One of the coolest concepts I've seen in a while!

http://www.idsa.org/idea/idea2005/b1066.htm

(sorry that you can't just click and you have to cut and paste, but I don't know why I can't create hyperlinks anymore!)

Can a memory be happy and sad?

So, as you may or not be aware, my grandfather recently passed away. My dad and I were talking and he said what I was thinking anyways, that I should hold onto my last memories of him. I was fortunate that we visited him in the hospital on Father's Day. He was alert enough to recognize us and hold a mild conversation with us (although, admittedly, his answers were mostly nodding his head). We took him some pictures that we had from the wedding (Kim, me, and him plus another picture of Kim and I in his car). Unfortunately the pictures didn't fit well so we had to buy a 4 picture frame (we promised to fill the other two spots - which sadly we were going to do this weekend). I had kind of made it my mission to cheer him up, although frankly the sight of me in a surgical mask and latex gloves should be silly enough. Regardless, I did manage to get a big smile (and a small laugh) out of him when I realized I was holding Kim's purse (including the comment that it didn't go with my shoes). That smile is what I'm locking away in my mind. My grandpa always did have a wicked sense of humor.

The last time I saw was as we were leaving (you're supposed to take off the mask and gloves and stuff and put it in a receptacle by the door), I made it a point to look right at him and wish him a Happy Father's Day. He mouthed back to me, as clear as day, "Thank you." I don't know if it made his day, but I can hope so. Yes, that memory is getting locked up in there as well.

For the record, I got the phone call from my parents (specifically it was Dad on the line) at four in the morning (Thursday). As mom said the next day, there are no coincidences. It ended up that I had been restless that night and didn't go to bed/fall asleep until about 2:30 in the morning. Much to my suspicion, Dad later informed me that was around when Grandpa passed. (Now you know why I was making Kool-Aid at 4 in the morning... I was thirsty.)

Looking back, I'm thankful my grandparents lived as long as they did. My grandmother lived to see my high school graduation (there are even some who argue she did so through her own strong will), and my grandfather made it to my wedding last year (with a special thanks to a strong-willed uncle).

I'm glad I got to see him, and I'm glad I made him smile. I just wish I could have seen him again this weekend.

Why you shouldn't make Kool-Aid at 4:30 in the morning

Sugar is an important ingredient

Think about it

Sent in an email from my father:

If electricity comes from electrons, does morality come from morons?

See also: our current administration.

Why movies shouldn't suck (Star Wars edition)

Check out this post in the New York Times opinion page.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/17/opinion/17stephenson.html?ex=1276660800&en=a693ccc4ec008424&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss

Ragnar rules!

So, as is common in random times of the year, my mind again wanders to gaming. It seems the impetus falls on me to be the DM (but I think that's because I have all the books). Regardless, I've been asking around about things to make the experience better, and I've come up with a couple amusing tidbits.

One friend (you know who you are) said that he liked it when the rules were transparent. Makes sense. The less you have to worry about those things, the more you can immerse yourself in what you want to do. Unfortunately, I think that's one of those things that comes with experience, and I am sorely lacking in that department.

My most amusing tidbit came from my own wife. Most gaming things I read say that girls want more plot/story/whatever when they play. Make it interesting for them! Nope, not my girl. Give her a dungeon and a sword. Although, to her credit, she did describe it as a problem to be solved, so obviously not a hack-and-slash style of play. Hack-and-puzzle?

Of course then there's my own experience, which is generally I don't like having story shoved down my throat. Okay, gotta go save the princess. How we get there, who we offend in the process, that's for the players to figure out. Which is funny, cause as a DM I prefer to have story. It makes more sense than "you're walking along and fall into a cave. Fight your way out."

Ah well, random thoughts from me. I guess I thought I'd just justify the existence of this blog.

Yup, I'm back.

Read this. Be offended. Change the world. It's not asking much.


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8099819/site/newsweek/

A new, fun, and exciting game

So, this weekend I was asked for my zip code while checking out from a store. As you may or may not be aware, the usual purpose for this is demographic, so that the store company knows where to open their next store. Now in the past, I've had a fair amount of fun - for example, I gave the Ames zip code of 50013 for at least a year after I left Iowa State, or Bettendorf's 52722 whenever I felt so inclined. (And on a side note, Ames did get a Best Buy after I left.) But I think it's time for the whole enchilada. So, let's start a fun little campaign. I think the town of Soldotna, Alaska needs more business (and it's even fairly easy to remember).

So the next time you're asked for your zip code: 99669.

So, Lucas: When you get that Best Buy up there, just remember who to thank.