2001, A Space Odyssey Vs. Terror From The Year 5,000

* = Your Welcome...

Can you believe it? The year is grinding to a close. It never ceases to amaze me how when I was young time seemed to crawl; now that I’m ‘old’ time seems to fly. In fact, more often than not I find myself wishing for more time, for the opportunity to get a little time back so I can enjoy things a bit more. When I was younger I was simply wishing to get to the next thing. Maybe age makes fools of us all.

Anywho I decided that today will be about not one, but TWO Top Tens, so without further ado…

TOP TEN THINGS FROM 2010!

1) Castle Ravenloft – Oh I know some will disagree with me, and that’s fine, they can bitch on their own blogs, but to me this is going to save me from D&D withdrawal. With the ‘death’ or hiatus of my D&D group I seriously feared for my personal sanity, but this game and the anticipation of The Wrath of Ashardalon sequel I have something that is the equivalent of D&D crack. It’s quick, it’s fun, and it captures just enough of what I love to make it ‘filling’ to my D&D sensibilities. It has sort of re-sparked my P.L.P.-ness with Anthony “Rollin’ 20’s” J. which had been on the snide. Now let’s get one thing straight, it is NOT a substitute for a campaign with my friends using ANY edition, but it’ll do in the RPG pickle I currently find myself in.

2) Watching T.V. With Dave, Liz, & Cassandra – Whether it be our True Blood nights, or The League and it’s ability to make Dave laugh so hard it pains him, or the fantastic six episodes of The Walking Dead, or Vikings games I never cease to have a wonderful time with these three people. Don’t get me wrong I can sit on the couch with the best of them, but I do thoroughly enjoy doing so with a group who want to snack, laugh, and mock one another with gusto.

3) Cartoons – As much as The Venture Brothers absolutely was incredible this year, it’s hard to top what Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes brings to the table on an almost weekly basis. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, this is as close to feeling like I’m 12 & picking up comics on a Wednesday that I’ve felt in a LONG time. Oh and then we have things like DC’s direct to DVD flicks, which have been outstanding, Planet Hulk, the hilarity of Archer, and of course the amazing Young Justice preview last month. All in all it’s a good time to be a geek.

4) Big Love’s Sojourn North – While this was sort of bitter sweet due to all the extenuating circumstances and health issues it was still heartwarming to have my dad in our house. Just to have him get a taste of how we live, really of who we are re-affirmed my connection to him. Being that I’ve distanced myself considerably from the vast majority of my actual blood relatives sometimes it’s nice to be reminded of where you come from. It also I think refreshed his ‘batteries’ a bit. Its nice to be needed, and I need my dad around, and he needs me. It’s changed the dynamic of our relationship from father and son to friends and I like that.

5) Mary, Christina, & Mason – It was a blessing to get to see Mary & Christina finally have a child, it’s been a pleasant surprise and a privilege for them to allow me to be involved with their son. The little guy is a miracle to behold. Just being around him reinforced my desire to sire my own spawn.

6) Work Friend Joe – Reed Richards has his Doctor Doom, Batman has his Ra’s Al Ghul, and Sherlock Holmes has Professor Moriarty, I have Work Friend Joe. Someone who mentally challenges me, although in our case we’re not locked in a deadly mental struggle for control or world domination. The majority of my friends mentally push me sometimes, but usually it’s in short bursts about small things, like Joey vs. John Bush, but Joe pushes on EVERYTHING. I can never have an opinion that I can’t back up, I can never just make a off-hand remark and not have to defend it. He challenges me, and I honestly need that occasionally. It makes me work. Not to mention he’s smart, like scary smart, and he and his wife can bring a sense of ‘adultness’ to a room that I sometimes can suck out of a room. Let’s be honest I’m like a giant child, forever daydreaming the thoughts of a 14 year old nerd, so unless you challenge me mentally I’m much happier thinking about Captain Marvel, Billy Batson not Genis Mar-vell, fighting Black Adam than talking about politics. Joe and Laura are rooted firmly in reality so they push me to leave fantastic vistas aside for a while and act, speak, and think like an adult. I need that. Sometimes…

7) The ‘Holy’ Trinity – David, Mike, & Cassandra. This has become the ‘inner’ circle. I have a lot of friends, and I’m lucky on all accounts that most of them put up with my crap, but these three are the backbone to my master plan. They are the Green Lantern, Batman, & Zatanna to my Justice League. Dave is an ethereal sprite that is like an uncontrollable force of creative nature. He can sing, write, or imagine anything. When we hang out the world is without time, space, or boundaries. It’s as if I’ve found the perfect compliment to my constant daydreaming, except he gives his voice, a constant cacophony of imagery. Mike is the quiet storm. He’s a rock. He’s dependable, thoughtful, ambitious, honorable, and most importantly the yin to Dave’s yang. Then there is my lovely wife, Cassandra. Where I struggle she strives, where I am weak she is strong, where I’m cold she’s compassionate. Cassandra is not only my wife, but also my best friend, and every moment is a reminder of that. I never laugh as hard as I do with her, I have never loved like I do with her, and I’ve never thought or strived as much as I do with her. She pushes me in subtle way that just makes me want to be better at everything. This is my Trinity, my Super Friends and I’m really fortunate to have them around my round table.

8) The Baby Cheezus Saga – It’s been like a Shakespearean tragedy. Last year was this sort of last ride into the sunset for the Ole’ Gunslinger, while this year has seen all the highs hit lows. As a non-Viking fan it’s been fascinating. As someone who watches Viking’s games with Viking fans it’s been BRUTAL! Farve has brought drama, both good and bad, to my living room now for two years. He and it will be missed.

9) Reading – Last year Dave started his slow and strong push to get me back into a reading state of mind. This year it’s translated into a sustained reading torrent. I’m averaging two books every two weeks currently. Sure I’ve read some stinkers, I’m looking at you Greatheart, but overall I’ve been introduced to new and fabulous vistas, characters, and tales. It’s been inspirational to my imaginary endeavors as well as joyous to my soul. This year I rediscovered my love of reading, and for that I thank you Dave.

10) MST3K – Without this I wouldn’t sleep at night.


TOP TEN THINGS I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2011!

1) Having Kids – It’s time. I know I’ve hemmed and hawed about it for sometime, but the wheels are in motion, the stars are right, and I think it’s finally time to add the third wheel to our ‘gang’.

2) Twin Cities Marvel SAGA Campaign – Technically this started this year, but it’s not going to really hit it’s stride until we’ve got a couple sessions under our collective belts. This has given me the ‘fire’ creatively to really attack a bare part of the Marvel Universe cupboard while throwing the kitchen sink of my imagination at a group of players who not only want to play, but are invested in playing. I’ve never gamed with a group who Role Played to the hilt the way these three have so far, and are demanding of any players who decide to join up. It’s really fun to have people pushing your thoughts to their limits.

3) Basement Sci-Fi War – Along the above this is giving my imagination focus. I’ve got the ‘stuff’ now with just a few Gaming Table needs left, now I’ve just got to put stuff together and get to painting. I really like the No Limits rule set, and even if it’s just Mike and I playing I think it has the potential to not only be fun, but storytelling wise be something spectacular.

4) Chiefs In The AFC Playoffs – This is just insane. Insanely beautiful. If the Chiefs continue to progress the way they are at the end of the year, I give them a decent chance to actually WIN a home playoff game. Imagine that!

5) DC Universe Online – How long have I pined for this? TO LONG! Next month it hits shelves, which means it’ll hit my wallet, my PC, and my time. I cannot wait to play this game.

6) Finishing The Basement – This is the goal of next summer and the dolla’ dolla’ bill(z) that come from our tax return. We’ve waited a year to put together the idea of what we’re going to do, now we just need to have someone go over said idea, gather our ‘work force’, materials, and then in the summer of 2011 we shall have that fourth bedroom, the bar, and the basement shall be COMPLETE!

7) Reading With Cassandra In Bed – We’ve talked about this for some time, we just haven’t gotten around to it. Now that we are on a similar sleeping schedule, I think it’s time we jointly start a book. I know we’d talked about Dracula, so I think that’s as good a place to start as any.

8) Wrath Of Ashardalon – This got pushed back to first quarter of 2011, and I read there is a preview on the Wizards website in January so I think it’s just around the corner. Castle Ravenloft is a great game tool set; it’s only a decent game in itself. Wizards has a chance to change that with this pseudo sequel. With the promise of campaign rules, a more classic D&D setting, and the backwards compatibility I can only hope that Peter Lee and crew really looked at the constructive criticism and amazing fan content that’s coming from Board Game Geek dot com and make the necessary changes to silence the critics and satisfy the ‘fan boys’.

9) Grilling – I seriously miss grilling already and it’s only been a couple of months. Once the winter is over, I’m taking one of the turkeys out of the deep freeze and I’m going to smoke a whole bird!

10) Endless Possibility – This is the true rub of the future, of the unknown. I have no idea what tomorrow holds, let alone next year, and that’s beautiful. Sure it could be full of tragedy and failure, but I prefer to think that it’s full of potential; new Dave music projects, new Grant Morrison Batman comics, more Movie-A-Thons, another chance to win the BUZZ Trivia Championship belt, going to Kansas, Mike running Hot Comics, possibly playing Fantasy Football with Work Joe, more Walking Dead, another year of Sean & Maddy growing up, Sean, Kelci, & Luke possibly visiting, KU winning the college basketball national championship, Anthony, Lee, Big Dave, & I enjoying more of that whiskey, more Heidi art, folks having babies, more board games, etc. It’s beautiful to be alive my friends.

Now that I’ve written WAY more than I ever intended how ‘bout we piggy back that with some…

RANDOM CRAP!

- I could really use a good burger.
- Why is there this constant series of “I’m A Mormon” commercials on KFAN? I’m not anti-Mormon or anything, but I’m just intrigued by the idea that a religion needs a commercial. I find it weird.
- I’m almost done with The Jennifer Morgue novel and it is fantastic. The hook is set, and it’s brilliant. I hope to finish it by Sunday.
- Speaking of reading I’m also devouring Karl Edward Wagner’s Bran Mak Morn tale Legion From The Shadows. While not Howard, Wagner does have a good handle on the last of the Pictish kings. It holds a great deal of similarity to Howard’s best Morn tale Worms Of The Earth, but still manages to bring something new to the table thus far. Good find Dave.
- If we win the Mega Millions Lottery on Friday I’m going BUCK WILD!
- I should really re-read Herbert’s first Dune novel.
- There was no new Avengers cartoon this week and it physically wounded me.

And with that I think I should call it.

“Downtown, that is where I want to be
Downtown creodonts roam wild and free

This time it’s prehistoric.
This time everybody everyone in the house.
This time we’re gonna shout it out.

Downtown, dowtown
That is where we start the show
Downtown, down downtown
Sixty million years ago

This time it’s prehistoric.
This time everybody everyone in the house.
This time we’re gonna shout it out.

This time it’s Cenozoic
Smack dab in the rough and tumble Paleocene.
Let’s go downtown.

Downtown, downtonw
Ammonites were all the rage
Downtown, downtown
In the Selandian age.

This time it’s prehistoric.
This time everybody everyone in the house.
This time we’re gonna shout it out.

This time it’s Cenozoic
Smack dab in the rough and tumble Paleocene.
Let’s go downtown.”


* = Hopefully 2011 will be the year of 'The Big Read Cheese'!

Hamburger Hill Vs. The Gauntlet

* = Jirel Of Joiry's tales are fantastic.

Christmas has come and gone. Lots of wonderful gifts were given, tons of sweet swag was received. Great food was devoured and some truly tasty libations were enjoyed. Thank you to all friends and family. All in all it was the most wonderful time of the year.

I was able to finish a couple of books over this extended week;
The Black God’s Kiss (**** out of 5) – So I never really knew who C.L. Moore was, but now that I do, and now that I’ve devoured her tales of Jirel of Joiry, and that makes me eager to hunt down the tales of Northwest Smith. What to say about this compilation of sword and sorcery fiction with a female protagonist? Other than they are spectacular tales. Moore has a wonderful way of matching Howard’s sense of savagery and nobility in a world of someone’s past while giving her supernatural enemies a sense of dread not unlike Clark Ashton Smith, in fact I think the title story The Black God’s Kiss is very reminiscent of Smith’s work. Listen, if you love good pulpy stuff then you should treat yourself and find this book.
Greatheart (** ½ out of 5) – This one is the second book from the Birthright setting. The reality is it doesn’t touch The Iron Throne, the first book. It’s a decent little fantasy novel that never really gets it’s footing before stumbling off into the wonderful world of squandered potential. If you’ve got some time to waste, have a buck to spend, and can’t find any other books then I guess it’ll get you by.

Now onto some

RANDOM CRAP!

- I now have a mascot in my office. It’s a gingerbread version of me. Sad part is it has better hair currently.
- Anthony “Mirky Cricky” J., the future bro-in-law Lee, and I all took a foray into Castle Ravenloft. We played the Artifact adventure against the swarm of Rust Monsters.

It was an epic battle. We had all sorts of trouble finding all the objects, and we were on verge of defeat about the last thirty minutes of the game, THEN a fortuitous turn of events put us in position to grasp victory from the jaws of defeat. I love this game, and I utterly and completely enjoy every opportunity I get to play it.
- By the way The Darkest Of The Hillside Thickets rules you.
- Revel Stoke Spiced Canadian Whiskey is amazing. Seriously. I hate whiskey, but when you mixed this with coke it tasted like vanilla coke and that in itself was pretty flippin’ awesome. Now I just have to find a bottle.
- I received a ton of rockin’ books for Christmas, but none has captured my attention as much as Charles Stross’ The Jennifer Morgue. Thus far it has been spectacular and hard to put down.

GAH! It’s time to go home and roof rake…

“After my episode I went to my wife –
the gal to whom I pledged the rest of my life
I said "I’m here for you now, let’s reconcile"
Her new boyfriend walked in and shot me a smile.

No way, no way, there isn’t any way
No way, no way, no way
No way, no way, there isn’t any way
No way, no way, no way

The U of Auckland was like my second home
After my head was clear I picked up the phone
I begged to get back in the field that I led
I reached the chancellor and here’s what he said:

“No way, no way, there isn’t any way
No way, no way, no way
No way, no way, there isn’t any way
No way, no way, no way"

My daughter studied mental illness firsthand.
I thought if anyone she would understand.
I travelled to the institute where she worked.
She married, changed her name and left no forwarding address

No way, no way, there isn’t any way
No way, no way, no way
No way, no way, there isn’t any way
No way, no way, no way!

My life is shattered, that doesn’t matter -
nobody cares that I’m all better now
My life is shattered, that doesn’t matter -
nobody cares that I’m all better now”


* = This is the Innsmouth Look...

Bound Vs. Out Of Africa

* = TESTIFY!

It’s that time of year again, time to review the 2nd Season of The League (***** out of 5). For those that don’t know this is what you get from one of the funniest shows in recent memory…

SEE WHAT I’M TALKIN’ ‘BOUT? The beginning of the season wasn’t as solid as the 1st season, it seemed to take two to three episodes for it to hit it’s stride, but once it did, OH what a stride it hit. We saw the return of Vaginal Hubris, more of Ellie being a disturbing little child, some Mr. McGibblets, Adult Vs. Child Halloween, the Toilet Caddy, Shiva, Ruxin crying during sex, Kevin’s “beautiful penis”, Taco’s toilet seat addiction, & on & on & on. In addition there was the introduction to Raffi. Raffi might be one of the most disturbing and yet pee your pants funny characters on television. I don’t know how I can cringe, laugh, and want to punch a fictional character in the face all at one time. The best part about the show is it never takes you were you think or necessarily want it to go. In fact it takes great joy in reminding you that all the characters can be complete bastards and they are simultaneously highly entertaining.

For the one to two of you who read this drivel regularly you’re well aware that I’m slowly but surely working my way back through all my episodes, which is all of them, of the greatest television show in the history of everything, Mystery Science Theatre 3000. Well I hit a bit of a roadblock here of late, a roadblock of Coleman Francis, a roadblock called Skydivers…

WOW! This movie is unbearable slow, has HUGE portions with no dialogue, and without Mike and the Bots it would be unwatchable. I’m serious, it is dreary, melodramatic, no story havin’ slop.

Last night we sat down and watched Ricky Gervais: Out Of England 2 (**** out of 5). I’m not ashamed to admit, Ricky Gervais is the HI-larious. He’s crass, unapologetic, mean spirited, and British it’s the perfect cocktail of brilliance.

Cassandra and I loved his last HBO special and I never miss the Ricky Gervais Show, which is an animated version of his podcast. So I was a bit surprised when he pulled a Dylan and busted out a hardcore rape joke. The difference is he saw how the audience related to the joke, telling him it just wasn’t funny, and he moved on. He tested those waters found them uninviting and moved on. I can respect that, even if I just don’t find rape funny, at all. Anywho, the bit with the Noah’s Ark book was one of the funniest things I can remember watching on a comedy special. So if you love the obnoxious, but now surprisingly svelte Mr. Gervais seek this out.

Now…

RANDOM CRAP!

- I feel like crap after shoveling my behind off yesterday. I’m just sore and tired. That driveway is friggin’ HUGE. The next time it snows it’ll be to damn soon.
- I’m still hungry for Banana Bread, but that ain’t happenin’ till next year.
- Every once in awhile you do something simple for someone else, maybe just give them your time and attention and it is able to make their day. When you do enjoy that, be proud of it, and don’t forget that it’s that easy to just be a human being.
- I should really do some reading or some gluing tonight. One or the other.
- Last night my uncle relayed to me how stores are a racket and that if you have $200 and are “people that knows people” you can get a 60-inch TV easy. Now understand I’ve translated this into terms a normal person can understand and adjusted the language to make it a bit more friendly, but this is just how Uncle Beer rolls. Sometimes I wish I lived in this world, then I remember that meth heads don’t give warranties & are sales are final.
- I’m hungry for lunch and dinner already and have no idea what I would want to eat.

And I’m out…

“When two guys have had sex with the same girl, they’re Eskimo brothers. You have to know what your Eskimo family tree is. It’s how you get things done.”


* = This is just B.A.!

Snow Dogs Vs. White Christmas

* = WHEN WILL IT END?!

Remember all those times I complained about the lack of snowfall, or gave one of those “…this isn’t that bad, one time in Superior…” speeches. Well I’m eating my words. It’s as if the skies had been saving up just for the month of December 2010. Last night was another spectacular, or should I say ‘craptacular’, sojourn home in the middle of a mini-blizzard. Two plus hours later we finally got home only to watch the magic of Baby Cheezus get squished thanks to the human turnstile that is Bryant “I’m A FAT LOAD” McKinnie. Seriously, I thought Berrian was stealing all season, but at least he’s not a walking pile of excrement that has been stealing his entire career. And although I did get a sweet ass present from Dave & Liz, thank you both by the by, it didn’t help make the night any less of a steaming turd.

I know I’m not easy to get along with. It’s the reality of life. I do however know that sometimes I can be right. I do not care to be corrected, ‘helped’, or however it gets labeled repetitively. It irks me, then I get agitated, then I get sullen, and I HATE being sullen. The other part about it is once I’m done with it, I’m done. I don’t want to talk about it, and I especially don’t want to try and cite specific quotes. My brain doesn’t work that way, and to ask me to do that is unfair in my estimation.

Now that I’ve mentally jumped through that hoop, let me get across that I’m not upset with anyone. I need processing time, and once I part and parcel it out I’m done with it. This is me, being done with that.

Anywho…

I’ve been getting ready for the spring and here’s what I’ve got right now;

BASEMENT SCI-FI SKIRMISH WAR LEXICON

Empire of Albion – The Empire is made up of 4 systems and a total of 59 settled planets, & ruled by the most Benevolent King Jon the V. The Empire of Albion has been able to subjugate its galactic region through diplomatic, military, & financial means. The Empire espouses a generally ‘friendly’ attitude towards non-humans, although the Principality of Thule is decidedly xenophobic, and even uses them in their military. Non-humans do not receive normal military rank; instead all titles are prefaced with the term Conscript, and example would be Conscript Sergeant. This has led to the Empire being relatively peaceful internally.

Principality Of Thule – The Principality is made up of 18 settled planets. Although ruled by the Royal House of Albion the Principality of Thule stands as one of the mightiest military arms of the Empire of Albion. Genetically engineering disciplined and ruthless Storm Troopers. While the Thule doctrine of genetic purity isn’t the rule of thumb of the Empire as a whole it has found a foothold in their system, leading to a small, but loud contingent calling for secession.

‘Hadrian’s Wall’ – At the edge of ‘settled space’ there is the remnants of the climactic battle between the Espay Principality & Empire of Albion. Over 10,000 ships were obliterated as the Albion Navy decisively defeated the forces of Espay, forcing them to bend to the will of Albion. Espay became the Espay Protectorate under the benevolent rule of King Jon. The wreckage of these ships formed a small gravity well bringing in additional bodies of ‘junk’ as well as floating debris. This formed a large ‘wall’, a first barrier against the enemies of the Empire.

Espay Protectorate – The Protectorate is made up of 20 settled planets. Now a protectorate of the Empire of Albion upon their defeat at the Naval Battle of Plymouth Lanes, a series of Hyperspace Jump Points. Baroness Isabella the IX currently governs the Protectorate. The Espay are known for their Naval skills as well as their industrious arms producers. With their defeat the Espay have became the Naval arm of the Empire of Albion and have enjoyed fiscal prosperity, but the ruling class have chaffed under King Jon’s rule due to the emergence of strong Guilds. The Guilds have now amassed enough wealth to challenge most Royals both behind closed doors, but also openly. This change in the ruling class structure has made the Espay Protectorate slightly politically unstable.

Lions Of Albion – The elite of Albion’s military forces.

Roanoke Outpost – On the edge of the Empire of Albion on the small Settler’s World of Roanoke a distress call has been ringing out. Someone or something eliminated the settlers.

It’s a work in progress just like the crap ton of miniatures that I’m gluing right now. I’m curious as to what the others involved think.

How ‘bout some

RANDOM CRAP!

- I apologize to anyone who feels like I’ve ‘attacked’ him or her in this blog or any other. If you want revenge, you know where to find me…
- Last Sunday’s Avengers’ episode “The Widow’s Sting” was fan-friggin’-tastic! It set up the possibility of a mix of the classic Kree/Skrull War & the modern “meh” event Secret Invasion. All that and we got Viper, Mockingbird, Captain America & Black Panther not following orders, and FINALLY a cartoon that shows just how flippin’ awesome Hawkeye is. This coupled with last week’s episode “459” really lends credence to the Kree/Skrull War angle. I for one liked the direction they are taking Captain Mar-vell, and I’m intrigued to see what they do with Carol Danvers, aka Ms. Marvel/Binary/Warbird. This truly is the most nerd savvy of all super hero cartoons.

- This morning I shoveled like mad to try and make up for not doing it last night. Unfortunately about halfway through the driveway I broke the shovel. How the heck do you break a shovel? I am unsafe at any speed.
- I’ve never had baked potato soup, and after reading the recipe I want to.
- This has been the most flustering holiday season in some time. I’m really not sure why. I’ve just felt like nothing has gone right, I’ve been ineffectual as a friend, family member, and husband. It’s just been this sort of creeping malaise of ‘BLAH!' Saturday night cannot get here fast enough. The only thing that can save the holiday season is watching kids open present. I need some type of unbridled child joy to refuel my positivity fuel tanks.
- We need a roof rake.
- Cassandra hooked me up with some super sweet gloves and I’ve now had the opportunity to wear both pairs. They both have pros and cons, but both are warm! And currently that’s all I need.

I want to go home and NOT shovel. It’s good to want things…

“Dis empowered, the scattering flock
Dances in a fever at the castle rock
Dust-devil cypress and ripening fruit
Ascending quick into the author's bathroom

Fawn, Jo and Tootsie are out on a wire
Lettuce-toothed junkies all full of desire

Meanwhile, Rick James takes her nude
And there's nothing I can do
Meanwhile, Rick James takes her nude

And there's nothing I can do
And there's nothing I can say to you
I've got a lot of work to do
I guess I'll leave it up to you

Uninvited, we'll stay if we want
Searching through your closets for your grandfather's gun
We will swim in your kidney, kidney-shaped pool
Scratching at the bottom for another clue, yeah

Fawn, Jo and Tootsie are out on a wire
Lettuce-toothed junkies all full of desire

Meanwhile, Rick James takes her nude
And there's nothing I can do
Meanwhile, Rick James takes her nude
And there's nothing I can do”

(Meanwhile, Rick James takes her nude)
And there's nothing I can say to you
(Meanwhile, Rick James takes her nude)

And there's nothing I can do
And there's nothing I can say to you
I've got a lot of work to do
I guess I'll leave it up to you"


* = My sentiments exactly...

The Patient Gardener Vs. The Ringer

* = Truer words were rarely attached to posters...

Don’t overstay your welcome, I’ve often been told this. You want to keep it fresh; you want to keep it moving. If you’re not moving forward, if you’re static then technically you’re stagnant and that’s no good. It’s important that we constantly refine ourselves, work on our limitations, and grow personally, professionally, and of course emotionally. We as humans were not meant to live within ‘ruts’, to grind our gears in a quagmire of droll day to day with no forward momentum. So since I’m all into lists I give unto you…

TEN THINGS THAT GOTTA CHANGE!

1) Thursday Night Board Gaming Covenant – I have missed for about three weeks now. There is no excuse. I just have had stuff come up but there is no reason I shouldn’t have MADE time. If I’m going to be a part of something I need to be a PART of it, not a peripheral. It’s unfair to those that do make it.

2) “I hate it when Mommy & Daddy fight!” – I said it. Cassandra said it maybe once. SO if you’re going to tease someone about it, then tease me. It was my line and I’m a little insulted, not really, that credit for so sweet a line has been attributed elsewhere. Oh and for the record we don’t fight. I really don’t fight with anyone since it’s not worth the effort and I hate the way I feel afterwards. So I’m not trying to fight with anyone over this. I just want credit given where credit is due. I want you to freshen up your material. You know who you are.

3) E-Z Bike – This bad mama jamma needs to be fixed. I was kicking ass on it and taking names of fat people. Now it’s chilling in the closet and I’m feeling fat. Granted that fat has served me well in the last week to keep me warm in the Snowpocalypse, but I don’t like it.

4) The Baby Cheezus Hate – I find it sad that the sport’s ‘media’, which spent like seventeen years nuzzling his sweaty jock strap, is now like a pack of slavering hyenas waiting to pick at the carcass. I usually reserve that crap for the regular ‘media’. We in America love nothing more than tearing someone down that we’ve built up. THAT is our national pastime. THAT is our American ‘exceptionalism’, or it’s become our ‘exceptionalism’. Which according to my spell check isn’t even an F’N word.

5) BUZZ Trivia Challenge & BINGO! – It’s been too random. It’s mainly my fault as I can be a bit all over the place when planning things, but what I’d like to do is do both twice a year. It’s not fair to Anthony “People’s Champ” J. that he doesn’t get more opportunity to flex his trivia muscles, especially since he’s dominated. It also isn’t fair that the madness that is BINGO doesn’t occur a bit more. So I’m going to do something about it and have these things both twice this year, THIS I SWEAR!

6) Tylenol PM – I got to find a way to slow down. It’s getting to the point where I’m not sleeping without medicinal assistance. My family is a notorious bunch of insomniacs, I have no desire to give up something that I truly enjoy and quiet honestly need to function. That being said I’m not a fan of being reliant upon pills to fall asleep, just as I’m not happy about being reliant upon bills to eliminate lingering pain. I think if I can slow it to three days a week that would be a good goal.

7) Money(s) – Holy crap can I spend some cheddar. It’s not gotten bad, but to me it’s gotten bad enough. I have enough “tiny men” for any number of games. I have a crap load of books to read. I have enough video and board games to last me a lifetime. I think it’s a good time to slow the roll significantly, say ‘no’ to deals, be much more selective, play it more for the long run. I mean I love games don’t get me wrong, but I’m putting off getting a T.V. for the basement by continuing to get gaming stuff. The goal is a better balance between ‘Want’ & ‘Need’.

8) D&D – Even if it’s just an every month Castle Ravenloft/Wrath of Ashardalon, when it comes out, group I’d take it. In reality I’d love a regular D&D group again. I just need to find some people to play in it CONSISTENTLY, and who are invested in it. The honest truth is I’m missing running it significantly and as excited as I am over the Twin Cities Marvel SAGA Campaign, it’s just not the same.

9) “He & I are…Buddies…” – In the last few months I have become strangely unavailable to the vast majority of my friends. Be it Dave, Mike, Anthony “Hot Carl” J., Joe, J.B., my dad, the list goes on and on I’ve sort of pushed people to an arm’s length. I’m not sure why, but I’ve found myself isolating. I don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing; it’s just an unfair thing. Those people who call me friend take the time to be my friend, so I need to reciprocate. I think I just need to remember that the next time I don’t want to “deal” with someone. That shouldn’t be a choice since they always “deal” with me.

10) Painting Minis – I have gotten significantly better about this, but I need to keep my momentum. I actually enjoy painting; I just don’t enjoy painting alone. So whether I need to find a game store to go to, or just wrangle in some folks to paint with, or whatever it is, I need to set aside one night a week to work on the never ending throngs of minis I’ve got to paint. It’s not going to get any easier when I get the BUTTLOAD of Storm Troopers I asked for Christmas. Those little dudes will need to be primed and repainted to meet my idea of the Basement Sci-Fi War.

I think that’s a modest list, and best of all accomplishable.

Almost as accomplishable as

RANDOM CRAP!

- I didn’t even think accomplishable was a word.
- Oh and for those that think the idea that I KNOW I’m getting some Storm Trooper minis for Christmas ruins it, you’re wrong. I have no idea which ones, how many, what designs, etc. I’m super excited about the prospect of a stocking full of cheap pre-painted Storm Troopers.
- Joe Webb looked pretty damn good last night in a debacle.
- J.B. wrote me a fantastic e-mail regarding a Twin Cities Marvel SAGA Campaign teaser I sent out last week. The questions he asked just spun themselves into new plot ideas, into new scenarios, into an ever-shifting web of possibility. That’s the beauty of running a game. It’s collective story telling, but when you run the game your get to be the editor. It’s your job to get the most out of, not only the game, but also the player’s, the setting, the experience. You get to see the story behind the curtain; you get to be the Great & Powerful OZ! And I really dig that about the experience.
- Disappointment is a bitter fruit, BUT if you mix it with some sugar and blend it up, it makes a fabulous topping.
- I’m thinking White Chicken Chile tonight or maybe Thanksgiving Casserole. Either would be fantastic. We’ve gotten away from chicken of late, in fact I’m seeing a pattern of us leaving chicken behind in the winter. It’s curious that our red meat intake goes up drastically when it gets cold out. Maybe there is a subconscious or body need for it. Just a theory.
- Spell check is my friend.
- I have a palatable excitement over our Holiday card this year. There is a true sense of insane genius that came together in its creation. Between Cassandra’s small touches, to Mom-in-Law’s uncanny seamstress abilities, to Char’s picture taking skills and creative flourishes, to Anthony “Computron” J.’s Photoshop mastery, to just the bizarre ideas that erupt from deep within my subconscious it all coalescences into something truly magical. Thank you all for being the mirepoix, that’s French cooking talk SON, in our Awesome Stew.

I think I’ve wasted enough time today. For now…

“Laboring in the liquid light of Leviathan
Spectres swarm around the sunken cities of the saurians
Rising from the void through the blackness of eternal night
Colossus of the deep comes crashing down with cosmic might

And none may see again the shimmering of Avalon
Or know the fates of all the races man has cursed
Long gone are the ages of the alchemists
Now there are none who know the secrets of the earth

Harken to the howl of the Huntsman's hounds
Or the clarion of kingdoms doomed and drowned

Lament for the passing of the auroch
And the slaying of the ancient wyrm
Would you dare to meet the gaze of the basilisk
Or face the flames as the phoenix burns?

And none may see again the shimmering of Avalon
Or know the fates of all the races man has cursed
Long gone are the ages of the alchemists
Blessed are those who keep the secrets of the earth
Lament the passing of the auroch
and the slaying of the ancient wyrm
Would you dare to meet the gaze of the basilisk
Or face the flames as the phoenix burns?”


* = No wonder Cthulhu lies dreaming, it's dark in R'lyeh. It's the perfect place to sleep...

Chariots Of Fire Vs. Ice Pirates

* = This looks like my front yard circa Sunday morning...

I apparently owe an apology to Twin Cities’ area ‘Weather Terrorists’. I’m sorry. You were right. It was a Snowpocalypse from Friday night through Saturday. We got just about two feet of snow. Let that sink in for a second. TWO FLIPPIN’ FEET OF F’N SNOW! In two days it took us roughly 3 and a half hours to get our driveway clear, cut a path for the mailman, and make it possible for us to actually leave our home. Saturday the wind was so brutal you could clear a path and within five minutes there was an inch or so already there, it was nuts. Sunday wasn’t horrible, but it was brutally cold. Although not as cold as today, a series of days like this make me wonder why I live here.

Then I remember just how pretty it can be here even in winter. It’s like I live on Hoth, without the sweet Tauntauns.


Anywho, we did manage to make it to “The Cloud” for the combined b-day of myself and Mom-in-Law. It was a good time as the niece and nephew gave me a makeover, and then because their idea of brushing my head is bludgeoning me with a brush, they then used their doctor’s kit to patch me up. It was as cute as it sounds, except for the beating I took. The food was fantastic, I received some sweet swag, and this year’s Holiday Card picture is insane. In fact I challenge those of you that get one to find the ‘Easter Egg’ in it.

Well because I’m bored and my life is usually comfortably boring, how ‘bout that

RANDOM CRAP!

- If you missed the Metrodome collapsing you really owe it to yourself to go watch it. It’s simultaneously frightening and cool. Watching that makes us getting a roof rake to get the drifts off our house and garage feel urgent.
- Stranglehold is Ted Nugent’s best song and if you disagree with my I will fight you!
- Saturday night why I prayed for death while aching from two hours of shoveling and dreading the shoveling to come on Sunday Cassandra and I watched the Pony Express (**** out of 5 Stars) documentary on the rise, fall, and rise of the SMU football program. It was fascinating. For a university, or a bunch of universities for that matter, to cheat so obviously, so brazenly is just not a possibility in the modern NCAA. It was no wonder why SMU got the ‘Death Penalty’ for their football program. What I found the most incredible was the lack of accountability that all involved showed from Craig James & Eric Dickerson, to Ron Meyer’s used car salesman attitude, and all the way the boosters who paid these players. Oh and the political fallout of the school president also being a once and future Texas governor being in on the whole thing and LYING over and over again to the NCAA and the media was just dumbfounding. Next to the Ricky Williams documentary that ESPN 30 in 30 has done this was by far their best.
- THE Mom-in-Law hooked me up with a Mexican Chocolate Cake for my birthday and it was sublime.
- Sunday morning I got up early, like I was 8 years old, to watch the Avengers. This week had a Kree Sentry robot landing to scout Earth as a feasible strategic point for the Kree-Skrull War.

We were introduced to Carol Danvers, the future Ms. Marvel/Binary/Warbird, and Captain Mar-vell. I know I bitched a bit about Captain Mar-vell’s look on the cartoon, but I actually really enjoyed the character. The big surprise was the character growth between Hank & Jan. I was pleasantly surprised that they have begun to foster and grow the romantic relationship between the two. They’ve played Hank as the man more interested in Science than personal relationships & Jan as the rich debutante who flaunts herself but secretly pines for just Hank. It was interesting to see Carol Danvers be the one to lecture Jan on how her ‘games’ were eventually just going to drive Hank away. Now the saccharine sweet way this is resolved wasn’t my favorite thing, but it worked. Kudos to the guys who make this show for not being afraid of upping the ante a bit. Oh and the bits of Thor and the Hulk ‘ribbing’ one another was brilliant.
- I am exhausted, still.
- Sunday we were watching the Patriots beat the Bears like they owed them money, & CBS changed it over to the Jets and the Dolphins since it was a ‘better’ game. As we watching this on a punt coverage one of the Jet’s coach, who has now been identified as a Strength & Conditioning Coach took the imperative to stick his leg out and trip a Dolphins ‘gunner’ who had been blocked out of bounds. Not only did he trip the guy, but also he injured him in the process. I can abide a lot of the macho bull s*&t that goes on in the NFL, but this guy should be fired and banned from the NFL. For a non-essential game day coach to impose himself on a game and to cause injury to a player in such a heinous and cowardly way is horrendous. The Jet’s organization should be ashamed of themselves. I hope they don’t win another game.
- Thank you Dave and Liz for the kick ass book.

And with that I’m back to it…

“Y
Y equals X over 5
5 to the power of Z (?)
Z (?) is the square root of 3
3 is the number for me
I said

X
X by the tangent of N
N minus pi over 10
That equals negative 9
Negative 9 is so fine

You've got a brain
And nobody really needs another love song
Love song

N
N is the product of V
V and the cosine of 3
Cube that and add 44
And not an integer more
Baby

V
V equals 1 through the sum
The sum of 101
And 83 over 5
What is the value of Y?

You've got a brain
And nobody really needs another love song
Love song

You've got a brain
Yeah I heard you've got it”


* = I need to find the Necromunda rules to add this to the Basement Sci-Fi War!

Carrie 2: The Rage Vs. It, Conquered The World

* = I agree.

I know normally I do some “learning” on Fridays but I just don’t feel like I have that much information to impart to the one person who reads this drivel so instead I’ve decided to talk about

FIVE PEOPLE/THINGS WHO ANNOY ME!

- People who don’t show up. I don’t do things for my own health; I do them for the betterment of folks. I do them so ‘you’ can keep your job. When people just don’t show up, or continually avoid staying within compliance they put me in the worst possible position. One where I cease to care about them, not just as employees or coworkers, but also as people in general.

- Jen Sterger & her representation. So it’s not about money, but ‘justice’? Well why didn’t you just turn in the Baby Cheezus IMMEDIATELY to the Jets organization or the NFL? Instead you hold onto this information, which if it was so heinous and bothered you so much why did you keep it like some trophy? Listen, sexual harassment is wrong, and if Cheezus did it, which I think he did, he should have his comeuppance, but when did blackmail and hanging onto any vague sense of fame become more important? Jen Sterger has shown that fame is more important than her dignity, so isn’t that selling of one’s self just as terrible as getting a text of Farve’s dong?

- The folks who brought us the Steam dot com system. For my birthday I received a copy of Warhammer 40K Dawn Of War II. It’s a beautiful looking game, I just didn’t realize I wasn’t getting the actual “game” I was getting a pass to Steam dot com to play the game there, and to be forced to sign-up with them & with Microsoft LIVE. I spent two hours of my life last night trying to set this up so I could simply play some skirmish, and instead I was ‘blessed’ with getting to see the opening six times not getting one single second of play time. I’m going to give it another go, but thus far I’m beyond disappointed. Oh and for the record not with the gift, which is B.A., but with the folks who so fear Internet piracy that they’ve made a game that is virtually impossible to even get to play.

- Small town doctors. I grew up in a small town; in fact my small town doctor’s son and I were friends. This person who was a “friend” of my family, in my opinion, is responsible for my grandfather’s demise. He missed, repetitively, his cancer until when he finally found it my grandfather got a whole 30 days of life. His incompetence has contributed to my uncle’s stroke, and almost losing his leg. Now he’s working hard to ‘off’ my dad. See it’s not as if he’s holding a gun to his head or chopping him up into pieces, but he and his office are prescribing meds that don’t work, they don’t show any value in him as a human being beyond his ability to provide them $60.00 for an office visit. I know my dad’s in bad shape, and I’m at peace with that, BUT what I can’t abide is someone putting a price on a life. Apparently someone who you once considered ‘friend’ is only worth $60.00 to you as a person. You then are worth less than nothing to me. Pray we never meet in person again.

- Weather terrorists. Remember last night when we were told that the commute this morning was going to be treacherous due to freezing rain last night? I do, because now the same folks who have been so ‘accurate’ are saying from 9pm tonight to 1pm tomorrow expect a foot of snow. A FRIGGIN’ FOOT! I actually don’t mind the idea of going out and shoveling this while Cassandra does her snow blower ‘magic’, what I am irritated by is the fact we have to travel in it. Oh and what bothers me even more than that is the idea that it might now even happen. I know being a meteorologist isn’t all parties and hot chicks, but these guys seriously have a success ratio lower me trying to play Dawn Of War II.

End of rant.

Maybe I’ll be cheered up by some

RANDOM CRAP!

- We started the MST3K episode “The Incredible Melting Man” last night. I’d never watched it, and I must say it’s the grossest of the MST3K episodes. I know that they had Rick Baker as their special effects guy, AND DAMN if they weren’t determined to get their money’s worth.
- For all my complaining about Dawn Of War II, that opening cut scene is GORGEOUS!
- I’m reading about the WH40K Siege of Vraks in some Forge World book. It’s kinda neat to read about a fake war told in such a historical way. And the best part is the Death Korps Of Krieg, they look insanely cool,

and their history is sweet as well. The great thing about this is it’s giving me TONS of ideas for the Basement Sci-Fi War.

- I’m really hungry for a big eggy breakfast. I’m not sure why. OR some chili. In fact scrambled eggs in chili might be the Diggity.
- Cassandra hooked me up with the first Gotrek & Felix Omnibus. As soon as I finish C.L. Moore’s The Black God’s Kiss I’ll be diving right in. I didn’t know much about Moore as an author other than that she’d been a pioneer in setting up female protagonists in pulp fiction, but I have to say her Jirel of Joiry stories are fantastic. There is some Clack Ashton Smith there, some Howard, and yet something wholly original and intense. It’s fantastic stuff. I found out in my run through Google to remind myself on how to spell Jirel of Joiry that C.L. Moore co-wrote Earth’s Last Citadel (**** out of 5) with her husband Henry Kuttner. Crazy, that I didn’t know that.
- I think I’m going to use Castle Ravenloft as my substitute for D&D, OR maybe my gateway ‘drug’ to draw back in my group.
- I wonder if Adam Richman of Man Vs. Food gets paid well? I mean we watched him eat like a 5 lbs. Stromboli in less than an hour the other night and he looked like he was going to die. The gig is pretty straight forward you know, go to a city and try a eating challenge, but some of those challenges have to take some time off your life expectancy. Again how much is someone’s life worth to another. I think my life might be worth a 12-egg omelet.
- I’d punch an old person and their caregiver for either a hot Italian beef sandwich or some gnocchi right now.
- I have to thank Dave for threatening to cut into Cosmic Encounters time last night just drop off music and a birthday gift. THAT is dedication to a P.L.P.! Luckily I talked him out of his madness so he could get some delicious Wendy’s into him before braving the table of ‘cocks’ that is the Thursday Night Board Gaming Covenant. Next week I’ll be back in, and I can’t wait. Until then, thank you David.

And with that I’m spent…

“Heard it from another room
Eyes were waking up just to fall asleep
Love's like suicide
Dazed out in a garden bed
With a broken neck lays my broken gift
Just like suicide

And my last ditch
Was my last brick
Lent to finish her
Finish her

Bit down on the bullet now
I had a taste so sour
I had to think of something sweet
Love's like suicide

Safe outside my gilded cage
With an ounce of pain
I wield a ton of rage
Just like suicide

With eyes of blood
And bitter blue
How I feel for you
I feel for you

She lived like a murder
How she'd fly so sweetly
She lived like a murder
But she dies
Just like suicide”


* = HI-larious

Polar Express Vs. Elf

* = Comics that's why...

Happy birthday to me, yup, that’s right I hit the big three five yesterday, and surprisingly enough it didn’t freak me out. I need to say thanks to all the well wishers, those who provided me with things like a sweet Natural Light Cake, or Marvel Comics Pub Glasses, or a touching e-mail, OR even just a singing phone call. It’s strange but I’ve come to realize over the last year or so just how much the folks in my “In-Law” family & my friends mean to me. The fact is you can find “family” wherever you go, you make a home out of anywhere you lay your head. It’s not the most pleasant of lessons, but it’s worthwhile. So thank you all.

I’ve been on a tear of watching Mystery Science Theatre 3000 (ALL episodes Infinite *’s out of 5) of late. It’s been my goal to go back and watch all the episodes I had not seen and yet had. Things like “Being From Another Planet”, “Warrior Of The Lost World”, or “Escape 2000” have really made me long for the show that I consider the best television comedy of all time. When I say long, I mean long for new episodes. I know that we have Rifftrax, Cinematic Titanic, and even the very similar in tone Incognito Cinema Warriors XP, but none can seem to just grab the vibe and the tone of the original. IF I had three wishes, believe it or not it would be that MST3K would go on with new episodes forever. I miss you Satellite Of Love.

Now for something completely different…

FIVE FACTS FOR THURSDAYS, & BY FACTS I MEAN MY OPINIONS!

5) The Kansas City Chiefs will WIN the AFC West, and win their first home playoff game. That’s right it’s a bold prediction, which hopefully will make up for my ‘crap the bed’ predictions regarding the Super Bowl. The Chiefs are on their way back to relevancy, with a nasty running attack & an ever-improving defense, it won’t be a Super Bowl run this year, but it will set the tone for the Pioli era. And yes I am taking into account Matt Cassel’s emergency appendectomy.

4) It truly is better to give than to receive. I’ve started to feel this way the last seven years or so, but last night sealed it. It was cool as hell to get stuff for the B-Day, but man I’m dying for Christmas to get here. Not to get more sweet swag, but instead to watch the faces of my friends and family as they tear into what I/we have given them. There is something heartwarming as well as rewarding about seeing those faces light up.

3) While D&D may be on hiatus GAMING IS NOT DEAD! I’m still licking the wounds of having the D&D campaign going on indefinite hiatus, but with the creative eruption that is the Twin Cities Marvel SAGA Campaign I’ve at least had one major outlet creatively, and now as we begin the slow descent into Sci-Fi War next year in my basement I’m feeling those creative juices flowing again. I’ve not had the chance to be as collaborative with my ‘enemies’ as I’d like, but I’m hoping that next Saturday prior to Italian Apocalypse MOVIE-A-THON Mighty Mike and I will have some time to discuss the general direction of our galactic empires and the ‘how’s’ & ‘why’s’ of our WAR!

2) There is a certain quota of nerd that must be maintained for certain folks to continue to be in the Blog covenant. So for Heidi; The Walking Dead season one (**** out of 5) ended. I had high expectations for this show with Frank Darabont running the asylum, it being based on Kirkman’s highly entertaining comic, and a cast that really was spot on. I wasn’t let down, however it wasn’t without issues. The vast majority of the deviation from the source material was very good, however the “Vatos” episode was very heavy-handed. The fact we didn’t get the Rick Vs. Shane showdown wasn’t disappointing, since the actor playing Shane is very good, BUT it left the ending of the first season slightly uneven in my opinion. Overall I would recommend this for people who love zombie movies less for the ‘Walkers’ and more for the question of “what happens to humans when society completely breaks down?”

1) I mentioned it the other day, but let me explain I feel like I’m ready to be dad. It’s been surprising that it’s sort of just come to me like an epiphany. When I’m spending time around my niece and nephew or even ‘The Mace’ I just get this weird feeling in the pit of my stomach. It’s not a nervous feeling, or even anxiety instead it’s just this “man this feels right” sort of thing or a “I could do this” feeling. I used to feel that kids were always cool, but even cooler because at the end of the day or when they got out of control they always went “home”, now I find myself wanting to take that challenge, to be that “Home”. I’ve waited so long for the time to be right, for everything to be ‘financially secure’, or a perfect time in our ‘careers’, or even just waiting for some mysterious moment to happen where it felt like it was finally “the time”. Well that time is right now I think.

Now after baring my soul on the interwebs how about some

RANDOM CRAP!

- Since the Twin Cities Marvel SAGA Campaign is all about the Multiverse & Time Travel I’m thinking of using these guys:

Or maybe even this:

Whereas I love the order and 'sense' of DC's multiverse from a reader's perspective, from a guy running a high octane super hero role playing game's perspective nothing beats the "ANYTHING F'N GOES" approach of Marvel. There is so much untapped potential as well as a niche' of Silver Age goodness that can be filled. I mean can you really go wrong with Momentum Man, Haven, & Agent Orange teaming-up with Doctor America to stop The Revengers from stealing a Cosmic Cube out of the grasp of a despotic grown-up Franklin Richards? I thought not.
- While not as stoked as I was for last week’s ‘Masters Of Evil’ episode, this weekends episode of Avengers deals with the Kree & more importantly Captain Mar-vell. I’m not a huge fan of the costume choice, but if they sort of use it as a mish-mash of the Ultimate C.M., the Peter David version, and the Grant Morrison Marvel Boy costume/character I’ll be one happy camper.
- There is NO Billy The Exterminator in my Dojo.
- I think there might be some Castle Ravenloft going on this weekend with Anthony “Now THAT’s what I call singing!” J. in “The Cloud”. I need to spend some quality time picking out the minis we’ll need and getting the game ready for travel.
- I think I’m going to sit down and give Halo on Xbox a serious run soon.
- Cassandra hooked me up with Warhammer 40K Dawn Of War II last night! I have yet to install it, but I’m excited. I love(s) me some Dawn Of War and ALL the Expansions (**** ¾ out of 5), in fact next Torchlight (***** out of 5) it’s my favorite PC game. Of course once DCU Online hits early next year that could change drastically. Until then though I’m going drive my Orcish horde into a serious WAAAAAAAGGGGHHHH!- I’m hungry for a good homemade chili that I didn’t make, maybe even a white chicken chili.
- A three-degree high on Sunday just sounds like a steaming bowl of “teh suxor”…

And with that I’ve things to take care of.

“Runny nose and runny yolk
Even if you have a cold still
You can cough on me again
I still haven’t had my fulfill

In the someday what's that sound?

Broken heart and broken bones
Think of how a castrated horse feels
One more quirky cliche'd phrase
You're the one I wanna refill

In the someday what's that sound?

Most people don't realize
That two large pieces of coral,
Painted brown, and attached to his skull
With common wood screws can make a child look like a deer”


* = Where does this take your imagination?

The Villain Vs. The Forbidden Kingdom

* = I'm a Skurge fan, I admit it.

I didn’t blog much last week as I was deep in preparation for Marvel SAGA. Oh and Friday it felt like I had a tiny person in my intestines trying to claw it’s way out. Seriously, I’ve spent some quality time on toilets before, but never so much time in such a short duration. It was unpleasant to say the least.

In the days leading up I did get a chance to finish a couple of books though;
- Finder’s Bane (*** out of 5) – By now you all know I love bad fantasy novels, and can you get any more “bad” than Forgotten Realms? And just to clarify by bad, I mean just full of tropes and clichés, I don’t mean poorly written or not fun. In fact I love books like this, which shouldn’t be a surprise since every time I see some in the $1 bin I scoop them up like wayward children. So I grabbed up this. It’s a book by Jeff Grub, whose gaming stuff I think is top notch so much so I read his kick ass blog, & Kate Novak, who I must report I’m unfamiliar with. Is it the high point of literature, well nope, but is it a fun little romp, yes Virginia, YES IT IS! So being that I’m not overly familiar with ‘The Realms’ I wasn’t overly sure just who Finder, Bane, or some of the other big names were, but it didn’t stop me from enjoying the book. The idea is Finder is a new god, a mortal who attained immortality through deed, and he’s trying to foster the growth of his ‘church’ by protecting his main priest, Joel of Finder. Joel runs across some Zhents, bad guys, trying to off a lady. Together they escape and the adventure begins. Along the way they run across the followers of not only a mad god, and a god who demands human sacrifices, but also the priestess of the ‘dead god’ Bane. Apparently Bane was slain by other gods, and yet a priestess and her ‘lord’ are on a dark pilgrimage to resurrect him. Joel and this priestess getting into a bizarre and intriguing dance of faith, lust, and power. Suffice to say eventually the tale involves Spelljamming, that’s inter-plane travel on flying ships for the un-initiated, Sigil, the City Of Doors at the center of the multiverse and one of my favorite locations in ALL of D&D, and in the end a confrontation on the body of ‘dead god’ in the Astral Plane. So it’s pretty damn fun. So if your looking for a fun read that runs all over the D&D multiverse then this is perfect.
- The Halls Of Stormweather (** ½ out of 5) – I know you’re surprised that I read ANOTHER Forgotten Realms book, but it’s true. Again not the high point of literature, but an entertaining read nonetheless. This one is a series of short stories all built around the household of nobles, the Uskevrens, in the merchant city of Sembia. There is a lot of intrigue, plotting and planning going on throughout these loosely interwoven tales. I thought I’d be shook up a bit more by the changes in authors, but really it worked well as it gave each character and story a distinct feel and voice, while still keeping a strong overall narrative ‘voice’. I have to say out of all the stories though I loved, believe it or not, “The Burning Chalice” by Ed Greenwood & “Thirty Days” by Dave Gross the best. Even though I’m not currently running a D&D campaign I think the next time I do some of the Uskevrens, or at least facsimiles there of, will be making an appearance.

So Saturday we played Marvel SAGA. I have to say I was a bit worried. I wasn’t sure that the guys would get into it, I was a bit let down by the turnout of people, and of course was concerned about it being fun. Well it went FANTASTIC! Even though J.B., Dave, & Mike were my only players, which significantly changed my super villain tactics in the first and surprisingly enough, only fight the game itself went incredibly well. I can’t believe the sheer amount of actual Role Playing that came out of that evening. J.B. went so far as to wear a pair of the ugliest sunglasses, to get in character I guess, I have ever seen. Dave held a conversation over my stereo remote with his ‘mother’, ‘girl friend’, and ‘sister’. While Mike just kept reaching as deeply into the corners of his Marvel universe knowledge as I was willing to match.

So we started, as I had threatened, with Momentum Man, Haven, & Agent Orange being summoned to The Clock Tower by the Chronal Physician who informed them that only 45 seconds ago none of them had existed in the entirety of the Multiverse. After interacting he informed them that they had to protect the Twin Cities as it’s normal hero, ostensibly known as The Protector, had just been beaten to death on T.V. while trying to stop Mr. Hyde, Marrow, & Crossfire from escaping a prison transport to ‘The Deep Freeze’. After introductions and banter the ‘team’ went out to try and deal with the villains. The fight was short and ugly. Mr. Hyde took on both Haven and Agent Orange, while Momentum Man tried to deal with Marrow. Hyde and Marrow where just revealing in indiscriminate violence so Agent Orange took a very nasty approach of first becoming paralyzing gas and then poison gas to stop Hyde. The group also had to deal with the fleeing Crossfire using innocents and improvised explosives to mask his escape. By the end the group had won, but just barely. After a tense meeting between the team and the head of the ‘Deep Freeze’ facility, General John Ryker, the group tried to wrap their head around their new status quo.

The reality was the role-playing was outstanding. I knew it was going well when all three said, “I’d buy this comic!” Each player had built an interesting back-story, a fascinating supporting cast, and wasn’t afraid to stretch their ideas. The best part is we were able to leave with irons in the fire;
- Will Momentum Man take up Craig Hammer’s offer?
- Does Agent Orange dare tell his new teammates of his power’s dilemma?
- Will Haven choose his costume and being a hero or his family?
I think we might try and meet again in January, but maybe without J.B. Interestingly enough it was stated that they aren’t against others coming it, but they will HAVE to meet the role-playing standard set by this crew and I really dig that. Now I just have to keep putting out interesting ‘teases’ to build on this momentum, no pun intended.

How about some

RANDOM CRAP!

- I’m ready to be a dad.
- There was discussion about possibly playing some Westend Games Star Wars in the future. I was thinking though, when Mike and I get our Sci-Fi War Campaign up and running, soon I hope, maybe we should just play in that ‘Universe’. I figure that way everyone would already be invested in the setting, since they helped build it. Sure it wouldn’t have the mythology or sheer scope of Star Wars, but it could be fun. Something to continue to mull over.
- The Avengers “Masters Of Evil” episode

was fantastic, but I had hoped we’d get the full blown Wonder Man

turning on them scene, I guess we’ll have to wait a bit longer. I am however insanely intrigued to see just what the Enchantress is up to and just who she calls “master” if it’s not Loki…
- The Patriots beat that ASS last night! It was nice for Tom Brady and co. to finally shut up Rex Ryan and the Jets. All Tom Brady does is impregnate supermodels and win Superbowls.
- It’s always nice to see an AFC West foe fire a coach. Suck it Denver!
- Tomorrow I turn 35. For some reason I feel like it should be a big deal, but the reality is it just feels like another day. It’s not that I’m not looking forward to it, or that I’m not feeling my mortality, or any other esoteric thing like that it’s just that there doesn’t seem to be any luster on it, no interest.
- I just want to point out that Heidi is the sheezneezy! Thank you for the help.
- We have rocked out the Christmas gifts this year! I’m really excited to hand out what we got everyone. On a side note I think that I bargain shopped the HELL out of Cassandra’s stuff as well. ER, I mean Santa did.

Well with that it’s time for me to get back at it…

“Like the girl that we met at the serpent mound
Like the thing that we saw in the ultrasound
Like the path through the woods that the natives shun
Like the hair on the mole of the chosen one

Either way, we don't pay
Tear the skin right off the sun
Everybody knows who is the chosen one

Like the star in the stone of the elder thing
Like the deal that we made with the morlock king
Like the path through the woods that the natives shun
Like the hair on the mole of the chosen one

Either way, we don't pay
Tear the skin right off the sun
Everybody knows who is the chosen one”


* = Not in the face, NOT IN THE FACE!