A Day of Reflection

What a sad day for Tressel

The coach and the university have imposed a $250,000 fine and two game suspension in the wake of revelations that Tressel indeed had prior knowledge of tattoogate. It is unknown at this time if the NCAA will impose other sanctions against the coach or University.

Party On, it is Fat Tuesday...

or Mardi Gras. Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday and Lent begins. Party on Adventurers, party on!

New JonCon Logo

93-65 consider it dealt with

Go Bucks!!

Congratulations to Ohio State which won the Big Ten outright today when Purdue lost to Iowa 67-65 in a pretty good game. The Buckeyes will be the number one seed in next weeks Big Ten Tourney. Go Bucks!! Let the Madness Begin

me wants, me wants

This game, from Mayfair Games, looks like a something we want to demo this summer. Set in post WWI Europe it looks like it could be fun. Read more here.

Are You Registered Yet?

Make sure to pre register if you plan on attending this year and save some cash. $68.00 for the 4 day pass if you pay before June. $78.00 If you pay after.

What say you men?

Happy Birthday Durwaine Leaflander

Happy Birthday to our own, lovable, oft imitated but never duplicated, man about town Durwaine Leaflander!! So my brothers raise your glasses where ever you are this fine day and join me in a toast to the illustrious Durwaine.

There are good ships, and there are wood ships,
The ships that sail the sea.
But the best ships, are friendships,
And may they always be.



Durwaine have a great day and:

"May you have warm words on a cold evening, a full moon on a dark night, and a smooth road all the way to your door."

Looks like a good game for kids!

10 Days in the USA, part of Out of the Box games series, looks like it would be a pretty good game for kids to teach geography and some planning and communication skills to your elementary age kids. I have it on my list to pick up for my grand kids this summer.


I am definitely going to demo this at either Origins or GenCon.

Jon 3bler owns the record!! Buckeyes Win

Jon Diebler went 10 for 12 from behind the arc and scored a career high 30 points to lead the Bucks to a 82-61 victory over Penn State. The Bucks clinched at least a share of their 4th Big Ten title in the last 6 years. If they beat Wisconsin, in Columbus, on Sunday they will have their 3rd outright title in that span.

Diebler now has 348 career 3's to smash the unofficial record by Michigan's Louis Bullock (339). William Buford added 21 points.

March Madness is Here!!

Well the best time for college basketball is here. It is March and let the madness begin! Confrence Tournies first and the Big Dance starting on March 17.

Over There at last. R.I.P.

Frank Buckles, the last surviving American G.I. from World War I passed away today at his home in Charles Town West Virginia. He was 110. A man who would like to be buried in Arlington Cemetery, but probably won't be, was a very visible spokesman for groups trying to bring attention to the WWI soldiers contribution. Rest In Peace!

The Guys from F.E.A.T.

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It is Sunday so that must mean OSU is on TV

Well the Buckeyes play yet another Sunday game. This time, however, it is in Columbus so look for the Buckeyes to play much better against the Hoosiers than they did against Wisconsin or Purdue.

Jon 3bler watch:
Diebler is at 336. Still needs 3 to tie the real Big 10,11,12 record set by Michigan's Louis Bullock who had the record of 339 tossed out like last nights dishwater for a long, long list of no-no violations by the Wolverines.

Oh Chit!!

It has happened to all of us. We are playing some game and you need a marker for either a bad guy, or to designate an action. These are great. I picked up some last year at GenCon for a WWII game I bought. They make all kinds of markers so check them out. Plus, they have a really cool logo.

Not real fond of Purdue either

E'Twaun Moore played out of this world and OSU's defense let them down again as the Buckeyes dropped their second straight Sunday road game this time to Purdue 76-63. Moore scored a career high 38 points as the Buckeyes could never get it going.

For the second straight week the Bucks were torched by a premiere perimeter player (Jordan Taylor 27 points) and went through extended sluggish stretches on offense. These are two things that must be fixed in the next three weeks if OSU is to go very deep into the Madness of March.

The good news was that Jon Diebler made two three-pointers to set a Big Ten record of 333 for his career, breaking the recognized record of 332 by former Penn State guard Pete Lisicky. The actual record of 339 by Louis Bullock of Michigan was vacated because of NCAA violations. Here's hoping he ends up with 340+.

We hates Wisconsin we do

Here is proof that Wisconsin does some sort of VooDoo that they do on OSU. Bucky Badger is a Necromancer. Just wait until they come to Columbus for the last game of the regular season. We'll get you yet Bucky!! Oh yeah they once again upset #1 Ohio State 71-67. Hrrump. We must dispel what ever he did to Jordan Taylor and David Lighty.

Go Bucks!

from the AP:

Ohio State is a unanimous choice as the No. 1 team in The Associated Press Top 25 for a second straight week.

The Buckeyes are 24-0 and the only unbeaten team. They are No. 1 for the fourth consecutive week and received all 65 first-places votes Monday from the national media panel.

Okay, campers, rise and shine, and don't forget your booties 'cause it's cooooold out there today

Enjoy the day! It doesn't matter if you celebrate with Punxsutawney Phil, Buckeye Chuck, General Beauregard Lee or Sir Walter Wally just have fun with it. Check out the site of Punxsutawney Phil.

Want the scoop on a game?

Board Game Geek just celebrated their 11th anniversary. And just added the 50,000 entry to their data base. Check them out here!

Block Long-O is No More

With the announcement yesterday that red-shirt freshman offensive lineman Sam Longo asked for, and was granted, his release from The Ohio State University football program. The ginormous tackle (6'6" 285 lb)is currently looking for another program to transfer to.

We will miss his continued evolution from the rarely seen true freshman year and Rose Bowl trip to the maturation of a red-shirt freshman who was constantly around Pryor on the sidelines guaranteeing prime time photo ops. Where ever he ends up will be getting a potential stud. Remember he is still only 19! Look for him to make a huge impact where ever he goes. Good luck and God speed Sammy!

The Guys from F.E.A.T.

MLK Day

Enjoy the day! Do something good for others today!

New Game

The latest from Mayfair Games was released today. London deals with rebuilding the city after the great fire of 1666. Read the release from Mayfair Games here. I think this is one I most definitely will demo at Origins or GenCon this year!

The Fighter

We went and saw The Fighter, starring Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale, today. Both men give good performances of real life brothers Micky Ward and Dicky Ecklund. The movie follows the career of Micky (Wahlberg) who became a World Champion fighter and his contender, crack addicted, brother (Bale). This is an excellent sports movie but also an excellent movie about real life. Bale gives probably his best performance ever and should win several awards for it. Go see it! I give it 3 and 1/2 Floyds.

Almost GenCon tickets and rooms on sale soon!

Here is some info from the GenCon site:

Happy New Year! 2011 is going to be an awesome year and we want to make sure you are prepared for all things Gen Con!

* Badge Pre-Reg Opens – January 23rd
* Pre-Reg Badge Prices – make sure to get your badge early
* Attendee Housing – measures of improvement
* Event Submission – opening day information
* JW Marriott – new and exciting addition to Gen Con
* Press Coverage –now available on our website



Badge Pre-Reg Opens January 23rd

Now that the holidays are all wrapped up, it’s almost time to purchase your badge for Gen Con Indy 2011! Here’s what you need to know to prepare for Badge Registration:

* Make sure your RUBI account is up-to-date. Go to our Gen Con Indy Home Page and under the “Attend” tab, click “Login” and enter your account information. Once there, click “My Account” to check and edit your contact information.
* If you haven’t already created an account, be sure to do so right away!
* Buy a badge at the discounted price when Badge Pre-Registration opens at Noon (Eastern) on Sunday, January 23rd.
* Be sure to choose the shipping option you want before completing your purchase.
* Book your hotel room through the Housing Bureau’s Passkey portal starting at Noon (Eastern) on Tuesday, January 25th (be sure to use the housing code you receive when you purchase your badge).
* Make sure your friends and family members purchase their badges or buy one for them!

Pre-Registration is only available online through RUBI, the Gen Con registration system. Registration information can be found on our website at our Gen Con Indy Home Page under the “Attend” tab. Remember, when Pre-Registration closes on June 18th, ship-to-me options will end and badge prices increase, so make sure you get your badge early!

More Info here.

really?

This is from nationalchamps.net Hard to believe they have a Top 25 list alreay but here it is.

It seems a little early to me but what the heck it is something to talk about. Bucks are dropped way down due to the pending suspensions. I still think that even if the 5 games hold the Bucks will lose no more than 2 games next season. Road games at Miami and Nebraska could be tougher than usual with out the Tattoo Five in place. My guess is that the NCAA will reduce the suspensions if no one jumps early to the NFL. If any declare, and they have until January 15th to declare, look for the entire 5 games suspension to be served. And don't look for a ruling from the NCAA before the Spring Game.

How accurate is the Early Bird Preview?

2011 College Football
Top 25 Preview


1. Oklahoma
2. Alabama
3. Louisiana State
4. Oregon
5. Auburn
6. Arkansas
7. Missouri
8. Stanford
9. Texas A&M
10. Oklahoma State
11. Michigan State
12. Wisconsin
13. Boise State
14. Nebraska
15. Virginia Tech
16. TCU
17. Florida State
18. South Carolina
19. Ohio State
20. Notre Dame
21. Georgia
22. Connecticut
23. Mississippi State
24. Michigan
25. Tulsa

The Cape

Ok, I watched the premier of The Cape on NBC. And after two hours I can't decide if it is good, bad, funny or sucks. At times it was all of the above. I think I will have to see a few more episodes to be sure of what it actually is. Villains with names like Chess and the Chef and a crime syndicate called the Carnival of Crime bring back Campy memories of the old Batman TV show. So at this point I have to rate it at 1 Floyd and a bit, for now. Check back in a few weeks for an update.

Free RPG Day!!

Mark your calendars for June 18, 2011. Free RPG Day is Back!!

GenCon Info

Here is a list of Important dates from the GenCon Indy Site.

Key Dates

* January, 2011 – Badge Pre-Registration begins
* January, 2011 – Housing opens
* April, 2011 – Event Pre-Registration begins
* June, 2011 – Badge and Event Pre-Registration close ("Ship To Me" options end) - all shipping method changes must be requested by this time
* June, 2011 – Extended Registration opens for Will Call only orders at full onsite price
* July, 2011 – Housing cut-off date, the last day to make new hotel reservations
* July, 2011 – Final Passkey shut-off date
* August 3, 2011 – Onsite Registration begins
* August 4-7, 2011 – Gen Con Indy show dates

Pre-Registration and Extended Registration will be available online through RUBI (our registration system). We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express for payment. Checks and Money Orders are not accepted at any time. The Marion County admissions tax will be charged for all badge purchases, in compliance with Marion County laws.

Has the Vest been stained?

Has the Vest been stained after the decision to allow the kids to play in the Sugar Bowl? I really don't think so. I mean who are we kidding? These kids are professional football players. Everything is done now by the schools, the NCAA (We will get to them in a moment), the families and the players themselves for the almighty dollar.

Did the kids break a rule? Yes. But is it fair? Does it prevent the richer schools from getting the better players? No. And what about all of the kids who are give math scholarships to OSU, or other schools, that are given gifts? If they sell the awards are we even having a discussion? NO. This situation coupled with the Cam Newton debacle, and the USC fiasco should be enough to rewrite the rules.

The NCAA is to blame here. They need to be taken apart board by board and then rebuilt. Rebuilt to today's world. Rebuilt to recognize the billions of dollars that surround College Football and the student athlete role in it.

Tressel has lost a little bit of his lofty status to some. To me he still is the same guy. A guy who does the right things in life and does the best he can in the unmanageable world of NCAA football.

Should a Christian Play Dungeons & Dragons?

We have all been a part of this discussion. I read this article by William Schnoebelen with an open mind and would encourage all of you to do so as well.

Believe it or not, it has been nearly 12 years since I wrote the original Straight Talk on Dungeons and Dragons. In that time, I have received hundreds of letters and at least a thousand emails about it. This subject is surprisingly controversial, even among Christians. This astonishes me!

The posting of my article on the web and the arrival of email as a means of mass communication have facilitated the process wherein I can engage in dialog with those who defend D&D and Fantasy Role Playing Games (FRPG) in general. In this context, I am amazed at how many so-proclaimed Christians who defend the game, do so with foul and abusive language. This, I think, speaks volumes about the spiritual impact of the game.

Just a quick survey shows the cultural impact of D&D and its offspring. Just recently, a spectacular movie called Dungeons and Dragons was released. Additionally, the pop culture is virtually drowning in sorcery and occult related topics.

Today shelves in major bookstores literally groan under the weight of various of books on Wicca, for example. Some of these books, like TEEN WITCH, are written for young readers. There is even a DUMMIES GUIDE TO WICCA AND WITCHCRAFT!! When D&D started, you could perhaps find four or five books on Wicca in print.

Now, obviously not all of this can be laid at the door of D&D. But in the 1970's, it was one of the major cultural phenomena that planted the seeds that have sprouted into Harry Potter and all the occult books and movies.

Read the rest here.

SECond best no more

Well Jim that 300 lb monkey is finally off of your back. Thank you Solomon Thomas. Thank you Cam Heyward and Terelle Pryor. Thank you Sammy Longo!! Ohio State dominates the first half 28-10 and hangs on to win 31-26. Pryor is named the games outstanding player after rushing for 115 yards and throwing for 221 yards and two TDs.

A scary second half (give credit to Arkansas here) and an unbelievable last two minutes give OSU one of their best bowl wins ever. This game, in my mind, is right there with the 02 Championship game, the 97 Rose Bowl and the 69 Rose Bowl.

Go Bucks!!

Game Day or did you eat Pork for dinner?

Well here we go Ohio State vs anyone from the SEC in a bowl game. We all know how that has worked out in the past. Ohio State is currently 0-9 versus the SEC. Here are the results of those games:


1978 Sugar Bowl - Alabama 35, Buckeyes 6
1990 Hall of Fame Bowl - Auburn 31, Buckeyes 14
1993 Citrus Bowl - Georgia 21, Buckeyes 14
1995 Citrus Bowl - Alabama 24, Buckeyes 17
1996 Citrus Bowl - Tennessee 20, Buckeyes 14
2001 Outback Bowl - South Carolina 24, Buckeyes 7
2002 Outback Bowl - South Carolina 31, Buckeyes 28
2007 BCS Championship - Florida 41, Buckeyes 14
2008 BCS Championship - LSU 38, Buckeyes 24

So how do they beat Arkansas?

1. Pressure, pressure, pressure. They can not allow Ryan Mallett to sit in the pocket and pick them apart.

2. Pryor being Pryor. He must create on offense. He must take the game over like he did in the Rose Bowl win over Oregon.

3. "O" Line. They must win the battle up front. Mike Adams can not be his usual sluggish self out there.

4. Special Teams. No mistakes. Kick coverage must be better than it has all year.

Predictions

Mallett throws for over 300 yards and three TD's.
Pryor throws for 225 and rushes for over 100
Defense comes up with 4 turn overs
Bucks finally beat a SEC team 38 - 21

Go Bucks!!

Super Hero Movies

Here is a partial list of Super Hero / Comic Book movies coming out in 2011 and their release dates. Looks like the advantage has swung back to Marvel.

* Jan 14 - The Green Hornet
* Mar 4 - Priest
* May 6 - Thor
* Jun 3 - X-Men: First Class
* Jun 17 - Green Lantern
* Jul 22 - Captain America: The First Avenger
* Jul 29 - Cowboys & Aliens
* Aug 19 - Conan

Thor is coming

Here is a link to the new Thor movie due out later this year. See the first trailer here, and the official site here.