the guys from F.E.A.T. by Caleb

This Day in History

Elvis Presley sings "Don't Be Cruel" and "Hound Dog" on Ed Sullivan's immensely popular show Toast of the Town. Presley scandalized audiences with his suggestive hip gyrations, and Sullivan swore he would never book the singer on his show. However, Presley's tremendous popularity and success on other shows changed Sullivan's mind. Although Elvis had appeared on a few other programs already, his appearance on Ed Sullivan's show made him a household name. So in honor of the king here is his to do list from his computer:

10. Annual "Stop Lisa Marie from marrying some weirdo" project
09. Talk to ex-wife about the harmful side effects of religious effects
08. Roll in grave, repeat as necessary
07. Eat a hunka hunka cheddar cheese
06. Rattle some chains, make some groaning noises at Michael Jackson's ranch
05. Thank the fans. Thank them very much
04. Shoot the TV again aiming at the two remaining Beatles
03. Order up another batch of peanut butter and banana tacos
02. Somehow get it through my fan's heads that I am fucking dead
01. Finish kicking Hendrick's ass in that air hockey tournament

Quote of the Week

“There's nothing that cleanses your soul like getting the hell kicked out of you.” - Woody Hayes



I think our Buckeyes are about to have their souls cleansed

Buckeye Recap

Well they improved to 2-0 with a 26-14 win over Ohio. The offense struggled against a MAC team. I was listening while driving back from Florida and was pretty nervous. The special teams were the difference sparked by Shaun Lane's recovery of a fumbled punt and Ray Small's punt return for a TD. I am not looking forward to USC week. Boeckman's 16 for 26 and 110 yards will not cut it against the Trojans and the Pryor watch will begin in earnest. Also, if Beanie Wells isn't 100% the running game will get stuffed. I'm sure the Bucks will drop in the ratings after this performance and if they do indeed lose to USC they will drop out of the Top Ten. And deservedly so. C'mon Tressel find us an offensive line.

Game Day

This game scares me, as do all games with in state opponents. the Bobcats come in hungry with an 0-1 record following a tough 21-20 loss to Wyoming on the road. If you go to the game make sure to check out their band. If OSU has TBDBITL then OU certainly has the most exciting band in the land. They play with an incredible amount of energy and just flat out have fun.

I am still down in Destin Florida and heading back today. With Beanie Wells out I really want to see a big game from Saine and Heron. Mo Wells could be huge in this one as well. Hopefully the passing game gets clicking a bit as #1 USC looms large on the horizon. Go Bucks!

Talk Like a Pirate Day

Aye matey she be comin. International Talk Like a Pirate Day is coming up. Get your eye patch and hook on, learn some pirate speak and really bad jokes and join in the fun. And try to find me favorite pirate.

Something to ponder

Since we go as the Adventurers, and some of us with the Campaigners, to the Ohio Renaissance Festival I thought i would post this. Evidently there is a protest going on against them, and the "owner" Peter Carroll, by a group calling themselves the Chivalrous Ohio Renaissance Festival Protest.

There are certainly lots of interesting allegations included. It would seem like the entire Festival could be in jeopardy if any of them are factual. Anyway since this "former blacksmith" took the time to comment on my post of last week I thought I would share it with you guys. Check it out and see what you think.

Bad Joke of the Week

Top Ten Signs Your DM is Too Hard

1. You've been playing for 3 weeks, and have 76 dead characters.
2. You're playing in Darksun, but still only use Method I to roll characters.
3. Your fighter gets a bit tipsy, and piches the barmaid's bottom. The barmaid pulls out her bow and her arrow of fighter slaying.
4. Your 15th level thief just had the snot kicked out of him by an eight year old girl.
5. There are lethal traps on every latrine door.
6. Most peasants have 20 hit dice, and many know the power word, kill spell.
7. Somehow you've done it. Your party has slain Emberburn, the most fearsome and powerful Red Dragon the DM has ever created. The DM stares at you in shock, still staring down at the "1" he rolled on the dragon's last attack. After poking him in the arm for five minutes, chanting "horde….horde…..horde…." over and over, he looks up at you. The look of surprise fades, and an evil grin replaces it. "As it happens," the DM says with glee, "the dragon had cast Project Image just before the party entered the cavern….".
8. Your mage has an argument with a local spice merchant. Finally, annoyed to the breaking point, he casts charm on the merchant. Sadly, the merchant is a retired 22nd level elven mage. Shaking your head, you reach for the statistic rolling dice once again…
9. Trees can, and often do, explode in huge, 20d6 hit die fireballs. No explanation is ever offfered.
10. Regular rabbits are gone. They have been replaced by the killer-rabbit from "Monty Python and the Holy Grail".

The guys from F.E.A.T.

by Caleb">

This Day in History

September 2, 1969

Star Trek's final episode

Science-fiction television series Star Trek airs its last episode on this day. Although Star Trek ran for only three years (starting in 1966) and never placed better than No. 52 in the ratings, the show, starring William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy, became a cult classic and spawned four television series and nine movies.

September 2, 1945

Japan surrenders
Aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, Japan formally surrenders to the Allies, bringing an end to World War II.

September 2, 1885

Whites massacre Chinese in Wyoming Territory
On this day in 1885, 150 white miners in Rock Springs, Wyoming, brutally attack their Chinese coworkers, killing 28, wounding 15 others, and driving several hundred more out of town.

The miners working in the Union Pacific coal mine had been struggling to unionize and strike for better working conditions for years. But at every juncture the powerful railroad company had bested them. Searching for a scapegoat, the angry miners blamed the Chinese. The Chinese coal miners were hard workers, but the Union Pacific had initially brought many of them to Rock Springs as strikebreakers, and they showed little interest in the miners' union. Outraged by a company decision to allow Chinese miners to work the richest coal seams, a mob of white miners impulsively decided to strike back by attacking Rock Spring's small Chinatown. When they saw the armed mob approaching, most of the Chinese abandoned their homes and businesses and fled for the hills. But those who failed to escape in time were brutally beaten and murdered. A week later, on September 9, U.S. troops escorted the surviving Chinese back into the town where many of them returned to work. Eventually the Union Pacific fired 45 of the white miners for their roles in the massacre, but no effective legal action was ever taken against any of the participants.

Happy Labor Day

Tropical Storm warnings, Flash Flood warnings, Tornado warnings are all into play but I am enjoying vacation anyway. Hopefully you all are getting the day off and spending it with family and friends. Enjoy the day off!!

Quote of the Week

What does a Red Dragon do? - Zoltar Wormwood

Buckeye Recap

To no ones surprise the Bucks cruised in their season opener 43-0 over the Penguins from Youngstown State. Beanie Wells looked good until going down with the foot injury. I was surprised to see Pryor so soon in the first half but he looked ok for a freshman. I was lucky enough to have Siruis (?) Radio and get to listen to the game. It is storming pretty hard right now so I'll be brief with this. Hopefully Wells is able to sit out against Ohio U and get ready for USC. The Trojans looked pretty freaking good and I think OSU might have a long day in the Coliseum.

But since the Bucks won, football is back and Meechigan lost all is right with the world.

Game Day

Game One against Youngstown State. How much will we see from Pryor today? Will Beanie have a big day? I'm in Florida so hopefully it will be on TV and we will have no tropical storms or hurricanes. But it looks like it is on the dreaded Big Ten Network only so here is hoping for internet radio. Go Bucks!!!

In Alabama

Spending the night in Birmingham Alabama. It is hot and I am tired. Looks like Gustav is bearing North-northwest so it will hit some where between New Orleans and Houston. Hopefully we'll just have some big waves and a little rain. Out

Vacation

Well this trip has gotten off to a rough start with my son-in-law being hospitalized this past week in Florida with a blood clot in his lungs. This was supposed to be a nice relaxing trip but not sure what is up now. I'm not sure if I'll get to post any thing other than the pre-scheduled stuff while I am gone but feel free to put something up in my absence. Be back in a week!!

the guys from F.E.A.T.

by Caleb">

ahhh vacation

An American tradition. A blissful, peaceful time. As my family and I prepare to depart for the sunny, tropical shores of Florida's emerald coast we have been overcome with a very melancholy feeling. Yeah Right.

Countdown to Vacation (So far):

2 months ago - Youngest daughter transfers from Capital to Ohio State
6 weeks ago - Youngest daughter decides to go to Columbus State instead of Ohio State

Three weeks ago - Oldest daughter resigns from job
Three weeks ago - Youngest daughter decides to go to Nigeria to visit/work with missionary friends of ours
Two weeks ago - next to youngest daughter graduates from College (woo hoo)

T-8 days I go to the emergency room with minor (their words not mine) chest pains
T-7 Youngest daughter decide to forgo mission work. Is hired on a conditional basis by a professional womens basketball player to be her nanny as she plays in Sweden.
T-5 The first part of our group departs. Headlong into the remnants of Hurricane Fay
T-4 My son-in-law is taken to an emergency room in Florida with a blood clot in his lungs
T-3 Very long day filled with prayers and much waiting on news from the hospital. We finally do hear that he is doing better and moved from ICU to a step down unit.
T-2 7:45 am Our beater Toyota decides not to start as I am heading to my appointment with the cardiologist
T-2 5:30 pm Our Benz decides to quit running in the parking lot of Kroger. can't have it towed to the shop until in the morning
T-2 6:15 Son-in law is released from hospital (finally something good!!) Maybe things are looking up
T-2 Conditional contract falls through, basketball player does not sign with Swedish team. Looks like it is back to Nigeria
T-2 11:00 pm Decide to check weather.com for latest. Hello Gustav

I just can't wait to see what Thursday brings. I'm off to bed. Out

Bad Joke of the Week

Top Ten Signs Your DM is Too Easy

1. The red dragon suddenly develops a chest cold, and cannot use it's breath weapon.
2. Your party sneaks into the lich's secret dungeons. Luckily for them, the lich has been born-again, and sent all his undead minions off to do charity work for the poor.
3. The phrase "Oh geez, what do I need with another +5 vorpal longsword" is used during game play.
4. Your cleric is on a first name basis with his god, because of all the times the god has had to pop in to save the cleric's butt.
5. Any major city has at least one "Ressurect-a-matic" on every street corner.
6. All the city's guards are first level, and are easily spooked by the Flamefinger cantrip.
7. Bubba the Mighty, the most powerful and evil mage in the world, has a soft spot for fast-talking halflings. Instead of casting meteor swarm and annihilating the party, he decides to teleport away.
8. The party is dividing treasure. The fighter says "Ok, who wants the staff of the magi? Anybody? Anyone at all? Ok, we leave it leaning against a tree stump."
9. The DM uses a four sider to roll monster attacks.
10. The gods in your campaign worship the player characters.

The guys from F.E.A.T.

by Caleb">

Ohio Renaissance Festival

August 30 - October 19, 2008 - Saturdays & Sundays PLUS Labor Day September 1 - Open 10:30AM - 6:00PM, Rain or Shine

When We Going??????

I can get tickets, valid on any Saturday or Sunday, through Grange Insurance for $22.50 apiece. For this price you get in, an entree, a drink, a desert and 10% off a purchase. Seems like a good deal when you consider it costs $19.99 at the gate to walk in.

This Day in History

August 26, 1939 First televised Major League baseball game On this day in 1939, the first televised Major League baseball game is broadcast on station W2XBS, the station that was to become WNBC-TV. Announcer Red Barber called the game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn, New York. At the time, television was still in its infancy. Regular programming did not yet exist, and very few people owned television sets--there were only about 400 in the New York area.

By today's standards, the video coverage was somewhat crude. There were only two stationary camera angles: The first was placed down the third base line to pick up infield throws to first, and the second was placed high above home plate to get an extensive view of the field. It was also difficult to capture fast-moving plays: Swinging bats looked like paper fans, and the ball was all but invisible during pitches and hits. Nevertheless, the experiment was a success, driving interest in the development of television technology, particularly for sporting events.

The Reds won the first game of the double header 5-2 and the Dodgers won the nightcap 6-1.

Quote of the Week

“How did it get so late so soon?” - Dr. Seuss

The guys from F.E.A.T.

by Caleb">

The guys from F.E.A.T.

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Trying something new

The Guys from F.E.A.T by Caleb

This Day in History

August 23, 1989
Pete Rose gets booted from baseball

On this day in 1989, as punishment for betting on baseball, Cincinnati Reds manager Pete Rose accepts a settlement that includes a lifetime ban from the game. A heated debate continues to rage as to whether Rose, a former player who remains the game’s all-time hits leader, should be given a second chance.

Although gambling on a sport you play or coach is now considered unacceptable in nearly all levels of sport, it was relatively common among those connected with baseball in the early 20th century. Some of baseball’s most talented and well-known players, such as "Turkey" Mike Donlin and Hal Chase, as well as manager John McGraw, who publicly won $400 dollars when his New York Giants won the World Series in 1905, were often suspected of gambling on their own games. Chase was considered a dangerous man to have on a team because of his willingness to make extra money by dropping fly balls or misplaying first base. This all changed, however, after the White Sox purposefully lost the World Series in 1919 for a payoff from gambler Arnold Rothstein. Outraged, a group of baseball’s faithful--including American League Commissioner Ban Johnson, former player and manager Christy Matthewson and White Sox owner Charles Comiskey, among others--made it a priority to clean up the game and repair its reputation. Kenesaw Mountain Landis, a former federal judge, was hired as Major League Baseball’s first commissioner to crack down on corruption.

One of Landis’ first moves was to ban eight White Sox players found to be involved in the World Series betting scandal from the game for life, including Chase and "Shoeless" Joe Jackson, one of the greatest players in baseball history. Major League Baseball Rule 21(d) now states that a player faces a ban of one year for betting on any baseball game, and a lifetime ban for betting on his own team. In addition, signs posted prominently in every clubhouse remind players that gambling is not permitted.

It was known in baseball circles since the 1970s that Pete Rose had a gambling problem. Although at first he bet only on horse races and football games, allegations surfaced in early 1989 that Rose was not only betting on baseball, but on his own team. Major League Baseball Commissioner A. Bartlett Giamatti began an inquiry, and hired Washington lawyer John Dowd to head the investigation. Dowd compiled hundreds of hours of testimony from numerous sources that detailed Rose’s history of gambling on baseball while serving as the manager of the Cincinnati Reds, including betting on his own team.

Although Rose continued to proclaim his innocence, he was eventually persuaded to accept a settlement that included a lifetime ban from the game. At a subsequent press conference, Giamatti characterized Rose’s acceptance of the ban as a no-contest plea to the charges against him.

In 2004, after years of repeated denials, Rose published My Prison Without Bars, in which he finally confessed to gambling on the Reds, though he added that had always bet on the Reds to win. Because of the lifetime ban, Rose cannot work in Major League Baseball and, despite his stellar playing career, he is not eligible for the Hall of Fame.

It's never too early to plan

Mark your calendar for June 24-28, 2009 for Origins. If you are unfamiliar with Origins it is the smaller event that runs concurrently with JonCon

DragonCon

This looks like a good time and it might be a fun road trip we could make one year. Looks like it is always Labor Day week end which could be a conflict with those of you with young families. (although stuff like that never seemed to be when my kids were little)

Bad Joke of the Week

Famous Last Words

"Of course its evil, kill it!"

"It can't talk to us like that!"

"What do you mean?! How many hit points do I have?!"

"Was that thunder, or were you rolling damage?"

"No really. I can do this."

"You mean it was a GOOD dragon?"

"I'll steal the 20+ level mage's pouch."

"What the hell, there's six of us and only 5 type VI demons."

"A wish? Okay, genie, make me a ham sandwich."

"Hey, all I need is a two or better to save vs. poison."

"YO! Grendel! Your momma wears combat boots!"

"I dunno what a tarrasque is, but it can't be TOO tough."

"What do you mean, the dragon wakes up?"

"Wait! What's deathspell do?"

"Go ahead and drink it."

"I'll never surrender."

"It was a joke."

"Hey guys, where are you?"

"I mix the potions and drink."

technical difficulties

I'm having a problem with my pictures and ended up only half of what I thought I took.

But I did get this one

Quote of the Week

“If I were invited to a dinner party with my characters, I wouldn't show up."
- Dr. Seuss



I feel the same way about mine Doc

GenCon Lite

Just a quick note on the past week. While there were only three of us who made the trek to Indy this year we had a pretty good time. And only one of us got the honor, nay the privilege, of dying in the Tower of Gygax. I'll post more, with some pictures also, later.

Michael Phelps

Incredible effort by an incredible athlete. Kudos and well done sir. America thanks you!!

This Day in History

August 16, 1920, Cleveland Indians shortstop Ray Chapman is struck in the temple by a ball pitched by Carl Mays of the New York Yankees. He died 12 hours later. This was the first and only death to occur as the result of a pitched ball in major league history.

In recognition of the Tribe, and Ray Chapman, here are the ten steps to becoming a Tribe fan:


1. Review the history. Professional baseball is one of Cleveland's oldest traditions, going back nearly 140 years. Not only is The Tribe (nickname for the team) a charter American League Team, but the city has National League roots as well, so you have nearly a century and a half of rich baseball stories, facts, and records.

2. Learn the team. If you throw your Indians hat on while walking the streets, be prepared to talk Tribe: know the rosters, the standings, the stat. leaders. Don't look like an idiot and be caught off guard, baseball fans can't play it dumb.

3. Follow the team. Nothing makes being a fan easier then following the team throughout the season, you'll catch the trades, stats, and scores by simply listening. If you prefer radio, tune to WTAM 1100. If you like TV you'll want the STO network. If you don't live in the Great Lakes region get yourself an XM.

4. Get out to the ballpark. Nothing will bring your family closer together and closer to the Tribe then taking them to Progressive Field (formerlly Jacob's Field), it's a family friendly venue, but with a blue collar touch.

5. Learn the lingo:
* The Tribe - The well accepted Indians' nickname, it saves breath, saves ink, and saves the city from Native American lawsuits.
* The Jake - Jacob's Field, "Magic at the corner of Carnegie and Ontario" is the beautiful home of the Tribe. Though the name was recently changed to Progressive Field, many fans still refer to it as Jacob's Field, and you will still be understood if you say "The Jake." For now, at least.
* Chief Wahoo - You know that racially incorrect red-faced native with the goofy smile on your hat? His name is Chief Wahoo, and he's been in the family for over 50 years.
* Bob Feller/Herb Score - Not only were these guys dominating pitchers for the Tribe, but they're kind of like the team and fan's adoptive grandpas. They can be seen at games, and have been loyal to the city since their playing days.
* Slider - He's... She's... It's that pink thing that dances on the dugouts between innings.
* Hammy - AKA Tom Hamilton, Radio voice for the Tribe, best known for, "SWING AND A DRIVE, WAAAAAAAY BACK, GONE!!!"
* Paul Hoynes - This guy has been trying to answer Tribe fan's questions for years with the Plain Dealer, no one thinks he knows what he's talking about. Hey Hoynes! No offense, we love you anyway.
* Terry Pluto and Bud Shaw - These Tribe beat writers are about as opposite as you can get, if these guys were movies, Pluto would be Field of Dreams, and Shaw would be Bull Durham. Pluto writes for a hopeful future, and a past of curses and magic moments. Shaw writes with about as much sunshine in his heart as a winter in Cleveland. Both get the facts straight, Both are knowledgeable, pick one from the other based on your personal taste.
* John Adams - You know that pounding you hear during Tribe at bats, or with two strikes on the batter? It all starts in the bleachers with John and his drum. He's been pounding away in the bleacher seats at every game since 1973.

6. Purchase a starter kit. Get yourself a hat, shirt, wall pennant, and bumper sticker.

7. Learn the stories. Baseball is rich with amazing and sometimes funny stories and The Tribe has their share as well. You can learn them through talking to other fans, or by reading some great Indians literature, here's a few good titles:
* Our Tribe by Terry Pluto ISBN 188622871X
* Curse of Rocky Colavito by Terry Pluto ISBN 0684804158
* Dealing by Terry Pluto ISBN 1598510223
* Endless Summers, The Fall and Rise of the Cleveland Indians by Jack Torry ISBN 0912083980

8. Learn the rivals. The tribes biggest long-time rivals include:
* Yankees
* Twins
* Tigers
* White Sox
* Reds.

9. Learn the flukes and and then avoid these topics when drinking with Tribe fans:
* Willy Mays' "The Catch" 1954 World Series
* All the bad trades including, Colovito, Maris, Eckersley, Tommy John, Nettles, Buddy Bell (who is now manager for the Royals), just to name a few.
* Game 7 of '97 World Series
* The 1987 Sports Illustrated Cover
* The Strike shortened '94 season
* The 1993 Spring Training boating accident
* Ray Chapman's Death
* Herb Score's eye
* The 2005 collapse, and the Coco Crisp trade

10. Learn the glory. Every fan should know these victories:
* 1920, 1948 World Champions
* '20, '48, '54, '95, '97 American League Champions
* '95, '96, '97, '98, '99, '01, '07 Central Division Champions (Division Record)
* 455 Consecutive Sellouts (MLB Record)
* First AL African American Player - Larry Doby
* First MLB African American Manager - Frank Robinson
* Greatest single game comeback in baseball history-August 5th 2001
1.
* American League Charter Member Est. 1901
* 14 Hall of Famer's based on time with Cleveland. 26 if you count any association, however brief.
* Retired Numbers:
o 455-The Fans
o 19-Feller
o 14-Doby
o 3-Averill
o 21-Lemon
o 18-Harder
o 5-Boudreau

The King is Dead, Long Live the King

Elvis Presley died on 16 August 1977 at his home Graceland in Memphis. His body was found by is girlfriend, Ginger Alden in Elvis body in the bathroom and summoned Joe Esposito & Al Strada and Dr Nichopoulos. All efforts to revive Elvis were futile. Elvis had probably been dead for many hours by the time his body was found. Elvis had not gone to bed at his customary time, between six and seven am. At about 2.30pm the Memphis Fire Department rescue unit arrive at Graceland who rush seven mile to the Baptist Memorial Hospital. Elvis was pronounced "dead on arrival" after an 30 minute attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation. He was pronounced clinically dead at on the steps of the Baptist Hospital, Memphis. Elvis Aaron Presley was pronounced dead at 3.30pm on the 16 August 1977 by his physician, Dr. George Nichopoulos.

Bad Joke of the Week

Top Ten Signs You Pissed Off the Villagers

1. The "interesting new stew" you've been served at the inn smells suspiciously like sewage.
2. One ripe apple at the market place costs more than your last spellbook.
3. They're building a gallows outside of your room at the inn. They try to tell you that it's "modern art".
4. One of them asks you for a donation for the "Hire Some Thugs to Kill the Adventurers" fund.
5. Someone glued a spike to your saddle.
6. At bed time, your goose-down pillow explodes. The innkeeper says that the pillow was made from the feathers of very angry geese.
7. People keep providing you with gifts of horses, and maps out of town.
8. The mayor declares a special "Murder of Foreigners is No Longer Illegal" day, in your honour.
9. Arrows keep appearing in the dirt at your feet. Local villagers shake their head, and claim that they are fast-growing weeds.
10. The villagers hire a band of trolls to rid their town of adventurers.

Ready or Not GenCon here we come

We will be converging on Indy this week to participate in the biggest nerd fest anywhere. With all of the problems GenCon has had this year we'll see how it goes. Hopefully we can find some cool new games.

I know it is a stupid picture but I liked it.

Gone to GenCon

I am heading out this morning for Indy. I am really looking forward to being able to go full tilt (or at least close to it) this time. Looking back at JonCon I think I was around 50-60 % and got tired pretty easy. We'll see how this goes.

Well met Adventurers, well met.

And then it was done

I finished my cardiac rehab yesterday. Hard to believe it has been 12 weeks since I started the rehab program and four months and one week since I had the heart attack. Thanks for the support and prayers guys, I really appreciate it.

Swimming Relay Gold Medal

Incredible race yesterday with the USA winning at the last possible inch.

U-S-A- U-S-A

Quote of the Week

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not.” - Dr. Seuss

Still looking for some help

I am participating in a fund raiser for Muscular Dystrophy that culminates in my "arrest" on August 19th. If you would want to help post my bail and contribute to a good cause you can do so by going here. Thanks

The Games of the 29th Olympiad

I guess Mexico City was the first games I remember.

I realize there is a lot of behind the scenes politicking going on but wouldn't it be nice if seeing what country does the best would be the world's biggest problem. And is there a more stirring song than the Olympic Theme? And has there ever been a better host for big sporting events than Bob Costas?

I can't help but feel that there will be something happening during these games like in 72. Also, with the rash of natural disasters that have hit China in recent years I'd hate to see something like that happen either.

Mourning an old friend

Hard to believe that it has been around 5 months since the White Dragon was taken from us. But it is time to move on and help the Sage of Southwood, our own beloved Keithstradamus, to find a replacement dragon.

Pray to the deity of your choice and let's see if providence provides a new dragon for him.

I need your character sheets

I am working on an adventure for the next time we can get together to play. I'd like to run something with the Pirates of Saltmarsh group but I have no idea of your characters. Email me their numbers and I'll put something together.

This Day in History

On August 9, 1974, Richard Nixon resigned as the 37th President of the United States. He was replaced minutes later when Gerald Ford was sworn in as the 38th President.

On August 9, 1969, The Manson Cult murdered actress Sharon Tate and several others. Charles Manson was caught, convicted and imprisoned, where he remains to this day.

On August 9, 1945, The United States dropped "Fat Man" the atomic bomb that was detonated over Nagasaki, Japan. The war in the Pacific ended when Japan announced its surrender one week later on August 15th and officially ended on September 2 when the formal treaty was signed.


Not one of my favorite days

Eldest and Brisingr

These are the sequels to Eragon by Christopher Paolini. Eldest is available now and Brisingr will be out near the end of September. Hopefully these will be as good as the first was and any movies will follow the same path. I think I am going to pick up Eldest to read on the long, lonely bus ride home from Indy.

It is almost here

Looks like the MegaBus idea fell through due to circumstances beyond our control. Durwaine and Keithstradamus are not going to be able to attend this year so I will be going solo in representing Cbus. Stevo (who needs a nickname) and I will be driving over Wednesday and I'll be coming back by myself via the bus on Friday. The Wallet Draining Lich will be there sometime as well.

My only concern is falling asleep on the bus like that guy in Canada.

Bad Joke of the Week

Top Ten spells that never made it

1. Berman's Death-to-the-Caster.
2. Power word, Fart.
3. Gelatinous Shell (immediately surrounds the caster in a gelatinous cube).
4. Safe Fall (like feather fall, but makes you weigh as much as a 12 ton bank vault).
5. Polymorph Udder (a highly specialized spell which only affects female cattle).
6. Stinking Klaus (summons a fat, smelly German business man, who chases your enemies while eating an Oktoberfest sausage and belching).
7. Magnetskin (a variation of stoneskin - makes the caster's skin magnetic, giving all metallic weapons a +10 bonus to hit).
8. Meatier Swarm (large chunks of ground chuck rain to the ground).
9. Polymorph Any Omelet.
10. Fireballs (sets the target's testicles on fire - very effective, but a bit too kinky for TSR).

Quote of the Week

“Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.” - Dr. Seuss

This Day in History

"Wild Bill" Hickok, one of the greatest gunfighters of the American West, is murdered in Deadwood, South Dakota.

Born in Illinois in 1837, James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok first gained notoriety as a gunfighter in 1861 when he coolly shot three men who were trying to kill him.

In the spring of 1876, Hickok arrived in the Black Hills mining town of Deadwood, South Dakota. There he became a regular at the poker tables of the No. 10 Saloon, eking out a meager existence as a card player. On this day in 1876, Hickok was playing cards with his back to the saloon door. At 4:15 in the afternoon, a young gunslinger named Jack McCall walked into the saloon, approached Hickok from behind, and shot him in the back of the head. Hickok died immediately. McCall tried to shoot others in the crowd, but amazingly, all of the remaining cartridges in his pistol were duds. McCall was later tried, convicted, and hanged.

Hickok was only 39 years old when he died. The most famous gunfighter in the history of the West died with his Smith & Wesson revolver in his holster, never having seen his murderer. According to legend, Hickok held a pair of black aces and black eights when he died, a combination that has since been known as the Dead Man's Hand.

Happy August

hard to believe it is August already. This summer has gone by pretty quick, I guess when you are doing cardiac rehab all spring/summer time slips away from you.

Bad Joke of the Week

Paladin's and Mercy Killings

What would a paladin do?

Paladin of Tymora: I'll flip a coin. Tails you live and head you lose yours.
Paladin of Sune: I won't kill you but if you'd like one last *wink*nod*wink* then stand at the back of the line.
Paladin of Cyric: It would be my honor. *kill* *raises as undead*
Paladin of Torm: You DARE to abandon your post? Torm strike you down coward! *kill*
Paladin of Loviatar: Hold that thought; here are some nice Orc gentlemen I wanted you to meet.
Paladin of Waukeen: What's it worth to ya?
Paladin of Mask: Well I dunno.. LOOK OVER THERE! *Backstab, rifle through coinpurse*
Paladin of Oghma: *First recites a summation of this thread, complete with cross-indexed references and legal precedences from 3 planes, citing various previous Paladins and dieties and the various and sundry means by which such an act could be accomplished and justified then stops as the orc horde falls over from boredom and blinks owlishly* "I'm sorry, what was the question again?"

Quote of the Week

“It does not do to leave a live dragon out of your calculations, if you live near him.”

J.R.R. Tolkien

I need Your Help

I am participating in a fund raiser for Muscular Dystrophy that culminates in my "arrest" on August 19th. If you would want to help post my bail and contribute to a good cause you can do so by going here. Thanks

This Day in History

On July 26 1775, Ben Franklin established our Postal system. So, in honor of that, here are the top ten ways the Post Office will spend the profits from the increase in postage:

10. Hire consultants to figure out how to plan next rate hike.
9. Find new and better ways to lose our nation's mail.
8. Stamps the size of door mats!
7. Face lift for Mr. Zip.
6. Commemorative stamp collection featuring President Clinton and all of his mistresses.
5. Lobby to put a mailman on Mount Rushmore.
4. Battery-operated vibrating mail bags.
3. Special stamp glue that gives you a three hour buzz.
2. Retain the services of Robert Shapiro.
And the number one way to spend the profit....

1. Ammo! Ammo! Ammo!

Historicon 08

Brother Palmer went to this event and said it was pretty cool, especially if you are into historical miniatures and gaming of that nature. It looks like price wise it is pretty reasonable, $15 for one day. Stevo said the exhibit hall was huge so that is always a plus. It looks like there are gaming sessions and also seminars we could attend. Maybe next year we can go as a group and then go camp and tour Gettysburg. The dates for next year are Thursday July 16 through Sunday July 19 so let's mark the calendar now boys. We'll be expecting a full report, including pictures, when Stevo returns. I wonder if he had any unexpected guests over there?

Bad Joke of the Week

Why do dwarves have such big nostrils?

Look at the size of their fingers!!

Oven Stone Pizzeria

Kudos go out to our boy BJ. He has opened his pizza shop, Oven Stone Pizzeria on Columbus' Southeast side. This, my brothers, is a truly outstanding pizza. I can't wait until we can all venture out together to enjoy this. Well met and well done BJ!!!

Quote of the Week

“All that is gold does not glitter; not all those that wander are lost.”

J.R.R. Tolkien

The Dark Knight

This morning I went and saw the much awaited, much ballyhooed new Batman movie, The Dark Knight. A movie with a cast of Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, Gary Oldman and others shouldn't suck. And it didn't.

First a quick word about the Joker, played brilliantly by Heath Ledger. I went to this movie prepared to see an over rated, over hyped performance by Ledger. I was wrong. Heath's Joker is a terrorist who is creepy and scary, and at times sadly funny. The crowd laughed at scenes I'm not so sure were intended to be funny. But there were two different scenes where the crowd loses it with the delivery of one word by the Joker. Like they say timing is everything. The Joker represents a lot of things that are currently wrong with America and the world. There have been enough commentaries about the premature death of such a fine actor so I don't want this to be another. But what a waste of life and God given talent. He will be missed.

Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman show you exactly what screen studs they are as they play their roles brilliantly. Gary Oldman's Lt. Gordon is a truly virtuous character, a paladin of sorts, amidst a sea of corruption. And his closing monologue will more than likely give you goose bumps and raise the hair on the back of your neck. Kudos to the writers for including the names of some early comic book adversaries with the crime families.

I really think this is better than Ironman, which I thought was easily the best Super Hero flick to date. This movie is action packed from the minute it starts. There are some incredible stunts, great camera work and fine performances to be enjoyed and they far out weigh the over indulgent scenes which will remind you of the earlier Batman movies. We didn't stay until the credits were over so I'm not sure if there are any hidden gems or not. (Update-- No hidden scenes)

This movie takes you on an emotional thrill ride that lasts the entire movie and I can't wait for the next film that caps off this trilogy. I'm not sure if they will go with Catwoman, Riddler, Penguin or some other Super Villian for the next one but whoever it is I'm sure it will be awesome, although they did throw out a Cat reference. The only thing this movie was missing was a really hot temptress so we will have that to look forward to in the next one.

DC Comics certainly answered the bell with this movie. After Marvel dominated the big screen recently this is more than a nice little come back, it is a catapult to the top of the heap. DC needs to build on this momentum and keep cranking out the great work. I will go see this one again and so should you. Grab an Adventurer and say "Here... we...go" to see the best comic book movie ever. He is our silent protector, our vigilant watchman, The Dark Knight.

I give it 5 Floyd's only because I can't give it 6.

Gen Con and Mega Bus

It looks like we will be riding Mega Bus to Gen Con. All we need to do now is figure out when we will be leaving and returning. The good thing is the bus drops us off right at the convention center. The bad news is we are limited to one bag and one carry on, so no rolling TSR libraries will be going with us. But we should be able to take a lot of card games. I have been working on an adventure for newbies so maybe I will bring that if you guys want to try to play on the bus. If we do that just bring a set of dice and I will provide the characters. Let me know what you guys all think about this as we will probably need to purchase tickets soon.

Oh Crap or Can't Smile Without You

Durwaine, Keithstradamus and I went to see Hellboy 2 the other night. It was a really good adventurers movie and very fun to watch. Ron Perlman plays Hellboy perfectly and wise cracks his way through the flick. Hellboy is a pretty tough demon hero from Hell who loves Kittens and always wants to save the world from the "bad" guys and always with a great disdain for anonymity while wielding Big Baby.

There are some pretty cool special effects, especially with the miniatures and puppets, in this movie and some that might turn up next time I DM. Selma Blair is really hot in her role as Liz Sherman, I mean hot!! Hellboy is a pretty tough, cigar chomping, demon hero from Hell who loves kittens and always wants to save the world from the "bad" guys. His side kick from the BPRD (Bureau of Paranormal Research and Defense) acts like a cross between Spock and C3PO, aqua creature Abe played by Doug Jones (who was the body of the Silver Surfer). Guillermo del Toro does a great job with both the story and directing this comic book movie sequel.

The comic book genre is kicking ass this summer with Iron Man, Hulk, Hancock and Hellboy 2. Next up is Friday's release of the Dark Knight sequel.

Oh Crap, go see this flick. I give it 4 Floyds.

Adventurers Pizza Run

Calling all Adventurers!! When we next gather in Cbus, we will have a new pizza place to assault. Our very own Zoltar (know to the real world as B.J. Freese) has opened Oven Stone Pizzeria south east of Eastland Mall. He has promised Adventurer's discounts with a special message for the Wallet Draining Lich; refills will be free!! If you have never had some of Zoltar's pizza you are in for quite the treat. There will be a friends and family preview on Sunday July 20th (which includes all of us)so if you don't make it out for that I'll post a full report, with pictures, on Monday morning to fill you in. Congratulations Zoltar!

To read the article scroll down until you see "Family pizza"

Quote of the Week

“There is nothing like looking, if you want to find something. You certainly usually find something, if you look, but it is not always quite the something you were after.”

J.R.R. Tolkien

King's Island

It has been pretty hectic with rehab and VBS following up JonCon and Origins. Will be posting more on Gen Con soon. We took our clan to King's Island Sunday. I couldn't ride the coasters but had a great time.

Quote of the Week

“To die will be an awfully big adventure.” - Aristotle

Hancock

I went and saw Hancock before the fireworks tonight. I really wasn't sure what to expect based on the previews and trailers I had seen. I have to be honest and saw it was better than I expected. Most Super Hero movies are pretty predictable but Hancock has some nice little twists. To say Hancock is a flawed hero is to say Gary's D&D characters are always a little passive in battle. Charlize Theron, who isn't one of my favorites, actually comes off as pretty hot in a few scenes.


This movie has some really funny scenes in it and over all it flows pretty well. There is something to be said for a Super Hero that is flawed like the rest of us. The sound track is pretty cool and has a wide range of genres. There is also a nice little twist in the plot that adds another side to the movie but they tip their hand if you are paying attention. Go see it and enjoy. I give it 3 Floyd's.

America

Happy July 4th.

As we gather with our friends and families let us take time to remember what has set this beloved Country apart from others through out history. It is our faith, and belief, that all men and women are created equal, that all men and women have certain unalienable rights. And while we don't always show it, especially to our fellow Americans, we are a Nation of God fearing, God loving people who believe, and act on the belief, that we should help a neighbor when he is in need, to give to make life better for others, to serve and protect the rights of the lesser. We take action to insure that the rights of the one are as valued as the rights of the many. We extend our strong right hand to other nations when they need it, often when they don't want it, not because we expect something in return but because we believe that we should love our neighbor and help our fellow men and women.

As we go to our picnics and parties, eww, ohh and ahh over the fireworks, and celebrate the birth of this great nation let us give thanks to our Creator for allowing us to live in the greatest country in history.