Holiday Joy

The winter holidays have started out good for me so far.

For Thanksgiving I spent most of the weekend up in far North Oklahoma with my pops, ostensibly hunting deer, but in reality watching lots of football. To top the weekend off Robely and I went to see Tran Siberian Orchestra (part of her birthday present). I do not really care for their music, but the put on one heck of a show. Lights, lasers, fog, pyrotechnics, band members running around the auditorium and more pyrotechnics! Definitely not what I was expecting. It was a really good time and I really like the atmosphere of OKC's Ford Center. So much so that I scored tickets for my dad's birthday to see Cirque de Soleil: Saltimbanco. Can't wait to get back up there this weekend.

So, after a leisurely drive back home, Robely and I decided to catch a matinee showing of Quantum of Solace (the new Bond flick). I'll give it a solid two thumbs up with a caveat. If you missed the first Daniel Craig movie you might have a hard time understanig the plot in this one, it provides a lot of Bond's motivation throughout the film. Definitely see Casino Royale before you catch Quantum of Solace. Both are hardcore action thrillers more in line with Ludlum's Bourne movies than the Sean Connery/ Roger Moore Bond films.

Tonight saw our annual Christmas Game Exchange for the Dallas Gamers and we had a great turn out, something like 40 people. The way it works is that you bring a wrapped new or gently used game. When your name is called you can either unwrap one from the table or steal one someone else has opened. A game can only be stolen three times, so you kind of hope for your name to be somewhere in the middle. If someone steals from you then you have the choice to open a new game or steal from someone else.

I was happy with the games people brought this year (unlike one year where someone brought Ft. Worth-opoly and an old computer game). I saw hot new games like Pandemic, TTR: the Card Game and Dominion. I had TTR: the Card Game in my hands at one point but ended up coming home with a beautiful wooden dice tower and the game Dixie. The surprise game this year was a copy of the 1961 Parker Brothers game 1863. The box is very similiar to Monopoly, so it was avoided for a long time. Everyone oohed and aahed when it was finally opened.

And I can not give enough props to Lo Tech Games. Ernie provides raffle games for all our major events, including every DGM. Tonight was no exception, and as an added bonus I walked away with a copy of Wasabi (which seemed to be a hot game at BGG.Con).

Yes, the winter holidays are looking good for me so far.

BGG Con 2008

BGG Con made the news in DFW this year: Fox 4

What a great con this year! Robely and I headed over Wednesday evening to get things kicked off and try to catch up with some of our friends from out of state.Once Robely got settled into the room though, it was all over for her. (Sometimes I think she is solar powered)

I was amazed at how many people showed up prior to the con, and after a bit of catching up, set up a game of Jamaica with KA and two random passersby. I figured since I was demoing the game on Saturday, it would be good to have a few games under my belt. Mary and Paul proved to be good sports and my demo spiel. It was quick and easy enough that we got in a second game where JRod joined us. The game definitely seems to player with more players.

At this point I was about ready to call it a night and try and get an early start for Thursday's activities. As usual, JRod proved to be a bad influence, as we rounded up two other players for Hellgame. I managed to win this one because everyone else was convinced JRod was about to win. Somehow the clock had slid by and it was 3am and so I toodled off to bed before JRod could get me in anymore late night games.

8am seems to come awful early in the morning when you go to bed at 3. This turned out to be the trend for the con- meaning to go to bed early and finding out it was 3am. Ironically, the final night Saturday, turned out to be the night I did get to bed earlier. By Sunday I was worn out, but it was well worth it. But I get ahead of myself.

The next morning (did I mention it was early) JRod proved to be my hero of the con. He was able to get through registration faster than me and managed to snag the last copy of 2nd de Mayo as his entry prize. He knew I wanted it and snagged it for me. What a guy! I offered him my wife but we settled on my golden ticket. The way the con works is that you get a ticket you can redeem for one of the great games and items provided by the sponsors and you get a golden ticket for the prize drawings they do every night at midnight. This year they let you trade in your door prize ticket for yet another golden ticket. I was more than happy to trade one in the bush for the one in his hand, so to speak.

I've been out of the proverbial loop lately, as to the gaming world so I had no clue as to what had just been released at Essen and Ian was happy to fill me in as we waited in the registration line. But my philosophy has changed over the years. I have plenty of games in the closet that rarely see play, that I do not feel the need to get the latest and greatest. As a result I found myself not really drawn to the "Hot Release" room and ended up socializing more with DFW friends and friends I've made at other cons. People have been asking what my favorite game was and I have to admit it was the games themselves but seeing and meeting friends.

Some of the highlights:
Meeting and playing with Peter Hawes
Getting in some good old fashioned Ameritrash games
Spending some time with Eran, since he now lives in Israel
Seeing Robely having a good time at a gaming con
Robely doing well in the poker tournament (go girl!)
Demoing Jamaica for a largely receptive crowd.

Games played:
Jamaica (3x and demoed once)- pirates and racing- run out your guns
Hellgame- Jrod and I near to play this more often
Peter Hawes' new prototype- top secret
Battlestar Galactica- big disappointment for me
Heads of State- area control with some great card management involved
Weykick- Melby got me into this one. Sort of magnetic foosball
Risk 2210 (2x)- once with the Ames-Heinz total chaos option
Hill 218- great little card game filler
Schrille Stille- really interesting tool for this game involving secret balloting
Blood Bowl- humiliating loss to JJ for our league semi-final
Blood Feud in New York- cool economic engine for Ameritrash
Car Wars-good game for a brain dead Sunday morning

Hypocrisy in Austin

Below is an article that sort of got my fires going.

I don't agree with what he did, but it is sort of a case of "I don't agree with what you say, but I'll defend your right to say it"
The hypocrisy and troubling part is this the player was dismissed immediately, but yet between June and September of 2007, no less than 6 UT players were arrested (for various offenses). How many of them were kicked off the team?

It seems that you can break the law at UT and only get suspension. If you say the wrong thing, on the other hand, well the gloves come off.

Wonder if the ACLU will get involved...

Burnette apologizes to teammates for Facebook incident

By Suzanne Halliburton | Thursday, November 6, 2008, 04:33 PM

Updated with father’s comments: Backup center Buck Burnette has apologized to his now former teammates for posting an inflammatory text message regarding President-elect Barack Obama on his Facebook account.

__________________________________________________________________

Other pieces of interest:

Texas player arrested for drug possession, another cited

Texas Player Becomes 6th Longhorn Arrested Since June

Brown institutes 'zero tolerance' policy as embroiled Texas opens camp

Fun Sunday

It was a good day today. It started with the extra hour granted by Daylight Savings. This gave Robely and I plenty of time to get ready to meet Dustin, Kevin and Kathryn for Dim Sum at a great place Dustin found called Kirin Court.



Dim Sum is the Chinese version of a taps bar. You go with in a bunch of friends (preferably 6-8 people) and the staff brings around carts of shumai, dumplings, tofu, soup and what not. And you have a huge lazy susan in the middle of the table so everyone can get some. Ummmm, so yummy.

Afterwards, it was off to Jrod's to meet up with Jrod, DH and Trimmer for a game of GMT's Successors. It was my first time playing the new and improved version, but not much had changed from the last version. While DH and Trimmer fought over control of Asia and Africa, I was able to quietly amass power in Greece and sneak in a win by the end of turn two.

And now the Simpson's Tree House of Horror. Me thinks my latest funk is come to a close.

Awesome weekend

My wife and I headed to the Crystal Coast this weekend to see an old friend. As luck would have it, our trip coincided with the North Carolina Seafood Festival.

Hopefully I will have pictures and more to share when I get over the shock of Texas re-entry

Cheap Gas??

Beware the signs!

So I notice yesterday that one gas station has prices advertised at about 15 cents cheaper than the other stations around. I pull in today and find out why. They are all out of cheap gas. Instead of getting my fill at 3.56 I ended up paying 3.879 per gallon.

With refineries out of commission for a few weeks, it is only going to get worse

Politics and Money

So as the election heats up and we all learn about this new player from Alaska, I began to ask myself which candidate matches up with the common man the most. I think a lot more people can relate to Palin than the other candidates. Then I got to thinking about what helps define our day to day issues, and I believe it is largely based on your socio-economic status. Those in the lower classes have to focus just on getting the bills paid. Those in middle income still have to watch the bills, but can enjoy luxuries from time to time, like cable TV or a trip to Disney World. Then there are those with more money than sense.

We've seen the celebrities on TV who have never been into a grocery store or can't remember how many houses they own. So seeing how it is Friday at work and I didn't feel like napping or playing solitaire, I did a little research:

According to the Associated Press, Sen. Joe Biden reported an income of $298,000. Not too shabby, I think I could live off that, especially with the health insurance coverage he has.

The Obamas reported $991,000 in 2006, according to Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun-Times, but then I guess all that air travel to Hawaii takes some dough.

On the overboard side we come to Cindy McCain, who reported 6 million for 2006, after the press hounded her. Sen McCain is a lucky and very kept man. I wonder what his allowance is.

I couldn't find much on Palin, but I did find a report that showed the Alaska Governor's salary (as of 2002) to be a measly $83,000. Nor, apparently do Alaskan governor's have a lot of perks (like a plane) that other states offer. How does she afford heating oil, let alone caring for that mob of kids she has?

I think I need to ask for a raise, or see if Cindy McCain wants to adopt me.

Chupacabra Sightings

I think my sister missed her calling as a cryptozoologist (or at least a promotional director for Cuero, Texas)

me, Hippie?

I'm not a tree loving hippie but I do believe in trying to save money and trying to reduce changes in the global climate.

So maybe Robely and I can learn a thing or two.
If you are in the DFW area, come join us is listening to Ed Begley, Jr

Project Green Summit: Putting Green Into Action

Tuesday, September 9, 2008
7:30p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Charles W. Eisemann Center (View Map)
2351 Performance Drive, Richardson, TX 75082

Tickets are $8.00 and available through the Eisemann Center Box Office (972-744-4650 or on-line at www.eisemanncenter.com).
All of the proceeds of the event will benefit the Texas Trees Foundation and North Texas affiliates of Keep Texas Beautiful.

Fuel price nightmare

hehe, love this one.....

Nozzlerage: Attack of the Pump

The Future?

I seem to remember being told in grade school that we would exhaust fossil fuels in our life time. I remember a rush towards solar, nuclear and wind power alternatives during the Carter administration and the OPEC gas "crisis", so what happened?
In the mid eighties there was hubub about the future of hydrogen cars. What happened?

Oil prices dropped and thoughts of changing over to other ideas seem to have been tabled. Now that oil prices are up again, discussion returns. With the growth of China and India and their voracious resource appetites, the price of oil does not look to fall dramatically again.

Now an oil mogul prompts to lead the way to regain American Independence, but is it too late? And why isn't anyone in Washington listening?

Tonight I saw Mr. Pickens on Larry King and after the snafu we saw with switching to ethanol, I have to wonder where the flaw lies in his indutrious dream.

More news ....

Mercury Cos. exits three states Title and escrow provider owes First American
By Matt Carter, Thursday, July 31, 2008.
Inman News

Mercury Companies Inc. is closing down its title and escrow subsidiaries in California, Texas and Arizona, after the Colorado-based company was denied additional credit by lenders.

In California, Mercury subsidiary Financial Title Co., a title and escrow service provider with 57 offices in 10 counties, closed its doors Wednesday much the way sister company Alliance Title did in December -- abruptly, and with little warning to employees, clients or regulators.

"We first heard about it this morning," said Darrel Ng, a spokesman for California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner. The Department of Insurance has employees in place at each Financial Title office to oversee the transfer of files to underwriter First American Corp., Ng said. "It is our understanding that all the escrow money is intact, and that there will be no financial losses for customers," although some may see their closings delayed.

First American -- which is currently engaged in a legal battle with Mercury over its stake in the company -- has set up a dedicated customer service center to field questions from existing customers. Those with pending transactions are advised to call (925) 249-2819 for more information.

As the sole title insurance underwriter for Financial Title and another Mercury subsidiary, Lenders Choice Title, First American said it was committed to fulfilling "its duties and responsibilities" to ensure transactions "are successfully processed to completion." A First American spokeswoman said the company is taking similar steps in Texas and Arizona.

Mercury also shut down United Title of Texas on Wednesday, informing employees in a memo that it was unable to obtain cash needed to sustain operations outside of Colorado, the Houston Chronicle reported. The memo blamed the decision on "an unexpected, and in our opinion, unwarranted and unjustified act by our syndicate of banks, which deprived us of the cash we needed to sustain and to continue those operations."

Mercury did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
After Alliance Title closed, the California Department of Insurance filed a "cease and desist" order against the company, claiming it had a net deficit of $50.6 million at the end of November. Alliance and Mercury also face lawsuits by the California Labor Commissioner and former employees who claim they are owed unpaid wages and expenses.

Mercury sued First American Corp. in May in an attempt to obtain a judgment from a federal district court that would force the company to continue underwriting title insurance policies on behalf of Mercury's California subsidiaries.

The lawsuit claimed that Mercury and First American had agreements that, among other requirements, called for Mercury and its affiliates to be First American's exclusive agents in Colorado (see story).

In a July 17 answer to the lawsuit and counterclaim, attorneys for First American said
Mercury breached the agreements by refusing to repay millions in loans dating back to 2001 or convert First American's nonvoting preferred stock in Mercury into Class A common stock as promised.

In November 2004, First American alleged in its counterclaim, Mercury issued a promissory note obligating it to pay First American Title $15 million by Oct. 31, 2005. The maturity date was later extended to Sept. 30, 2007, with Mercury obligated to pay 12 percent interest on any outstanding debt after that date.

In June 2006, First American Title agreed to pay Mercury $75 million in exchange for 75,000 shares of nonvoting preferred stock, which was to pay dividends of 5 percent a year. First American claims that under Mercury's articles of incorporation, the stock was to be automatically converted into Class A common stock if Mercury did not announce plans to redeem the shares by Sept. 30, 2007.

Mercury did not redeem the shares or convert them into Class A common stock with voting rights, and has failed to pay principal and interest on other debts, First American alleges.

"Mercury has breached its agreements (by) … refusing to pay dividends, principal, interest and other sums owing to (First American), failing to perform key obligations under the agreements and Mercury's articles, and by failing to provide other performance required under the agreements," First American's lawyers said.
First American is seeking an order preventing Mercury from holding shareholder meetings or votes without notice and consent of First American Title.

Downturn hits our Industry

United Title Shuts Down Texas Operations
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
By STEVE BROWN / The Dallas Morning News

United Title of Texas has shut down its statewide operation.
The title insurance firm – owned by Mercury Companies of Colorado – had 22 offices and about 190 employees.
On Tuesday, the Texas locations were closed after the parent company decided to discontinue operations outside of Colorado.
All of the Texas employees were immediately terminated.
United Title of Texas had 10 locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Editorial Cartoons

Gotta love good editorial cartoons

Origins 2008- the Return

Once upon a time I was offered to attend the Origins Game Fair in Columbus Ohio with a game company. I had an okay time (considering I worked the whole weekend) but it most definitely pales in comparison to this years trip.

I arrived early Wednesday and quickly met up with Scott M and his buddy Al, from Erie, PA. I've met Scott M. several times at BGG.con and in Syracuse, and his company helped convince me to attend this year's event.
TIP- if you ever go to Origins, definitely add the "boardroom" badge. Upon arrival I was given my choice of two free games (I took Masons and Knights). I also lucked out in the drawing Saturday night for a copy of Rat Hot, along with a Dr. Who Card game and some free bits provided by Rio Grande games- more than worth the price of the badge. I quickly got into a game with them of a card game prototype, that is quick and fun. We also managed to get in a game of Age Of Empires III, before heading off to Barley's, across the street. Joining us was Chris from St. Louis and his lovely wife, Melissa. We all swapped stories and enjoyed the awesome Raspberry beer and I got have some fine Pierogis ( a dish you don't find in Texas).

After dinner we got in a game of Battue and Cuba. I did not really care for Battue. It seemed almost too simple and a couple of bad die rolls (as Chris illustrated) could ruin your whole game.

Thursday
I had called it an early night Wednesday, because I had scheduled an Advanced Civilization. I don't consider myself a slouch at the game, but this time I got stuck playing Crete. Ugggh! It was horrible, but at least we played fast and I was relieved of my misery by 3:30.

So I found myself wandering around the CCG Hall, the Mini Hall and eventually the Dealer's room. Now by this point I was getting backpack envy. Everyone I saw was carrying around a bag of some sort, so I felt out of place. Scott M must have sensed this when he found me drooling in the Dealer's room because he quickly showed his spanking new bag- complete with "gamer" emblazoned on the back.

Let me say, when I started this journey I intentionally packed the smallest bag I could find, so that I would not have room in my luggage to buy more stuff. *sigh* (the best laid plans, etc.) Scott M. informed me that the bag came free when you bought a set of dice (don't ask how expensive the dice were- mine are pretty brass ones), and once the wallet came out the madness was upon me. Soon I had a mouse pad and other knickknacks stuffed into my bag.

Scott M. eventually dragged me out of the Dealer's room and we found Al to head out for Bar Louie. Scott M. had been raving about "loaded tots" all day. It turns out he had never had them. We all decided to try them for appetizers and admire the waitstaff/scenery.

Loaded Tots are a cardiologists' nightmare. Take a ton and a half of tater tots, fry them to extra crispy. Load them with queso, bacon bits, onions and giardiniera (spicy pickled veggies). Awesome stuff! (Scott M was in love and I think that's all he ate the rest of the weekend). Afterwards, we headed to another Scott M and Al tradition of Carnival of the Damned (put on by Twilight Creations).

When you walk into the Carnival you are presented with a bag of 50 plastic zombies and 3 tickets and wander among the various casino games. The person at the end of the night wins prizes. As I said this is an Al and Scott M tradition and we were soon seated at the table closest to the bar (bar good- tip your bartender and bar even better), which was blackjack. Some poor soul sitting with us had promised his girlfriend he wouldn't drink. He probably didn't have as much fun as we did. Later we were joined by Chris O'Neil, who turned out to be a great hoot in his own right and fit right in. Several hours, gallons of alcohol and flying zombies later, Scott M was armed with a Duckapult, and let me tell you those little plastic zombies can be flung a good ways. None of had enough zombies to win serious prizes, but we had a blast. Chris talked us into heading over to the Big Bar on 2, but it was crowded and stuffy. Scott M and Al called it an early night and I wandered off to the Boardroom to find some other night owls.

Kevin M was there. Another gamer from Dallas, he had been caught up in the prior night's storms and routed to Chicago. A two hour flight turned into a 15 hour adventure (a 3 hour tour...) Anywhoo, Kevin had hooked up with Torben and Rik of Valley Games whom he had met in Essen. Along with them was *gasp*- Jason Mcallister the creator of Titan! OMFG, it was so cool to meet him and one of the highlights of my weekend. We settled in for a game of Red Planet, with Kevin M. teaching. Not a bad little game. Torben somehow got the chicken dance stuck in his head and felt he had to share it. Especially whenever I made a move that vexed him. I wish I could have gotten to game with them more during the weekend, but such is life at a con.

Friday
By this time the days were starting to blur. Remember how I said I wasn't going to buy anything? My downfall was at hand. I found a UPS booth in the Dealer's room. After buying too much Cthulhu stuff for Robely and shipping it home with some other knickknacks (Boy am I lucky that Monsterpocalypse isn't out yet- I would have had a case or two on its way home just from looking at the figures Privateer Press had set up), I taught Goa and Ursuppe before we headed back to Bar Louie with Mexican Rob. Remember those thunderstorms that took Kevin to OZ via Chicago Wednesday? Apparently Rob, his posse and Scott M were kept in a bar when the tornado sirens went off. I somehow missed the tornado sirens- ahem.

After another fine dinner of loaded tots. we set down to play Ticket to Ride: the Card Game. There was more to this game than I initially thought and look forward to trying it again. Then I taught Rob and Scott M one of my favorite, Industria. We were interrupted in our game when Rob's posse found him and having discovered that Happy Hour lasts three hours in Columbus, proceeded to fill us in on the details. Scott M and I left Rob to his fate and headed for Chris O'Neill's Kobolds Ate My Baby event. But not before stopping by the Rio Grande Games 10 year birthday bash- Congrats to Jay!
The Kobolds Ate My Baby (in space no less) was filled with some of the oddest people. We soon bailed out when one of the players came back with a sharpie tattoo across his forehead. I wouldn't be surprised if he had it all weekend.

Back in the Boardroom we met up with Erin O and her crew from Ohio. More people I know from Syracuse- sweet! We finished off the night with a game of Ra and then Race for The Galaxy. Mexican Rob escaped from his drunken posse caught up with me and asked if he could crash in my room for the night. He still had Richard in tow. Richard was none too steady on his feet. Rob and Richard are hardcore gamers. And I say that because I know of no one else who has game piece tattoos, but they are a lot of fun. And after pointing Richard in the right direction of the rest of the posse, Rob and I headed off to bed. Sleep didn't come quickly as Rob and I chatted, though eventually I think I drifted off to the sound of his voice.....

Saturday
Saturday came bright and early. With a cheerful and gracious Rob I made us some coffee in the hotel room and we chatted for about an hour. Everything and anything is fair game when talking to Rob. He is the consummate conversationalist and a good roommate. I let him buy me breakfast in the hotel and he headed off to find a Starbucks while I grabbed smoke and wander aimlessly- more Dealer's room, the art gallery and the auction. When I finally found Rob again, he was sucked well into a game of Wealth of Nations with the Tablestar guys. I watched awhile and noticed a crowd developing on the streets below. Origins this year coincided with Gay Pride weekend and they were preparing for a parade outside of the convention center on High Street.

Scott M showed up with Sean B in tow and off we went for lunch at North Market. On our way we passed by the Evangelicals who had set up a megaphone and were proselytizing about the evils of homosexuals (not gamers for once), but someone needed to check the guys material.
"We aren't here just to persecute homosexuals, if there was a masturbation pride celebration we would be there. Masturbation in Columbus is getting out of hand" At which point I thought we were going to have to pick up Scott M as he was laughing so hard.

By the time we finished lunch the parade had started and it was in between us and the relative sanity of the con. When the float full of guys in jockstraps dancing went by, we were tempted to go up and see what the preacher would say, but gaming called.

I caught up with Kevin M. and got into a game of Vinci with him and two other experienced players. We played a four player game and it was a better game than I remembered. Somehow I managed to come in second. It was a long one though, so soon it was time for dinner. Where? You guessed it Bar Louie. Scott M, Sean B and myself. Joining us were also Al and Erin and her crew.
Sean recounted us of the treasures he found at the auction and got my auction fever simmering. After dinner he and I sat in at the auction, but I was able to resist the call. Prices seemed extremely low for the items and the crowd mainly seemed to be dealers. It was a shame really, part of the auction was for Make a Wish Foundation in the name of Gary Gygax (RIP) and there was also the collection of Charles Cain (the founder of Ral Partha- also RIP).
The only thing I bought was a first edition original Battletech (the Japanese version, still unpunched) for 5$, and it included a note of providence from Mr. Cain's widow. Finally, as the auction was nearing its end I headed back to the Boardroom to see if I had won anything in the raffle (Rat Hot- whoo hoo) and fell into a game of Brass. I'm not usually one for Martin Wallace's games, but this one intrigues me. I don't remember what time we started, but it was 3AM when we finished. AAACH! It's Saturday! What time is my checkout Sunday?! (whew! it wasn't until noon, but I was up way before then because I had one of Scott M's games in my possession.

Sunday
After checking out and leaving my luggage with the concierge, I came full circle and met up with Scott M and Al in the Dealer's room. Looking for those last day deals. I somehow managed to win a painting in the art room and checked out while they finished their shopping, then off to lunch at North Market and a tearful farewell (ok, not real tearful).

After seeing them off I managed to hook up with Kevin M and bought a bunch of shirts from Rik and Torben and got a quick demo of Municipium (it piqued my interest enough that I pre-ordered it last night). I bought more t-shirts for Robely and my sister. And then Kevin M and I got in a demo of Nefertiti. Nefertiti is an auction game with some bite. Kevin M. picked it up, so I am sure I'll see it again, but at 50$ I decided it wouldn't fit in my luggage. Finally the time came to bid farewell to the con. Kevin M and I grabbed a cab for the airport and lucked out when we checked in. First class Upgrades were available, the perfect ending to any vacation (though Kevin M was too exhausted to enjoy most of it). I look forward to doing it again next year.

Moving to the Country.....

Sat June 14, 2008

With offer, Hobart hopes to land modern-day settlers

By Richard Mize
Staff Writer

HOBART — Not since allotment of the Kiowa-Comanche-Apache reservation lands in 1901 has settlement come to this in Kiowa County:

Land!

FREE LAND in Hobart!

Strings are attached, though. The city is offering free residential lots, and free hookups to utilities, to anyone who will build houses on them and make Hobart their home.

City Manager Wilt Brown said officials were inspired by similar successful appeals to modern-day land grabbers in small towns in Kansas and Alaska.

Not that Hobart is desperate, although the Kiowa County seat, about 115 miles southwest of Oklahoma City, has been losing population — it stood at about 4,300 in 1990, about 4,200 in 1997, about 4,000 in 2000, about 3,900 in 2005, and projected at 3,870 in 2010.

In fact, Hobart has some things going for it that other Great Plains towns are, well, dying for:

Take the General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and Museum. Brown said fundraising goes on.

The retired general's wife, Cathy, is from Hobart. Planned is a $15-million, 45,000-square-foot complex on a two-city block area on S Main Street.

Gaining momentum

Last year, Hobard Mayor Tom Talley received the Oklahoma Mayor of the Year Award for small towns from the Oklahoma Conference of Mayors, and Hobart received a Municipal Innovations Award for its “Big Bang” beautification effort led by the Junior Main Street program.

The Hobart area has a civilian labor force of 4,810, with an unemployment rate of 4.6 percent, according to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.

A recent job fair listed more than 500 jobs open in the area, in aircraft construction, corrections and health care, Brown said.

But, times have been better.

Somber centennial

Brown said Hobart natives who returned for the town's centennial celebration in 2001 helped residents decide something needed to be done before the town started seriously suffering the fate of other Plains communities.

“They said, ‘Hey, our town's dying. We're not going to let that happen,'” Brown said.

The appeal is reminiscent of the flyers and broadsheets that town builders used to lure homesteaders in the 19th century — except for the airport, of course.

“Our community, framed to the south by the Wichita and Quartz mountains, offers a quiet rural life with an excellent hospital, airport, library, schools, parks, nursing home, senior day care center and churches,” Brown wrote in a modern-day flyer, an e-mail headlined just like the ones from the old days:

“FREE LAND: WE HAVE A HOMETOWN FOR YOU! Welcome to Hobart, Oklahoma ... the little town with a big heart.”

Lots of lots

Unlike land ads from more than a century ago, most of which were printed up by hucksters high on hype, Brown said there is no bait-and-switch deal in the works in Hobart.

The city owns 35 lots, most with dilapidated houses on them, 30 deeded over from Kiowa County. As the shacks come down, the land will be available to modern-day homesteaders who, just as their homesteading forebears did, can “prove up” their intentions: They're going to build houses and they're going to live in them.

First things first, though. Getting the word out about the city council's decision to go forward with the idea, last Monday, was job No. 1.

Next is drawing up applications and guidelines. They'll be available Sept. 1, which, if Hobart officials realize their dreams, could go down in history, alongside Oklahoma's other historic land runs, rushes and lotteries.

They're even calling it Hobart Land Rush of 2008.

____________________________________________________________

This article led me to dreams of creating my community in the desolate wastes of southwest Oklahoma. Imagine you and 34 of your friends being 10% of a town and then helping to mold that town from the brink of oblivion to a modern oasis. Then my wife reminded me where Hobart is.

The New Nietzsche??

Any fan of Firefly could have told you the man is great philosopher....

Ark. academic conference examines TV hit `Buffy'
By JON GAMBRELL, Associated Press Writer
Fri Jun 6, 8:34 AM ET

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Aristotle. Nietzsche. Buffy? The blond heroine of the campy TV series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," as well as other works by creator Joss Whedon, will be the focus of a three-day academic conference beginning Friday at Henderson State University.

The show starring Sarah Michelle Gellar won cult fame and critical praise during its seven seasons on The WB and UPN networks.

Since it ended, the series has spawned enough academic books on the philosophy surrounding the roles of friendship and feminism to fill a 15-foot-wide bookshelf at the college in Arkadelphia, said Kevin Durand, an associate professor of philosophy.

"It has staying power," Durand said. "It's like I tell my students in philosophy a lot of times: We're not so much about necessarily finding all the answers as wanting to ask better questions. `Buffy,' I think, does that. `Buffy' never really leaves you with nice, pat answers. You have even more questions than when you started."

Durand said more than 90 academic papers will be discussed at the conference. He expects about 150 people to attend and discuss the vampire slayer and Whedon's other works, including the television series "Firefly" and "Angel." Another point of discussion will be a lesser-known part of Whedon's work — his screenplay for the hit animated film "Toy Story."

Among the papers: "Buffy and Feminism," "Buffy and Identity," "Gender Stereotypes and the Image of Domesticity in `Firefly,'" "`Firefly:' The Illusive Safety of Big Damn Heroes" and a Durand favorite by a British scholar, "Hero's Journey, Heroine's Return: Buffy, Eurydice and the Orpheus Myth."

"That one just sounds cool," he said.

Springtime in Syracuse

So this weekend Robely and I took our (quickly becoming annual) trip to upstate New York to visit our friends Scott and Ken.
Oh, it was a blast. Robely and Ken went out to see the sites while Scott and I geeked out with some of the locals.
The weather was absolutely beautiful (at least compared to the heat brewing in Dallas). The temperature was in the 60s and 70s and spring was beginning to bloom up there.

Since our last visit Scott and Ken had purchased a 3 story manor (at least compare to our humble abode) on 4 1/2 acres besides (what was generously called) a lake. At the end of a quiet lane we seemed out in the middle of the woods. I saw deer and turkey in the back yard and even heard foxes Thursday night while having a smoke.

Two surprises that I discovered in my gaming orgy were Indiana Jones: Game of Life and Monopoly: Tropical Tycoon. Both surprisingly scratched that Ameritrash itch and were quite enjoyable (mainly because of the company).
Then Robely and I discovered Scott's Wii. We stayed up waaaaayyyyy too late Saturday playing Boom Bloxx (quite addictive) and no alcohol was involved. Who knew waving your wrists around could be so addictive? I was not sure Robely and I would be able to pull ourselves away from the paradisaical setting.

Surprisingly, the air travel was smooth (compared to my last few trips). It helped, of course, that we mailed our luggage ahead of time instead of playing the TSA lottery. Somewhere along the weekend someone mentioned Origins and it stuck in my head. Arriving home I realized I have far too many unscheduled vacation days remaining for this year (and I can't save them anymore) and looked at it more as a lark than a serious vacation. But after a horrible return to work today, I quickly decided another vacation was in order indeed.

A few clicks later and plastic money through the ether off I soon to go. As I finished the whole reservation process I came to the realization that Origins is not my true goal. No my true goal is getting away from work and Dallas. Lock me up in a closet away from the office and I'll be happy. Getting to game and seeing friends is definitely an added bonus.

Now I'm like a kid before Christmas and can't wait.

Great journalism

Arrest made in hot dog’s abduction

Daily Progress

From staff reports
Published: May 9, 2008

A Charlottesville man has been arrested in connection with the theft of a beloved hot dog mascot.

Jeremy Strain, 23, was charged Friday with grand larceny and felony destruction of property.

Albemarle police Lt. Todd Hopwood said authorities are looking for David Dudley, a 21-year-old city man for whom police have an arrest warrant.

Harry the Hot Dog disappeared April 9 from All Good Groceries. The statue, which is 6 feet and 200 pounds of fiberglass and steel, was missing for 27 days before police received an anonymous tip on his whereabouts.

Authorities dug up the hot dog near the Cedar Hill Mobile Home Park, where they discovered he had lost his arms, a shoelace and his bottles of ketchup and mustard, with which he was slathering himself so he could appear more delicious.

The statue is valued at about $2,000. Details of what happened to the hot dog while he was missing were not immediately available.

Ugly business

Oil and gas issues have been giving me headaches at work for a while. So this story came as an interesting side note

Railroad Commissioners criticized for oil and gas relationships

10:00 PM CDT on Thursday, May 8, 2008

By BRETT SHIPP / WFAA-TV

Are Texas Railroad Commissioners too cozy with the oil and gas industry operators they are supposed to be regulating?

It's a question being raised in the wake of a News 8 investigation into deadly natural gas fittings, fittings that some say Commissioners should have forced gas companies to remove years ago.

For most it's tragedy long forgotten. Three elderly people killed in a house explosion in Garland in January, 2000. Investigators ruled that a small gas pipeline had cracked and leaked, causing the explosion that killed Albert and Lillian Holbert and her sister Callie Hickerson. But the Holbert's daughter Sydna Gordon will never forget.

Still etched in her mind, the moment she found out that the faulty pipe that killed her parents had a legacy of failure and death in Texas dating back to 1983.

Only after her parents died, did State Railroad Commissioners order the faulty pipe removed from the ground. “The Railroad Commission is the governmental agency in this state that has the responsibility to make sure we are all safe and they don't do it," said Gordon.

West Texas rancher Jay Marcom is a frequent critic of State Railroad Commissioners. His ranch land is crisscrossed by a corroded, 80 year old natural gas pipeline which spring six leaks last year, polluting his soil and his wells.

When he tries to get Railroad Commissioners to protect him and his land he says they almost always side with the gas company... and he thinks he knows why. “As long as the Railroad Commission of Texas is funded and influenced by the oil and gas industry of the state of Texas there will never be a change," said Marcom.

According to the government watchdog group Texans for Public Justice, all three commissioners campaigns are heavily funded by the people they regulate.

Of the $1.6 million dollars raised by Victor Carrillo in 2004, 46-percent came from individuals connected to the oil and gas industry.

Commissioner Elizabeth Ames Jones raised just over $2-million dollars in 2006. Of that, 35-percent was oil and gas money.

And a News Eight analysis of Commission Chairman Michael Williams January campaign report shows of the $400,000 he raised, 42-percent came from individuals with ties to the oil and gas industry.

Critics say those percentages are hard to ignore. "With the Railroad Commission we don't know who these people are, nobody knows what they do for a living, except the oil and gas industry that they are supposed to regulate,” said Andrew Wheat, director of Texans for Public Justice. “But, at the same time that's the very industry that is paying for their political careers."

Chairman Williams says contributions do not buy influence. "I reject that notion,” said Williams. “I am very confident that I make decisions based on facts and based on good sound policy and based on what I think is the best interest of my fellow Texans."

Commissioner Elizabeth Ames Jones told News 8, "I've always called balls and strikes the way I see them, and I don't ever intend to stop doing that."

Commissioner Victor Carrillo rejects critics claims as well. "My personal integrity dictates that the decisions I make are based on sound legal, policy, and scientific reasoning and not based on who has contributed to my campaign," said Carrillo.

All three commissioners reacted quickly to our investigation into faulty gas couplings that led to two deaths in Wylie in 2006, and two more in Cleburne last year.

Just days after our reports aired Commissioners ordered the couplings removed from the ground.

But in the cases of the faulty couplings and the cracked pipe which killed the Holberts, past and present Railroad Commissioners had access to years of evidence that potentially deadly problems existed.

And for years no action was taken to force the removal of the potentially deadly products, a removal that would have cost industry officials millions of dollars.

To this day Gordon believes had Railroad Commissioners done their jobs her parents would still be alive. “The Railroad Commission is only interested in protecting the gas companies not the rest of us asleep in our beds," said Gordon.

Late last year a state audit criticized Railroad Commission inspectors for being too cozy with and accepting small gifts from the oil and gas operators they are supposed regulate.

Railroad Commissioners have pledged to discontinue that practice.

___________________________________________________________________

Di you know? Prior to OPEC, TRRC was one of the most powerful organizations in America, and basically regulated the price of gas in the country. (Heard that on an NPR story the other day-since it was an interesting election year)

Texas Railroad Commission

Tinhorn Gambler

What do you know? Robely occasionally comes up with an interesting tidbit in her stumblings through the ether.
Is this the true origin of the dice tower?
From World Wide Words:

[Q] From I Millinger: “I’ve been watching Westerns for years and the term tinhorn is always used to describe people who are new to the West. Where did the term come from?”

[A] My guess is that either you’ve misunderstood the way people were using it, or you were actually thinking of greenhorn (a greenhorn was originally a young ox with newly grown horns; later on it came to mean anyone young or inexperienced). The usual sense of tinhorn, on the other hand, is of someone contemptible, especially a person who is pretending to have money, influence, or ability. Tinhorn has a much more interesting history than greenhorn, so having answered your query let me digress ...

To find the origin of tinhorn we must delve into the murky world of gambling with dice. There was a game in the nineteenth century called grand hazard (nothing to do, however, with the old French and British dice game from which our noun hazard derives and which was the origin of the game of craps). A cruder version of grand hazard was usually given the name chuck-a-luck in North America.

Both games were played with three dice, a chute containing a set of inclined planes that tumbled the dice as they fell, and a flat area on which the dice fell and whose layout determined whether the player had won or not. The difference between grand hazard and chuck-a-luck was that the former’s layout was much more complicated, with possibilities for betting on odds or evens or other combinations (rather like roulette); the chuck-a-luck layout consisted only of six areas numbered from one to six.

Chuck-a-luck was unsophisticated and easy to set up, so it was the province of small-time gamblers on river boats, on street corners, or in low gaming establishments. Though the proper chute was made of leather, those with limited resources used a cruder one made of tin.

The term tinhorn referred to this cheap chute. It’s actually an abbreviation of the fuller phrase tinhorn gambler. This was a term of contempt for these small-time operators of games of chuck-a-luck, whose patrons (tinhorn sports) played for small stakes. It also reflected the common view that all things made of tin were poor imitations of better quality goods (an idea that survives in our derogatory adjective tinny) and was also a pun on the existing sense of tin horn for a cheaply constructed and inharmonious musical instrument.

Tinhorn gamblers tended to make up for the poor quality of their gaming equipment by a dressy appearance and showy demeanour, from which the later sense of the word derives. In truth, they belonged with the keepers of cheap saloons and three-card trick men, down near the bottom of the social pyramid.

Gila Monster am I

Ok, I have some weird thoughts running (ruining?) around my head and I don't know where to begin, so we'll go waaaay back and try and give some background.

Ever see Repo Man ? The classic 80s movie was on tv the other day and I caught a little bit of a theory that has been running around my head. Emilio Estevez was standing around a trash burning barrel listening to the mechanic wax philosophic. His theory was that there is a "cosmic consciousness" and he expounded upon the example of if you think of BBQ Shrimp long enough you'll hear someone out of the blue say "BBQ shrimp". The theory following that all things are connected not just by the food chain but through some greater connection in the ether.

I've kind of pondered this myself as often times I'll be thinking of a song or a movie and within a few days it will come on the radio or appear on TV (usually after I already rented it). Skeptics might point to the fact that maybe I forgot I heard an advertisement or some other pointer alluding to the fact. I lean more to the idea that once something is on your mind you are more likely to notice an occurrence of it. So if you are thinking of BBQ shrimp, then you are more likely to notice someone saying "BBQ shrimp" than if you had been thinking of "sweet and sour pork".

Either way it happens often enough to give me pause and wonder if I shouldn't believe I am a solipsist (cogito ergo es)

Anyway, jump to the present. I watch this odd movie last night with Jude Law and Jennifer Jason Leigh, eXistenZ , in which video game consoles are living things made of amphibian and reptile pieces. It was sort of a disgusting crux of the movie and really grossed Robely out watching them make these "pods".
The next day I go to see my doctor (btw I've been diagnosed as diabetic- no surprise, but that must wait for another diatribe) and he is putting me on a drug called Byetta .

We start discussing this drug and what effects it has and he happens to mention that they found it out by accident and it is a hormone they found in Gila monsters. The worries about the needle flew from my head. Too eerily close to fiction in such a short time span for me. So if you see me eating bugs or sunning myself on the pavement, you'll know why.

New Mini Con

So this weekend came and I was somewhat excited to see what DFW's newest mini con would have in store for me gaming wise.
G3 was held at at the Plano Centre and started early at 8am.
First off, I had never been to the Plano Centre and was amazed at how many events were going on. Basically, a municipal convention center their was everything from church organizations, a flea market, a chess tournament, a beauty contest and of course a gaming event.

The games that struck my interest from the list of scheduled events were Classic Battletech, Mechwarrior and AT-43 . Classic Battletech (CBT) because I played the heck out of that game in the late eighties and nineties. Mechwarrior (MW) because it ties into to the Battletech universe of which I am still a huge fan. And lastly, AT-43 because I had read a bit on BGG and was drawn to the notion of pre painted figs for a mini game.

Unfortunately CBT and MW were scheduled for 8 am.That's what time I leave for work on the weekdays and was not ready to sacrifice my late Friday night for them. So I arrived about 10 and hooked up with Baker and watched CBT for awhile and found out the players meet 2-3 times a month and they play in the time frame I favor, I was so stoked and went to the game booth and bought the base set and big rulebook. (Any of you familiar with Dork Tower will understand I was having an Igor moment- "Huzzah! It must be MINE!")
I also found some potential additions to our Bloodbowl league- things were looking good.

Baker taught me Caylus Magna Carta and I was underwhelmed (I won 65-60). Like Caylus I felt it too long for what it is or as Allen says "30 minutes of fun rolled into a 90 minute game", but at least I can say I've played it now. Baker then signed up for the Age of Empires III tournament and I went looking for AT-43.

AT-43 is a minis game with pre-painted plastic figs. It looks awesome and plays fairly quickly. Instead of being just a umove-imove game, you actually have to plan your moves at the beginning of the turn, so you have to anticipate your opponent. There are some mechanics that allow you to reorder things in case you screw your planning which give it a nice twist. I'd play it again, but I doubt I'll be rushing out to buy figures anytime soon (a little expensive for me and I'm running out of room). Going up against an experienced, player, needless to say I got reamed, as I underestimated the range of the weapons and how quickly the carnage would start.

Afterwards, I got in a seven player game of good old Citadels (which took longer than I imagined). After an embarrassing loss, I decided to call it quits for dinner (it was 7:30ish). All in all, it was a good event and I hope they keep it up (I think they plan on 3-4 events a year). I got to see more war games and mini games than I do at BGG.con or the DGM, which provides a refreshing change of pace. As well, I got to meet a lot of new faces and cross pollinate the groups.

Meanwhile, back at the manor, Robely spent the day alternating between napping and Battlefront II. Ahhh, what a rough life we lead.

AIMGT 2008

March is again here and that means time for some mini golf.

I did pretty respectable this year finishing the first day at 25 under par over three rounds.

This led me into the finals on Sunday where I completely tanked it. (finishing 14 over par +7 on the last hole)

But it is not all about the golf and competition. KE offers some great parties and a wonderful time to see people I see every year.

Robely took some photos this year, as you can see the weather was perfect for it,

End of an Era

Gary Gygax, Dungeons & Dragons creator, dies

MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin (AP) -- Gary Gygax, who co-created the fantasy game Dungeons & Dragons and helped start the role-playing phenomenon, died Tuesday morning at his home in Lake Geneva. He was 69.

He had been suffering from health problems for several years, including an abdominal aneurysm, said his wife, Gail Gygax.

Gygax and Dave Arneson developed Dungeons & Dragons in 1974 using medieval characters and mythical creatures. The game known for its oddly shaped dice became a hit, particularly among teenage boys, and eventually was turned into video games, books and movies.

Gygax always enjoyed hearing from the game's legion of devoted fans, many of whom would stop by the family's home in Lake Geneva, about 55 miles southwest of Milwaukee, his wife said. Despite his declining health, he hosted weekly games of Dungeons & Dragons as recently as January, she said.

"It really meant a lot to him to hear from people from over the years about how he helped them become a doctor, a lawyer, a policeman, what he gave them," Gygax said. "He really enjoyed that."

Dungeons & Dragons players create fictional characters and carry out their adventures with the help of complicated rules. The quintessential geek pastime, it spawned a wealth of copycat games and later inspired a whole genre of computer games that's still growing in popularity.

Funeral arrangements are pending. Besides his wife, Gygax is survived by six children.

Prezcon 2008

Another week spent in good ole C'ville. Besides getting to see my sister I headed back to play some Advanced Civ prior to Prezcon.
Trimmer and I got in early afternoon with no problems on our flight. We checked in to the hotel and then headed dowtown, where we met up with our Civ Master from Florida for some drinks down at South Street.

Tuesday was a long day of two back to back games of Advanced Civilization. From then on then the rest week was kind of a blur.
Overall I didn't seem to get as many games in as last year, but this provided more time for socializing. I can see why people go to the same cons year to year to see the same people you get to know. Loads of people are telling me to attend the WBC, but I don't go for the huge crowds that attend there. Besides, I think one week long gaming event is enough for me.

I didn't take any trophies this year (to which Robely was ecstatic) but Trimmer took trophies for Caylus, Advanced Civ, Manifest Destiny and Age of Rennaissance. And next month he is planning on storming Enlightment.

I might head that way next year instead of Prezcon, but I'm not sure yet.

Now for the bad part. US AIRWAYS SUCKS!!! *sigh*
A year and a half ago they destroyed our luggage coming back from New York. Last year they delayed our luggage on our return from Prezcon. This year they delayed my luggage on my return trip, and when I received it, it looked like it had lost a fight with Freddy Kruger.
One corner was torn and slashes down the back, but nothing seemed to be missing.
Only good part has been it is not the trip out but always the trip home.
I never seem to have problems with American or Delta. Flying, in general has become a nightmare. Note to self: finish that teleportation device

Voting and You

2007 gaming in review

This past year seemed like a lot of games played, but actually making it to 3 different cons and the Dallas gaming marathons probably helped. Without a lot of analysis, I'll just present some numbers
151 unique games played (wow) with 296 total plays

Games played the most:

	Games
21	Blood Bowl
9	Catch Phrase
7	El Grande
7	Hey! That's My Fish
6	Perikles
6	Power Grid
5	Formula Motor Racing
5	Pass the Pigs
5	Project Kells: Sacred Hill

Best winning percentage (more than 1 play)
Taluva (100)
Project Kells: Poison Chalice (100)
Twixt (100)
Project Kells: Sacred Hill (81)
Shear Panic (67)

Pastor guy tabulates a great game list played. Check it out

ratings everywhere

Looking for payday loans?

The truth is out there

Herk was telling me about Leeroy Jenkins and showed me the video. Along the way I found this gem, that I just had to share: