Not Much New

I've been reading a lot of old Dungeons and Dragons material from the 1970's lately. I haven't posted much on the blog recently because I'm contemplating whether or not to just keep it to the random personal posts or if I should attempt a more serious undertaking by blogging about something "professionally" in an attempt to reach a bigger audience. I'd poll my readers, but at this point I think it's just my wife. lol

Goodwill was a Bust

I have been reading through various rpg message forums and one poster had reported finding some 1970's rpg material at a Goodwill store. So I set out to find some old school material and visited the local Goodwill stores here in Columbus. Unfortunately, I didn't find a single rpg item, much less some lost treasure. However, we did pick up a dress shirt and some dockers for our teenage son for less than $7 plus tax.

Prince Valiant RPG Session

Five months after I initially had the idea to run a Prince Valiant session for my son, I got around to doing it. The Actual Play thread can be seen over on RPG.net's forums.

The Mist

I watched The Mist last night and I must say that the entire time I was watching the movie all I could think about was how it was a perfect example of how a Call of Cthulhu adventure should go. The characters reacted in believable ways including fear, disbelief, religious conversion, desperation, hopelessness, and ultimately extreme remorse. I recommend that fans of Cthulhu watch this movie.

4E D&D Campaign Settings

So the news coming out indicates that each setting is going to have three books: Campaign Guide, Player's Guide, and an Adventure book. This is excellent news as it allows someone to pick up multiple settings without having to worry about later getting an extra dozen supplements. This makes me much more interested in the 4th edition books.

Maybe should have started sooner

So with my new immune boosting diet in effect, I settle into a 103.9 feverish state, fits of coughing, and most likely pneumonia. After the third day of doctor prescribed medications I'm feeling a lot better. However, I think maybe I should have held off from going back to work as it was a rough going today.

New Healthy Diet

So far eating a more healthy and nutritious diet hasn't been too hard. I started at 258 pounds and yesterday I was at 245 pounds. Not too bad for a short time. The more interesting thing is that I'm actually more alert and less tired by not drinking caffeine all day. I guess the sugar content was just affecting me more than I was aware.

Where is my guild?

So, I belong to an online guild called The Wanderers that I played numerous MMO games with including Shadowbane, DAoC, WoW, and Guild Wars to name a few. However, last friday the website went down and as of this writing I still can't get it to load. I wonder what the heck is going on with the site. I might have to actually log into a game to find out. :-)

Canceled Time Warner Cable and Phone Service

So in an effort to reduce the monthly payout I've dropped my cable and phone service through the cable company. I kept the internet services though. The phone service has been replaced with Skype Pro which reduces the cost from $30 a month to $60 a year for essentially the same service. The only downside is that friends and relatives now have to learn a new home phone number. But, for $300 less a year, they can deal. :-) I also think that cable will not be missed too much. The cartoons that P.J. watched are mostly online for free and a lot of television shows can be found online for free too. Right now I think that Hulu, AOL Video, and Turbonick will satisfy our needs. I've still got over the air HDTV for the broadcast stations too.

Sick All the Time

Basically, since Christmas I've been sick the majority of the weeks. It could be due to poor diet, lack of exercise, or lack of quality sleep. The wife thinks that maybe I should make some changes to improve my health and quite frankly, I'm tired of being sick, tired, and sluggish all the time. So in the next few months I'll be making changes to improve these areas.

DRM Issues

So, I built my new HTPC, but not all the features that I thought would work smoothly do. The sad part is that the problems that I have had are due to the stupidity of DRM schemes that Netflix, Microsoft, and the movie studios are using. My plan was to replace my cable television by:

1. Renting DVD movies from Netflix/Blockbuster
2. Streaming movies using Netflix "Watch Now"
3. Streaming television shows using AOL Video (which includes Hulu and IN2TV and others)
4. Using Media Center as my DVR for network television
5. Using Media Center extras such as Turbonick
   

The first problem that I ran into is that my DVD rentals from Blockbuster and Netflix won't play in Vista. The problem? I have my computer hooked up to my television using component Y-Pb-Pr cables. Windows does not allow the use of component cables to watch encrypted movies. It will only allow an HDMI cable to be used. I can use Windows Vista and run other programs with the component cables, it just doesn't allow encrypted movies to be watched. Thank you HDCP and PMP.

The second problem is that I've been trying out lots of different Media Center plugins, software programs, and drivers to see what provides the most optimal experience. Sometimes this experimentation "breaks" Windows. Since I don't have any saved files or work on the new computer, the easy fix is just to do a reinstall of Windows. Well, it turns out that each reinstall of Windows caused Netflix to believe that it was a different computer each time so it reported that I was using it on more than the allowed 4 computers. I called customer service and they "graciously" gave me a free extension to 5 computers so that I could use it. However, I couldn't get Netflix to work again because it kept giving me DRM issues. Even after I uninstalled and reinstalled Netflix it kept reporting the error. So much for the customer support fix. I followed the steps to clear the DRM given by Netflix website, but it still had DRM errors. It kindly offered me the customer service line for me to call a 2nd time. Did I call them a 2nd time? No, I logged on to my account and hit the cancel button.

So here I am a user trying to enjoy movies legally instead of downloading them from file sharing sites or using decryption software and Microsoft and Netflix won't let me. The irony of it all is that if you search the internet you can find hacks to break the Netflix DRM and programs to break the encryption on the DVD movies. So the DRM protection does nothing to stop piracy, but instead makes it impossible for legitimate users to legally watch movies.

Goodbye Ubuntu, Hello Snowfall

Well, the wife growing weary of my Ubuntu experiment led me to reinstall Windows MCE 2005 on our main computer. As I had planned on using Ubuntu on the main desktop and MCE 2005 on the new HTPC this caused me to order a new copy of Windows. I went ahead and bought Vista Home Premium 64 Bit Edition to use on the HTPC. I know that drivers and software options are somewhat rough going, but it will allow for hardware and software growth in the next 2-3 years on the HTPC which should be enough to make up for the shortcomings of early adoption.

In unrelated news, we had quite the snow storm this weekend. Officially it came in at around 20 inches of snowfall. Sure, not much to write about for people in Buffalo or other snow heavy areas, but around this part of the country that is enough to beat the last record which was set way back in the early 1900's. Next weekend the predicted temperatures are to be in the 60's. :-)

Warhammer Online Newsletter

The most recent newsletter for Warhammer Online showed up in my e-mail. The most interesting part was the notice that purchasing a comic book in April will give consumers a 1 in 5 (20%) chance to get into the beta. I'm tempted to buy 5 or 6 copies of the comic just to get into the beta. I've been pretty bored lately and looking for some online game to play. The beta would give me a new game to try out. The other interesting part was some information on keeps and sieges that will be in the game. It largely looks like the DAoC system and further cements that the game is going to be more of a DAoC 2 than a game of it's own design.

HTPC

So, I decided to build a Home Theater PC (HTPC). I ordered some parts online and bought a new hard drive at the local Microcenter. The items that I chose are:

Case: In Win BT610T
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-MA69GM-S2H
Processor: Athlon 64 LE-1620
Memory: Kingston 1GB ValueRAM Kit (2 512 MB modules) of DDR2 800
Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar SE16 250 GB SATA-300
DVD Burner: Samsung SH-S202J
HDTV Tuner: Dvico FusionHDTV5 Gold RT

With all the parts in hand, I sat down today to put it all together. After I finished, I hit the power button and see and hear the fans start, but nothing else happens. Take it all apart, recheck everything, do this a couple more times and then give up. Joy of joy, the brand new motherboard was DOA. I checked Newegg's site and it looks like I have to pay the return postage, but they'll replace it and ship it back free of charge. Guess I'll have to do that Monday. Hopefully the next one actually works. What a dissapointing start to my new HTPC.

Better Weekend

This weekend seems to be a pretty normal one after two bad weekends in a row. Two weekends ago I found out that my grandfather died and then the following day I was struck with the stomach flu. Last weekend I went to the funeral for my grandfather and then two days later I was struck with the stomach flu again. So far this weekend is shaping up to be a typical weekend of just watching t.v., reading, and surfing the internet. Let's hope that it stays that way.

Ubuntu/Linux

I haven't renewed my alumni membership which means that I'm currently unable to access books from Ohio State's library. In turn, this means that I have to put my research on hold until February when I can afford to renew my alumni membership. So, a hard drive problem on the spare computer led me to make a live CD of Ubuntu. This in turn led me to use the local library to check out PC Magazine Linux Solutions and Moving from Windows to Linux. I've never checked any of the Linux distributions out before, so we'll see how things go. :-)

What decade is it?

So I'm sitting here watching American Gladiators and during the commercial break there was an ad for Knight Rider. Ah, get out the hot air popcorn popper and get ready for childhood part 2.

From Cartoon to Campaign

In order to help others who might be considering running a game campaign for young children, I've decided to keep a log of my Prince Valiant experiences over on RPGnet.

Christmas Loot

Although my wife and I haven't had any money to get each other gifts, I did receive a present from my wife's parents. A 1 year subscription to Consumer Reports. I used to always read my father-in-law's copy, so I have my own now. :-) Also, my dad gave me $50 cash which I spent in Half Price Books' after Christmas sale. I picked up the following:

• Experts a d20 sourcebook for making artisans, traders, and other non-heroic characters.
• GURPS Basic Set 3rd Edition one of the classic rpg systems that I've never played.
  
• GURPS Compendium II an expansion book of rules and extras for the basic set.
  
• Savage Worlds a popular game mentioned on rpg.net that I decided to pick up cheap.
  
• Sagas of the Norsemen a Time Life book on Viking and Germany myths and legends.
  
• Heroes of the Dawn a Time Life book on Celtic myths and legends.
  
• Legends of Charlemagne a volume from The Illustrated Bulfinch's Mythology.

So, not too shabby for a mere $50 which included sales tax.

Christmas Break and Shopping

One of the benefits of working at a school is that I still get holiday breaks. This year is a pretty good one too. Today is the start of the break and I don't have to return to work until January 2nd. First on my to do list is finish reading The Oxford Illustrated History of the Vikings.

So, my wife and I began buying presents for Christmas last night. In probably the shortest period of time I've ever shopped, we finished buying for everyone in a 2 hour trip last night and a 1 hour trip this morning. I'm not sure it it's a measure of us being focused and knowing what we wanted to get the children or a result of us being relatively poor. Either way, I enjoyed it and I hope that the gifts bring smiles on Christmas morning.

Work Holiday Party

So, we had the good old holiday party for work today. It was held at Dave and Busters. The food was just okay, but I had a good time playing games after the food portion was over. Each employee had a game card with some free credits on it. I played some arcade basketball (with the moving hoop), skee ball, and air hockey against my fellow truancy department members. I really think the bar and grille style restaurant with an arcade is one of the best places for a corporate party. It offers something for people to do rather than just sit and talk and usually has a bar for those who want something other than soft drinks.

OSU and BCS

Well, last night was a great night of college football. Both teams ahead of Ohio State lost which should mean that Ohio State will play in the national title game. Most likely, LSU will leap ahead of Georgia, but we'll find out tonight. I just hope that whoever OSU plays that the game is not a repeat of last year.

Happy Thanksgiving

Have to love any day that you get to sleep in, then get a feast, then get to lounge on the couch and watch television. To top it all off, I still have 3 more days off before going back to work. :-) I hope that everyone had a good Thanksgiving day.

Everway

So I ran a session of Everway today. Although the rule book had some creative elements, overall I thought that the Playing Guide could have been a 25 page guide instead of a 153 page book. The introductory adventure seemed like it could have used some more playtesting as the suggested course of action was neither a logical choice, nor a sensible one given the clues and interactions that the adventure details. The players liked the pregenerated characters that they used and are interested in giving the game another shot.

Rethinking Publication Options

Looking at the options, I'm considering looking at creating a wider series of books, rather than focusing on just a Runequest setting. Each book would be usable as a reference book for game masters to use as a campaign setting, for players of roleplaying games to understand the culture, religion, technology, and everyday life of the setting they are playing in, and for wargamers to use as a reference for army lists, weapons, and armor. With this, I'd present the bulk of the book as a systemless reference. In the back of the book would be appendices that provided stats, equipment, and rules options for Runequest, Fudge/Fate, and possible a third system. I'd also like to develop a nice easy wargaming set of rules that utilizes Fudge +/- dice. In an effort to better understand ancient and medieval warfare, I'm going to stick with my military history research for an extended period of time continuing the scope outside Carolingian warfare to cover other periods.

Baby Girl Walking

Although Lorene has been taking 1-3 steps here and there for a month or so, she began full on walking this week. I watched her walk the length of the kitchen, turn around and walk back to the other end. It's pretty exciting to see her reach that next level. Children grow so much the first year or so, it's amazing.

Day Off

So, I'm taking a vacation day today. Nothing like sleeping 12 hours and then getting up to lounge on the couch. Not sure what the day holds for me. Maybe watch some DVR'd stuff, go shopping at some used book stores, spend some time at a park. Mostly, just relax and enjoy the day. Later tonight I'll be logging into Guild Wars to try and get some guild versus guild matches going.

Paints and Pets

So my Mighty Armies Wild Elves have been sitting on my shelf for a while waiting to get painted. This weekend I moved one step closer to actually getting them painted by buying some primer, matte varnish, paints, and paint brushes.

In pet news, P.J. brought home his new pet guinea pig today and he was just as excited as I've ever seen him. I suggested the name Tostig, but he went with the name Bob. :-) We've got Bob setup in his cage in the living room with some timothy hay, water, and bedding.

Love Susan Cooper's Dark is Rising? Then avoid the movie.

Okay, the movie The Seeker is a film version of Susan Cooper's wonderful book The Dark is Rising. I was excited when I heard that there was a film coming out. However, after some research on the internet, I realize that what was filmed was a crass American film with little relation to the complexity and wonderfully subtle weaving of myth that was present in the books. Here's a list of what they changed for the film that will make you cry:

http://community.livejournal.com/authorblog/5880.html

1983 Lives Again

My monthly gaming session took on 1983's Red Box Dungeons and Dragons. The group made it to the second battle before losing members of the party to kobold arrow fire. A second attempt resulted in all but one member of the party dead. Third time was the charm with the group using the pregenerated characters from the rulebook. This time, the party successfully made it into the castle rather than failing before even getting inside. A few battles later, the party had been killed again. Four players died a total of nine times. The 1 hit point thief Lilly actually never died, living to run away each time. All in all, a fun nostalgic trip back to dungeon crawls with low hit points. Wizards of the Coast has made the Red Box edition (as well as the other old editions) available as Adobe PDF books for around $4.95 at sites like RPG Now.