City of Heroes News!!

SEATTLE, Washington - May 12, 2009 - NCsoft®, the world's premier publisher and developer of massively multiplayer online games (MMOs), and Paragon Studios™, the developer of City of Heroes®, today announced the development of City of Heroes Going Rogue™, the first major expansion for the City of Heroes franchise since the launch of City of Villains® in 2005. As the name implies, Going Rogue will blur the line between heroes and villains in the first and longest-running super-powered comic book MMO game. Read more about it here.

Pandemic

We need to play this game at JonCon. And we need to beat it.

It ain't your daddy's Star Trek

I went and saw the new Star Trek Saturday. Let me start by saying I am not now, nor ever have been, a Trekkie. But I always have enjoyed the various incarnations of the show, as well as the movies (even the bad ones). But I thought this movie rocked from start to finish. It is a prequel to what we know about the Enterprise and it's crew. I thought it was pretty awesome. The question movie goers have to ask is if it would be a good movie if you knew nothing about Star Trek. The answer is yes. Since I don't do spoiler things I'll stop there saying only that all the signature lines are worked in, the guy in Red gets whacked, and Uhura is hot (not as hot as her room mate but hot none the less) and I will go again with any of you guys. Go see it. Four plus Floyd's. Live long and prosper!

Wonder Woman

Since photos of shirtless men make Nautallica uncomfortable this next post is for you buddy.

We all love Super Hero movies and it is high time we see a really good one that pays tribute to the female super heroes. Now Catwoman has had a couple of big screen opportunities



and some of the Marvel gals deserve some love as well





But now is the time for some Wonder Woman love. Who shall play her you ask? I give you some very viable candidates:






Please feel free to discuss among yourselves.

No Beer, Tequila!!!

Happy Cinco de Mayo. And remember... we all have our El Guapo's to deal with. Enjoy the day!!

Exhibit Hall - Its Glorious!

The Season of JonCon

As declared earlier tonight this, my friends, is the season of JonCon 2009. It has been so declared by the great Jon "Gygax Arneson" himself!! Let the movie going, the pigfests, game playing begin!! We will sing songs to Jon of JonCon legend and lore. Men everywhere should write and sing songs in his honor, build shrines and worship at the alter for this man. Truly, he is a saint among swine, and deserving of the highest accolades in the worlds beyond. It is 52 days away so don't wait to start the party!!!

Wolverine

I went and saw X-Men Origins: Wolverine this morning. Overall I liked it, but...
I will give this spoiler. See there was this big wave and... No just kidding. Do not get up and leave when the screen goes black, OR when the credits role.

This was one of the harder reviews for me. I really, really wanted to love this movie but (after Watchmen) was very apprehensive.

I thought they had changed a lot of things but wasn't 100 % sure. So when I got home I looked some stuff up and found out my memory wasn't quite as faulty as I thought. The biggest problem with this movie, to me, was the director seemed to get stuck on certain things and would not get off them. Like Wolverine looking skyward and screaming with great anguish. They really over did that. I had issue with some of the CGI scenes because they looked so bad (Think of the later Highlander Movies)


Hugh Jackman was good and I would love to see another film with Wolverine, only with better writing. I still think they could have done more with developing his character and background but maybe the will save it for a future movie.



Liev Schreiber was good as Victor/Sabertooth. He played him very dark. So much so it was like he reprises his role from Defiance and just changes costumes and sets.


Taylor Kitsch (Tim Riggins from Friday Night Lights) did a great job as Remy LeBeau/Gambit and I wouldn't mind seeing him make a reappearance in a future film. I know this was a background movie for Wolverine but Gambit needed a bigger role. Also, a little more background on him would have been great.



Ryan Reynolds (Definitely, Maybe, and Two guys, a girl, and a Pizza Place)showed a lot of potential as Wade Wilson (aka Deadpool). Too bad the writers didn't.

Overall it was enjoyable but frustrating. I will go see it again and hopefully will see it in a better light. I give it three Floyd's and say go see it soon.

GenCon True Dungeon

For those going to GenCon is this something we want to try this year? We have checked it out in the past but never messed with it before. Find the players guide here.

What say you men?

Cutthroat Caverns Expansion Review

NFL draft

The NFL draft was held this weekend here are some of the results:

1st Pick - Detroit Lions took Matt Stafford QB from Georgia and promptly signed him to a 41 million dollar contract.

The Browns took:
Rd 1, Pick 21 (21) Mack, Alex C
Rd 2, Pick 4 (36) Robiskie, Brian WR
Rd 2, Pick 18 (50) Massaquoi, Mohamed WR
Rd 2, Pick 20 (52) Veikune, David DE
Rd 4, Pick 4 (104) Maiava, Kaluka ILB
Rd 6, Pick 4 (177) Carey, Don CB
Rd 6, Pick 18 (191) Francies, Coye CB
Rd 6, Pick 22 (195) Davis, James RB

The Bengals took:
Rd 1, Pick 6 (6) Smith, Andre OT
Rd 2, Pick 6 (38) Maualuga, Rey ILB
Rd 3, Pick 6 (70) Johnson, Michael DE
Rd 3, Pick 34 (98) Coffman, Chase TE
Rd 4, Pick 6 (106) Luigs, Jonathan C
Rd 5, Pick 6 (142) Huber, Kevin P
Rd 6, Pick 6 (179) Trent, Morgan CB
Rd 6, Pick 36 (209) Scott, Bernard RB
Rd 7, Pick 6 (215) Vakapuna, Fui RB
Rd 7, Pick 40 (249) McDonald, Clinton DE
Rd 7, Pick 43 (252) Brown, Freddie WR

From the Ohio State University:


Freeman, Marcus LB Round 5 (154) Bears
Hartline, Brian WR Round 4 (108) Dolphins
Jenkins, Malcolm Round 1 (14) Saints
Laurinaitis, James Round 2 (35) Rams
Robiskie, Brian WR Round 2 (36) Browns
Washington, Donald Round 4 (102) Chiefs
Wells, Chris RB Round 1 (31) Cardinals

Cutthroat Caverns Review

Live long and prosper

Belated birthday greetings to the Wallet Draining Lich of Medina. It seems we did stumble upon his weakness. He refused to be the subject of roast, declining until he reaches the 50 year mark. Happy Birthday buddy!!

I have a request

If you would not mind would you please go to MLB.COM and vote for my niece to be an honorary bat girl at an upcoming Reds game? She lost her mother to breast cancer several years ago and this would be a nice thing for her. Look for her story under the Reds grouping. Her nickname on the story is Rounding 3rd. Thanks all

This is on my list

To purchase at JonCon, or Origins.




It is an expansion for Pandemic which has this description:

This expansion to Pandemic will include rules for five players, a fifth disease, and additional mix-and-match game variants, including a bio-terrorist variant.

Let the buying fest begin and I am looking for more new releases.

JonCon 2009 is Coming

The mighty JonCon 09 and the lesser Origins 2009 is only about two months away. Hope to see you all there.

The boys from Etchasketchaztan

They fought as they lived
which wasn't that long
They did little right
and lots of things wrong

They didn't roll good
They didn't cast the right spells
Forgot about bonuses, they didn't use heals
made many bad judgments, too many to tell

They could not hit water if they fell from a boat
They wanted to live and had the right urges
But they all fought like crap
And were wiped out by Stirges

So we will gather again in some appointed hour
to face our dear friend, the Wallet Draining Lich
and we'll trot out the firsties to the same old, sad end
killed by the DM that old son of a bitch!

New JonCon Logo

The new logo should be ready soon. Due to manufacturing issues in China and Italy things got a bit backed up. We here at JonCon hope to release it in mid May. That way everyone can order their favorite logo products like T-shirts, hats, and over sized mugs!! Check back soon!!

Stirges, really?

It was great to roll the dice last night with The Wallet Draining Lich, The Sage of Southwood, Nautallica, and Durwaine Leaflander. We played firsties and survived for four hours being killed by Stirges. Yep Stirges. Got the whole party. Exactly.

These words were spoken over their cold, lifeless, bloodless bodies by the Sprites:

"Nothing makes a man more aware of his capabilities and of his limitations
than those moments when he must push aside all the familiar defenses of
ego and vanity, and accept reality by staring, with the fear that
is normal to a man in combat, into the face of Death."

We need a man like Reagan again!

Republicans believe every day is the Fourth of July, but the Democrats believe every day is April 15. -Ronald Reagan

A day that changed America

On today's date in 1865 President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in Washington D.C. by John Wilkes Booth while attending a play at Ford's Theater. He lingered through the evening and passed away in the early morning of the 15th.

"...I know that the Lord is always on the side of the right. But it is my constant anxiety and prayer that I and this nation should be on the Lord's side." Abraham Lincoln, 16th president of the United States

This Day in History

On this day in 1974 Hank Aaron hit his 715th career home run breaking the record of Babe Ruth that had stood since he retired in 1935. Aaron's record would stand until it was surpassed by Barry Bonds in 2007.

The Final Four

North Carolina
Connecticut
Michigan State
Villanova

Enjoy the games. As much as I hate to I am rooting for Michigan State!!

Live long and prosper

Happy Birthday to Leonard Nimoy, everyone's favorite Vulcan, born this day in 1931!

One and Done for the Buckeyes

Confirming suspicion about themselves Ohio State bowed out with an embarrassing double overtime loss to Sienna, 74-72. That's right Sienna. A small private school in scenic upstate Loudonville, New York. It is a small Catholic school that has a pretty decent basketball team. Usually The Buckeyes get past the first round before breaking our hearts; this being only their third first round loss ever. Sienna just won their fourth NCAA game ever (OSU has 38)and advanced to the second round for the second year in a row.

Projected by some (Who I can not even imagine)to be a first round pick BJ Mullens played exactly 22 of the 50 minutes and was four out of five from the floor. Dallas Lauderdale played 34 minutes and was four-for-four from the field. So why did they only get 9 shots between them? I haven't seen an answer from Matta yet about that. The two big men also went 2 for 5 from the free throw line including two late crucial misses by Mullens. Even so they should have been given many more opportunities to score. Probably the biggest reason is that despite their size advantage they got crushed on the boards. Mullens had three total rebounds and Lauderdale four while Sienna had players with fifteen, thirteen, and nine respectively. Combine getting beat on the boards (53-37), horrible 3-point shooting (7-25 .280), mediocre foul shooting (17-23 73%) and TWENTY turnovers (as opposed to 15 assists) you will not win many games.

PJ Hill and Evan Turner played decent games but needed some help. Matta did wonder why his players didn't foul Sienna when they had a three point lead with time running down. The players instead let Sienna hit a wide open three to tie it up and send it to a second over time. One and done. Last year it was the NIT, which they did manage to win. This year fifth place in the league and a first round exit in the NCAA. Maybe next year it will be the sweet sixteen.

Is it me? Am i becoming one of those fans who demands/expects too much? Since the 98-99 season Ohio State is 251-112 ( I don't factor in the NCAA vacations of 113 games that Boban played in from 98-02) with two Final Four Appearances. During that span only six schools have reached more Final Fours than the Buckeyes. Not bad for a football school I guess. Those schools are Michigan State(4), Duke, Florida, North Carolina, Kansas and UCLA (3 each).

They have won, or shared 4 Big Ten Titles in that span. That is matched by Michigan State and Illinois. Not too bad I guess.

They have been to the Big dance 7 times in those seasons, the NIT twice and stayed home twice. And even though they frustrate us to no end I guess it could be worse. We could be Michigan. Bring on November and next season. With No seniors on the roster and only 6 Jrs the Buckeyes could be pretty decent next season. If Mullens and Turner return (I think Turner will, Mullens won't) and the return of David Lighty this team could be a significant challenger for the Big Ten and a Top Tier seed next season. If one, or both of those two leave Thad will have to start a scramble to bring in a quality player to step in right away or suffer through yet another rebuilding year where the most obtainable prize is a low level NCAA seed and early exit or maybe the NIT. Thank God we haven't fallen to playing in The College Basketball Invitational yet.

Let the Games Begin!!

I'm hanging out at the house watching the games for the first time in at least 20 years. Enjoy the hoops!!

Free RPG Day

We found this for 2008 and it looks like we will see it again in 2009. Circle June 20, 2009, and we'll try to grab some free stuff for ourselves!

JonCon

It is 100 Days away!! Are you ready?? I am, bring on the games, geeks, good food and great times!

Beware the ides of March

No, not that crap about getting stabbed in the back but it is college basketball tournament time. We'll be running a bracket this season so go to yahoo.com and sign up. The league id number is 82673 and the password is joncon09. You can fill out two brackets. What say you men?

Steak and BJ Day

Steak and BJ Day was invented by Tom Birdsey, may he live forever, and may the gods eternally bless his fate. Men everywhere should write and sing songs in his honor, build shrines and worship at the alter for this man who has been so benevolent as to bless us with a day devoted entirely to devouring massive hunks of cow flesh and being the recipient of one of life's simplest, yet greatest, pleasures. Truly, he is a saint among swine, and deserving of the highest accolades in the worlds beyond.

Rorschach's Journal - March 7, 2009

I went and saw The Watchmen today, accompanied by a hearty group of adventurers, and came back shaking my head. After the much hyped, and anticipated, movie finally arrived I am so glad I didn't go at midnight to watch this two hour and forty three minute train wreck. If it hadn't been for Jackie Earle Haley's Rorschach this movie would have been, in my opinion, flat out terrible. Malin Ackerman looked good playing her character which was her most redeeming quality.

After the opening sequence, which was awesome, the movie became very slow, dark, and weird. A word of advice. Do not take your kids to this. Overall, the characters were forgettable, underdeveloped and just plain uninteresting. Parts of this movie were really good. Parts were really bad. And yet others were just plain weird. I think they could have have shaved about 45 minutes off this and it would have actually been better. If you haven't gone yet I'd suggest waiting until it comes out at the video store and watching it in small doses. I give it one Floyd (out of five). In the previews and throughout the movie you hear the phrase 'a comedian died last night and no one cares.' They need to change it to a movie died and no one cares.


After having a few days to digest this movie I have reconsidered my rating. I dropped it to one Floyd.

Happy Birthday

A birthday shout goes out to Durwaine Leaflander. We are glad the Great Druid has granted you another year of sunrises. We will gather upon your return from your annual pilgrimage to Stonehenge.

The Watchmen

It starts this Friday and I can't wait. Are any of you guys up for an outing?

Now you know the rest of the story

Long time radio announcer Paul Harvey passed away yesterday at the age of 90. One of my favorite things on radio ever was to hear his classic "Hello Americans". You sir will be missed.


Statement by Former President George W. Bush on the Death of Paul Harvey:

"Laura and I are saddened by the death of Paul Harvey. Paul was a friendly and familiar voice in the lives of millions of Americans. His commentary entertained, enlightened, and informed. Laura and I are pleased to have known this fine man, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family."

- Former President George W. Bush


A statement from ABC Radio Networks President James Robinson.

"Paul Harvey was one of the most gifted and beloved broadcasters in our nation’s history. As he delivered the news each day with his own unique style and commentary, his voice became a trusted friend in American households. His career in radio spanned more than seven decades, during which time countless millions of listeners were both informed and entertained by his “News & Comment” and “Rest of the Story” features. Even after the passing of his loving wife Angel in May 2008, Paul would not slip quietly into retirement as he continued to take the microphone and reach out to his audience. We will miss our dear friend tremendously and are grateful for the many years we were so fortunate to have known him. Our thoughts and prayers are now with his son Paul Jr. and the rest of the Harvey family. "

- Jim Robinson
President, ABC Radio Networks

Good day and Goodbye.

Slow times link dump

Things have been pretty quiet lately so I thought I would just post some really random links.

First up is baseball since spring training is upon us. You can follow the Indians here or the Reds here. These are pretty cool sites. Next season the Reds spring training camp moves to Goodyear Arizona and will be sharing a compound with the Indians. That might be a possible road trip!!!

Next up is GenCon. A few of us have expressed displeasure about their housing block. I know Nautilica got on the waiting list for a convention center attached hotel while I went ahead and booked a room 3 blocks away just to play it safe. I also plan on taking the Megabus from Cbus to Indy. I have to leave sometime Friday because I will be heading out to Destin Florida later that evening. My initial plan is return to Cincy and then head on to Florida from there. Who is going? I'd really like to see The Sage of Southwood and Durwaine make it this year. My personal opinion is that GenCon is in trouble and you might see this event restructured after this year. It would be fun to have a large group go just in case.

Cutthroat Caverns. What the hell is up with getting this game? I ordered one before Christmas and they still have not shipped it. The game store I ordered online from, which was pretty deceitful as it turns out, keeps blaming Smirk and Dagger Games. All I know is I am pretty aggravated with the whole situation.

I have been having a blast playing City of Heroes. I think I am addicted! I finally figured out Wentworth's and but all my stuff up for auction. I walked away with over a $1,500,000 profit so the skittles are on me, lol!! Now I just need to figure out where to buy/find the better types of enhancements.

How about some goofy tax hikes. I hate to see what the respective legislatures cook up for all of us. My personal favorite is to have government employees not receive a raise (which I am ok with), take a pay cut (which I am not), and give up 10 days with out pay to boot. Geez c'mon how about one but not all three!

Finally, next week the much anticipated Watchmen movie comes out. Anyone want to go? I'm planning on going to the midnight showing!

Origins 2009

I went on their site also and they have made some pretty cool changes. The Fair Only pass will be available for all days in 09, not just Saturday/Sunday like in 2008. Also:

The 2009 Origins Game Fair will of course still have the signature events you keep coming back for year after year. The Play with The Creator Series, Origins Theme Tracks, Smithee and Origins Awards, Origins War College, Board Room and War Room, Teacher’s Hall Pass, and much more!

If you don’t know anyone who has been to Origins and you want to check it out, you can purchase a Fair-Only Pass. A Fair-Only Pass entitles you to explore the Exhibit Hall, the Art Show and the demonstration booths lining the main corridor. The cost for the Fair-Only Day Pass is $3 per person or $10 for a family of 4 or more. In 2008 you could only buy a Fair-Only pass on Saturday and Sunday, but in 2009 these passes will be available for every day of the show. If you see an event you want to participate in, simply upgrade to a Single Day Badge at the show.

The International

I went and saw Clive Owen in The International over the week end. This was a movie that my wife wanted to see so I basically just went along for the ride. I thought the trailors I had seen were horrible and really had no desire to see this. Well I now liken this trip to finding a $20 bill in a pair of pants. What a great surprise. A pretty good pyschological thriller that is some what relevant for today's times.

There are things in this movie that make you go "hmmmmmm". Also, pay close attention to things, observe the people in the background. It will help you figure out stuff quicker. Go see it!! I give it four Floyd's.

Free RPG Day

We found this for 2008 and it looks like we will see it again in 2009. Circle June 20, 2009, and we'll try to grab some free stuff for ourselves!

GenCon

I went ahead and registered for GenCon today. It is the first time I have ever pre registered so I figured I saved myself a little ca$h. I really am planning on riding the MegaBus over this year to save even some more cash. I have to get back sometime on Friday so we can leave on our annual trip to Florida. I really am looking forward to getting Keithstradamus and The Wallet Draining Lich over there this year. And maybe even an appearance by Durwaine Leaflander too!! What say you men?

GenCon Registration

Pre-Registration opens on-line tomorrow for GenCon. It really is worth the savings if you are planning on going.

Go buy a card or something dummy!

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day. So go buy a card, make dinner reservations, buy movie tickets, order flowers or do something special for someone!

Airline Tragedy

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of all involved in this crash near Buffalo tonight.

Happy 200th Abe

It's Like Christmas Morning for the Buckeyes

Wake Up, wake up!! It's here!! The morning recruits can officially commit to play at The Ohio State University. We will keep the updates coming as the names are released. This is Sam Longo from Bellbrook Ohio. The class of 09 looks like this:




PLAYER POS HT WT HOMETOWN/HIGH SCHOOL

C.J. Barnett DB 6-1 180 Clayton, Ohio (Northmont)

Dorian Bell LB 6-2 220 Monroeville, Pa. (Gateway)

Adam Bellamy DL 6-4 275 Aurora, Ohio

Jaamal Berry RB 5-10 185 Miami, Fla. (Palmetto)

Zach Boren LB 6-1 245 Pickerington Central

Corey Brown ATH 6-1 190 Monroeville, Pa. (Gateway)

Duron Carter WR 6-3 185 Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Aquinas)

Dominic Clarke DB 5-10 170 Frederick, Md. (Tuscarora)

Melvin Fellows DT 6-5 255 Garfield Heights, Ohio

Chris Fields WR 6-1 180 Painesville, Ohio (Harvey)

Reid Fragel TE 6-8 258 Grosse Pointe, Mich. (South)

Kenny Guiton QB 6-2 182 Aldine, Texas (Eisenhower)

Jordan Hall RB 5-11 190 Jeannette, Pa.

Marcus Hall OL 6-6 300 Cleveland (Glenville)

Adam Homan LB 6-2 230 Coldwater, Ohio

Carlos Hyde RB 6-1 235 Naples, Fla.

James Jackson WR 6-0 175 Grand Ledge, Mich.

Storm Klein LB 6-2 225 Newark, Ohio (Licking Valley)

Corey Linsley OL 6-4 285 Boardman, Ohio

Sam Longo OL 6-5 270 Bellbrook, Ohio

Jack Mewhort OL 6-6 285 Toledo (St. John's)

Jonathan Newsome LB 6-3 230 Cleveland (Glenville)

John Simon DT 6-3 265 Youngstown (Mooney)

Jordan Whiting LB 6-1 230 Louisville, Ky. (Trinity)

Jamie Wood ATH 6-2 185 Pickerington Central

Groundhog Day

I want to go to Punxsutawney some year for Groundhog Day!! What Say you men?

***UPDATE*** 2/2/09 10:30 AM
Feb 2, 9:22 AM EST


Punxsutawney Phil sees shadow; winter to continue