Buckeye Recap

Whew! Terrelle Pryor and Chris "Beanie" Wells led the Bucks to a last minute win over Wisconsin 20-17. Beanie, who really didn't carry the ball that much ran for 168 and Pryor led a last minute drive and rolled 11 yards into the end zone with 1:08 left. The defense held firm and picked off a pass on the Badger's final possession. I'm sure Tressel loved that type of game but I am convinced he is trying to kill me. Go Bucks

Game Night

on Friday evening a group of us went up to Westerville and played some games at the Columbus Area Boardgamers event. After eating way too much at Thurman's we went up and tried our hand at 4-5 different games. It was nice to be able to play somewhere away from a kitchen or basement for a change. We had plenty of room and they had a bunch of different games we could check out to play. Good times when ever we can all get together. Thanks to the High Counselor of Norwalk for making a road trip down to join us. The Wallet Draining Lich was doing the obligitory family weekend camping trip so he missed out on some good times. Of course it isn't like he really camps with a tent or anything. He has one of those fancy rolling hotel rooms complete, I am sure, with a very comfortable bathroom.

Game Day

This week brings us the Wisconsin Badgers. Wisconsin is coming off of a painful loss to Michigan in the Big House. The Badgers couldn't move the ball with any consistency and failed to fully take advantage of 5 first half turnovers scoring only 19 points. That being said Madison, at night, is a tough place to play. The crowd is rowdy and mean. Tressel is only 2-3 against the Badgers, including 1-1 at Camp Randall. Make sure you stay tuned in between the third and fourt quarters to watch the stadium go crazy and "Jump" as it is one of the cooler things you see other places do.

This will be a very tough game for Ohio State but I think with an almost healthy Beanie, the quickness of Pryor and a big effort from the defense the Buckeyes will get through 28-20.

Bad Joke of the Week

What do you call a boomerang that doesn't work?
A stick.

This Day in History

September 30, 1955


On this day in 1955, movie star James Dean dies at age 24 in a car crash on a California highway. Dean was driving his Porsche 550 Spyder, nicknamed "Little Bastard," headed to a car race in Salinas, California, with his mechanic Rolf Wuetherich, when they were involved in a head-on collision with a car driven by a 23-year-old college student named Donald Turnaspeed. Dean was taken to Paso Robles War Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 5:59 p.m. Wuetherich, who was thrown from the car, survived the accident and Turnaspeed escaped with minor injuries. No charges were ever filed against him.

Quote of the Week

To die will be an awfully big adventure.

J.M. BARRIE, Peter Pan

Friday October 3

I can't wait until Friday at 3:00 when we gather for a ritualistic meal at Thurman's in Columbus. Let the eating, and gaming, begin!!

Buckeye Recap

A pretty good three quarters work in a 34-21 victory over Minnesota. Tressel, as always, called off the dogs in the second half, getting a lot of people, 66, into the game. Terrelle Pryor rushed for 97 yards and two touchdowns while throwing for another. Beanie Wells made his return and looked pretty good. He made an incredible leaping move over a Minnesota player and looks like he will be getting back to full speed soon. He was a bit rusty and a bit gimpy but was wearing a seriously cumbersome pair of shoes. He carried 14 times for 108 yards. Next up are the Wisconsin Badgers in a scary night game at Madison.

Looks like it will be an exciting year for upsets as Number 1 USC, Number 3 Georgia, Number 4 Florida, and number 8 Wisconsin all lost this week end.

Go Bucks!!

Never Leave Your Partner Behind

We went to see the newest movie from Sherwood Church called Fireproof. These are the same people that produced Facing the Giants a few years ago. that movie was made for $100,000 and made ten million. This time they spent $500,000 and I'd be willing to guess it brings in at least 25 million this weekend alone. The movie stars Kirk Cameron from the Growing Pains TV show. He has a pretty impressive Christian witness that you can read about here.

The church behind the movie, Sherwood Baptist Church has a very impressive outreach program and are really involved in making quality family films and the Kendrick brothers are being called the Christian Coen brothers. This movie will make you laugh, think, sit on the edge of your seat and reflect on your own relationship in two hours. I give it 4 Floyds not because of the great acting or great lines but because of the great message. It was nice to see a movie like this in the theater. Guys, go see this one with your wives.

Game Day

The Season starts today. The Big Ten opens against Minnesota and the road to the Rose Bowl (and maybe beyond) begins here today. The Gophers come in 4-0 averaging 36 points per game. They haven't played a real tough schedule but it is rated #25 by these guys. In comparison Ohio State is rated #4 behind Georgia, Michigan and Baylor.

Pryor should have a big game today and I look for Boom or Beanie, maybe both, to go over 100 yards rushing. Pryor has a very deceptive strong arm so look for at least 4 long balls today. He might not complete them but look for him to throw them. I'm still worried that the "D" is still too much of a work in progress and will give up a few big plays. The point spread is OSU by 19. Take the Bucks to cover.

My prediction is Ohio State 38 Minnesota 14.

Go Bucks!

The Mighty Have Fallen

Oregon State has beaten the greatest college team of all time, the 2008 USC Trojans 27-21 in Corvallis Oregon. The Beavers led early and had to hang on big time. USC tried an onside kick with 1:18 left to seal it. Jacquizz Rodgers carried 37 times for 186 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Wonder what a healthy Beanie would have done against the Trojan Gods?

Bad Joke of the Week

What type of jewelry does a dragon like best?

Theirs.

3 months to Christmas Eve

You better watch out!!

Hobbit Day

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE HOBBITS AROUND THE SHIRE & MIDDLE EARTH

HAPPY BIRTHDAY,
DEAR HOBBIT & FRIEND.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY,
MAY THE FUN NEVER END.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY,
DEAR ...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY,
DEAR HOBBIT & FRIEND.

- Marc Gunn, of the Brobdingnagian Bards

Concerning Proper Birthday Gifts and the Giving Thereof

by Daisy Brambleburr of Bindbale Wood

As readers of Professor Tolkien's immortal THE HOBBIT and THE LORD OF THE RINGS will know, hobbits do not receive gifts on their birthdays. Instead, we freely GIVE gifts--in the long run, this works out better for everyone involved, as you give gifts once a year, but are practically guaranteed to receive at least one a week every week of the year. We like that.

Appropriate gifts range in stature from a simple card with a birthday greeting for a passing acquaintance to lavish imported oddities for your nearest and dearest. Some have expressed puzzlement on how to categorize recipients and levels of gift to give. Here are some guidelines:

Your Postman/Banker/Inn Keeper/Favorite Barmaid/etc : In the case of service personnel not specifically related to you, but of which you are fond, the birthday greeting card (with perhaps a birthday song folded around a single gold coin for the REALLY special ones) is considered good form. These say "Happy Birthday to Me" without being overly pretentious.

Your Relatives Below Fourth-Cousin and all Removes : For those distant relations who you feel obligated to acknowledge but do not know very well--or particularly like--it is appropriate to recycle the least favorite birthday gifts that you have received in the previous year. If possible, refrain from giving them back the gift they gave to you on THEIR birthday, but it is not something to worry overly about, as they probably gave the same thing to everyone they knew.

Your Relatives Between First and Third Cousins : Now, we are starting to get to the gifts that require a bit more thought and generosity. Here, you should keep in mind the personality of the intended recipient, and try to find something that matches their personal tastes. It is still appropriate to give a gift that you have received but do not care for, but it should be something that you feel the one you are giving it to will enjoy better than you did. For example--that lovely handcarved musical instrument that you are too tone deaf to play would be a wonderful gift for your cousin Dandelion who shows a real aptitude (but make a birthday song a stipulation--that way you both get something to enjoy.)

Your Immediate Family : Be prepared to provide new gifts for your siblings and offspring. It is only polite. These gifts should at the very least be purchased from Bywater or Bree, as there should be some sense of the exotic to them. Again, bear the personality of the recipient in mind. The amount spent on each gift is a good way to show whether or not a family member is in favor at the moment.

Your Spouse or Sweetheart : This is the single most important gift of all. It should be as lavish and spectacular as you can possibly make it--because you want the same in return. Something that they will definitely not want to give to a fourth cousin next birthday.

Quote of the Week

"I don’t know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve." - Bilbo Baggins

Yankee Stadium

Today is the last game in Yankee Stadium and it truly is the end of an era. I am not a Yankee fan but this is a bit of a sad moment. Major League Baseball, in my opinion, made a huge mistake not ending the season with the Yankees at home. The game will be on tonight on ESPN at 8:00 PM and I'm sure it will be worth watching just for the clips, interviews, ghosts and memories. If you get a chance to pick up this weeks Sports Illustrated you should. There is a great article about the Stadium in there. You can read it here

Buckeye Recap

Starting at Quarterback... number 2... Terrell Pryor. I'm pretty sure, baring injury, we will be hearing that announcement for the next three seasons. While Pryor wasn't perfect out there he certainly showed enough to help get some excitement back. Pryor threw for four touchdowns, which caught me a bit off guard. His line looked like this:

10 for 16, 141 yards 4 TD's. He threw one meaningless interception on a Hail Mary right before the half.

He also had 62 yards rushing. I'm just happy having a win, some excitement about the team and some hope for the rest of the season. That being said they need to keep improving since the Big 10 season starts next week. Bring on the Gophers

Game Day

It is The Men of Troy, part deux.



Bad news from the Dispatch:

Ohio State tailback Chris "Beanie" Wells has seen improvement in his injured right foot, but he will miss his third straight game Saturday.

Coach Jim Tressel yesterday said Wells' foot responded much better to back-to-back practices this week than it did last week, but said Wells still wasn't "functionally ready" to play.

Tressel would not put a timetable on Wells' return to action, either.

"He's got to be able to function at the Beanie level," he said.

Wells suffered the injury Aug. 30 against Youngstown State, on his 13th carry of the season. The junior from Akron was considered one of several preseason Heisman Trophy hopefuls, but that chance now has evaporated.

"Gosh, I hope that's not forefront in his mind," Tressel said. "My experience with Beanie is what's most important to him is when will he be back to help his team. Those other things, yeah, they're goals, and I hope they are, but they're not in the forefront."


Troy is not a bad team. They might be better than Ohio University. Ohio State needs to step up and be Ohio State. They can not afford to lose three games before they settle on a quarterback like they did in 2004 when they lost three in a row (Northwestern in OT on the road, Wisconsin at home, and Iowa on the road. They lost later that season at Purdue and easily could have lost in week two to Marshall. That type of season (8-4 with 2 close calls and a bowl game win over Kansas State)will not be acceptable.

I like the Bucks, in a game that will be closer than the final score, 31-17. I think this will be the coming out party for Mr. Pryor.

**** Kick Off Update**** Pryor gets the start and Mike Brewster starts at center. 1st time in OSU history a true freshman has started at both center and quarterback!!!!

Ahoy Mateys. Parlay?

Avast me hearties. tis talk like a Pirate Day. Grab some booty and give us yer best arrrrrrr

Bad Joke of the Week

Long ago, when sailing ships ruled the waves, a captain and his crew were in danger of being boarded by a pirate ship. As the crew became frantic, the captain bellowed to his First Mate, "Bring me my red shirt!". The First Mate quickly retrieved the captain's red shirt, which the captain put on and lead the crew to battle the pirate boarding party. Although some casualties occurred among the crew, the pirates were repelled.

Later that day, the lookout screamed that there were two pirate vessels sending boarding parties. The crew cowered in fear, but the captain calm as ever bellowed, "Bring me my red shirt!". The battle was on, and once again the Captain and his crew repelled both boarding parties, although this time more casualties occurred.

Weary from the battles, the men sat around on deck that night recounting the day's occurrences when an ensign looked to the Captain and asked, "Sir, why did you call for your red shirt before the battle?". The Captain, giving the ensign a look that only a captain can give, exhorted, "If I am wounded in battle, the red shirt does not show the wound and thus, you men will continue to fight unafraid". The men sat in silence marveling at the courage of such a man.

As dawn came the next morning, the lookout screamed that there were pirate ships, 10 of them, all with boarding parties on their way. The men became silent and looked to their Captain for his usual command. The Captain, calm as ever, bellowed, "Bring me my brown pants!!

This Day in History 9-16-1988

Tom Browning of the Reds pitches Major League Baseball's 12th Perfect game.In what is one of the best pitched games of all time the Reds defeat the Dodgers 1-0 in Riverfront Stadium.

Dodgers pitcher Tim Belcher goes the distance for the Dodgers allowing only 3 hits, while striking out 7, and allowing only an unearned run to score. This game was delayed almost 3 hours by rain and then only took 1 hour and 51 minutes to play. You can see the boxscore here.

And how does a great day in Reds history get honored? With a special anniversary bobblehead night. That's right tonight is the Mr. Perfect 20th Anniversary Bobblehead Night. Ugh

Quote of the Week II

"When we walked in at halftime, nobody was saying anything," Boone said. "I mean, what the (heck), we're Ohio State -- we should be screaming and swearing and saying everything evil you can think of.

"And guys are hanging their heads, and you don't know what to say to them. You try screaming, and they just put their head down even more. We can't play like that, and if we play like that the rest of the season, we won't be anything." - Senior Tackle Alex Boone after the drubbing at USC.

Quote of the Week

“Life's pretty good, and why wouldn't it be? I'm a pirate, after all.” - Cap'n Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp)

Buckeye Game Fest IX

Announcing the Buckeye Game Fest IX, Thursday, October 2nd thru Sunday the 5th 2008 at the Ramada Columbus North, I-270 Exit 27, 6767 Schrock Hill Court, Columbus, OH, 43229

Oct 2-5. Looks like Board games, Block games, no Wallet Draining Lich and maybe some D&D? Should be fun.

Buckeye Recap

Another
Buckeye
Catastrophe


No Beanie, No Offense, No Win.

Ugh. As in Ugly. A 35-3 spanking handed down by USC which is clearly the best team in the US of A at this point. Pray they don't have their usual late PAC 10 choke this year because I don't want to see them in the Rose Bowl. The Road to Miami probably does a 180 and heads for Pasedena.

Ohio State managed only 207 total yards of offense and only two drives of longer than 40 yards, and one of those was in the first quarter when they scored their field goal. In the second half our best drive was 6 plays for 15 yards that 'consumed' 3:18 off the clock and that was our last possession of the game. In the second half we had 25 yards of total offense. Throw in 10 penalties and it was a very painful game. I expect to see wholesale changes in personnel next week. And I expect to see Ohio State do something they very rarely do. Come out and be the more physical team on the field. What was the lone bright spot of the day you may ask? Michigan lost again.

Righteous Kill

I went to see Righteous Kill this morning. I went in thinking this movie could not suck with two of our generations greatest actors, Pacino and DeNiro, in it and I was right. These two guys played off each other extremely well and both make you appreciate what they have done over the course of their careers. This movie has a great cast and is a pretty dark psychological thriller. Go See it. I can't say much other than pay attention to detail in this one. I give it 4 Floyd's. (3 just for DeNiro and Pacino)

Game Day

The Men of Troy. This could be Hogan or the Goat boys. It should be a hell of a game all set up for a prime time showdown. Hopefully Beanie's toe will allow him to play enough to keep us in the game. Break out the history books as I'm sure we will see Archie, OJ, Woody, John McKay and some great clips.

note --- Beanie has been ruled out and this could be a long game for the Bucks.

Talk Like a Pirate Day

One week from today is International Talk Like a Pirate Day. Grab your hooks, peg legs (not that pegleg Wallet Draining Lich) and favorite wench and enjoy the day

9-11

It is hard to believe that it was seven years ago today that the horrible attacks took place. This was our generations Pearl Harbor. It was the day most of us will never forget, the day that we lost our innocence. Lest we forget, may we always remember.

Bad Joke of the Week

What's a horny pirate's worst nightmare?

A sunken chest with no booty!

Fireproof -

This is another faith based movie by the people who brought you Facing the Giants. In order to keep Hollywood making good Christian movies we must support them in the theatres. I know we are taking a group from out church to see this on its opening week end and I would encourage you to do the same. It opens on September 26th.

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.

by Caleb">

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