema has Wisconsin back on track. The Badgers beat Miami 20-14 in the Champs Sports Bowl to finish 10-3. With tailback John Clay coming back, and quarterback Scott Tolzien making big strides at season's end, the Badgers should be very good on offense in 2010. Tight end Garrett Graham is the only offensive starter leaving. Three starters will have to be replaced on the defensive line, along with linebacker Jaevery McFadden and safety Chris Maragos. The Badgers' non conference schedule isn't especially challenging, with a road game at UNLV and home contests against San Jose State, Arizona State and FCS foe Austin Peay. Wisconsin will play Big Ten road games at Michigan State, Iowa and Michigan, but it plays Ohio State at home.
Herbie's Top 5
Saturday, January 9, 2010
GenCon Indy 2010 registration
Ok check this out for GenCon August 5-8, 2010
Badge Pre-Reg
Badge Pre-Registration will go live at 12:00 noon (Eastern) on Sunday, January 24th. Pre-Registration is only available online through RUBI. Once Pre-Registration closes on June 19th, we will have Extended Registration online for the full onsite price, so be sure to take advantage of the discounted badge rates before prices go up!
Badge Prices
4-Day Badge - $68
VIG Package - $500
1-Day Badge (Thurs-Sat) - $38
1-Day Badge (Sun) - available for purchase Onsite only for $28
For more badge and pricing information, go to our website at www.gencon.com/2010/indy and check out the “Registration” page under “Attend”.
Housing
Last year’s Tuesday housing opening was so successful that we are continuing the trend this year. Hotel Registration will go live at 12:00 noon (Eastern) on Tuesday, January 26th. After purchasing your Gen Con Indy Badge, a confirmation email will be sent to the address registered on your account. The email will include the hotel confirmation code, which is required to submit room requests through the Passkey website and when contacting the Housing Bureau directly. If you do not receive a confirmation email, be sure to check the address of record for your account, then email customerservice(at)gencon.com to have your badge confirmation email resent.
We have partnered with a number of distinctive hotels in the Indianapolis area to secure the best rates possible for Gen Con attendees. Rates vary by hotel, but attendees should find excellent pricing when reserving through the Gen Con Housing Bureau. In the event of rooms selling out, please contact the Gen Con Housing Bureau to be added to the waiting list. The Housing Bureau will be glad to assist you with all of your housing needs.
Gen Con does not provide shuttle service to the convention center from the airport hotels; however some suburban hotels provide limited shuttle services to their guests. Most suburban hotel parking is free of charge, and there is ample downtown parking available near the convention center for those who prefer to drive daily. Please check details with your hotel of choice before booking your room and making local travel arrangements.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Buckeye Recap
Tressel Ball played to almost perfection, the Terrelle Pryor we always thought we'd get and the Bucks win 26-17. The Buckeyes controlled the ball for 41:37 of the game and kept the fast paced Ducks off the field. The offensive line came out early and punched the Ducks square in the bill and played one of their best games of the season. The media kept talking about the speed of Oregon but they forgot to mention that Ohio State's offense was faster than the Oregon defense. From the games first drive the Bucks dominated. If they could ever get past the love of the field goal they could really put some points on the board.
Pryor threw for 266 and 2 scores and ran for another 72. Clearly outplayed Masoli, who was billed as a great passer, and will both be back as pre-season Heisman hopefuls next year. The Bucks defense played hard the entire game and effectively shut down Oregon's passing game.
A great finish to a pretty good season winding up 11-2 and probably a top 5 finish nationally.
Next up is Marshall on September 4. I can't wait. Before that with be National Signing Day on February 4. The Spring game in April is always a good time also. Go Bucks!
Game Day
The Rose Bowl is here. Ohio State is 7-0 all time against Oregon but since they haven't played since 1987 that doesn't matter. Ohio State won its 5th straight Big Ten Title but that doesn't matter. Ohio State lost to USC 18-15, who lost to Oregon 47-20 but that doesn't matter. Ray Small is suspended, yet again, and even that doesn't matter. Ohio State beat Michigan again but that doesn't matter. Well it matters but not for this post.
What matters is that Ohio State must come out and win a highly visible game against a decent opponent. Ohio State has lost its last three bowl games to high profile programs in high profile games. Brace yourselves, this gets ugly. The Bucks lost to Florida 41-14 in the title game. Then they lost to LSU 38-24 in the title game the next season. Then last year they lost to Texas 24-21 in the Fiesta Bowl. Throw in the 18-15 loss to USC at home this season, the 35-3 loss to the Trojans in 2008 and you see the pattern. The Vest has slowly become a slightly better version of the The Coop. He beats Michigan but the big national games he is just as bad in.
Today the offense must carry the load. They must remain on the field and score touchdowns to ease the strain the defense will be under. The defense needs to play like it has all year. They must create havoc for the Ducks and force turnovers and demoralize and frustrate Oregon early.
I think the Bucks will squeak this one out 24-21.
Go Bucks!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)