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