News
RIP: E. Gary Gygax 1938-2008
Sad news today. E. Gary Gygax, the man widely considered the “Father of Role-Playing-Games,” has died. He was 69 years old. I already wrote a piece about Gygax and his death over at ComicMix. What I didn’t mention in that piece was that, like ComicMix’s Glen Hauman, I also had a personal connection to the man.
I was fortunate to meet Gary Gygax after some friends of mine and I decided to have a D&D marathon at my house one Summer weekend in the late ’70s. We decided to invite Mr. Gygax to join us by writing him a personal letter. We even enclosed an article from the local paper (the Coast Dispatch in case you’re curious) featuring our upcoming marathon in order to try and entice his participation a bit more.
Sadly, he wasn’t able to attend, but he did write me a personal letter with his regrets and also graciously included several D&D adventure modules, as yet unpublished, for us to use during the game. We used them and had a great time, all the while praising Gygax for being cool enough to not only respond to us, but for caring enough to send us stuff to help make our marathon D&D session a success.
Several years later, I was able to actually meet Gygax in person at GenCon after I had convinced my parents it was a good idea to drive me across country so I could play D&D with a bunch of other kids in Wisconsin. My parents were cool like that and did it not only once, but twice.
When I met him the first time at GenCon we spoke for several minutes and he even remembered me from when I had invited him to our game. He was a great guy to talk to. Over the years I would run into him again at various events and each time he would, somehow, remember me and we would have another very nice conversation. At each and every meeting he was gracious and generous with his time.
The magnitude of Gygax’s influence on gaming and pop culture, both directly and indirectly, isn’t something that can easily be measured. He was extremely popular among those who played his games, of course, but his creations, particularly D&D, also had a profound effect on kids of my and later generations.
D&D helped us learn to think logically, to solve problems, to work as a team and, more importantly, to use our imaginations. As someone who has the privilege of using his imagination on a daily basis and gets paid for it, I , for one, have a debt to Gary Gygax that can never be repaid.
I feel confident there are others out there working away creating the current and next generations of games, comic books, movies and TV shows that feel the same way I do.
Thanks for the help and inspiration Gary. We need more people around like you. You will be missed.
So long HD-DVD, I hardly knew 'ya
Guess it's time to put away the HD-DVD player attached to my XBox 360. Why? HD-DVD is going bye-bye.
Well, it was fun while it lasted. At least I don't have to worry about which player to use to watch movies. My PS3 will be so happy.In truth, I always thought Blu-Ray looked better anyway and the upsampling for standard-def DVD's is also very good. So, not a huge loss.
I need to spend less time in front of the TV anyway.
Careful what you wish for
For some reason the people in charge of the new venture I was talking about in a previous post have decided I'm worthy of inclusion into their burgeoning empire of publishing. So, as of this past weekend, I'm now officially working with the great team at <a href="http://www.comicmix.com">ComicMix</a>. Thanks Brian.
It's a great opportunity for me to write more and move into other areas of publishing and I sincerely hope I don't manage to screw it up somehow. I'll try not to. For the moment, I'm doing the usual bit of posting I do, and have done for a while now, at other places like <a href="http://www.tuaw.com">TUAW</a> and <a href="http://www.cinematical.com">Cinematical</a>.
In the future I'll also be taking on different kids of feature articles, interviews and such and at some point, and this is the very cool part, I may be moving into other types of roles and might end up working there a lot more. So, fingers crossed it all works out. Meanwhile, I'm just happy to have a job and another place to write for. Its a good thing and as I've said before, something I really enjoy.
In other news, I'm working on my comparison article that looks at the iPhone vs. the Blackberry for TUAW and that should be ready soon. Also, I'm working on a followup piece for TUAW about my first few weeks with the MacBook Air (hint: I love it). So, keep an eye out for those.
Plus, I'm actually going to start writing some stuff for <a href="www.downloadsquad.com?phpMyAdmin=214c5069a59bt3fd5233d">Download Squad</a> "real soon now" but just haven't had the time to get going. Next week will be the week. Ok, enough of that, gotta get back to work. Well, maybe after a little detour into <a href="http://www.guitarherogame.com/gh3/">Guitar Hero III</a> first. Damn rock and roll!
David Lynch on product placement
Direct and to the point, just how it should be. Plus, I happen to agree with him
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4wh_mc8hRE&rel=1]
My influence grows
No, I'm not really that important -- although I would like to think so. I do, however, have a bit of new news. As of this week I will now be writing for yet another highly regarded and popular tech-related website. In addition to the usual place my words show up (TUAW, CBR, Cinematical) I will also now be contributing to the site Download Squad as well.
This new site covers all thing software and related and should prove a very interesting and rewarding time for me. After all, I love me some tech so it seems only natural I would start contributing to yet another site devoted to it. Fortunately, the bosses at Weblogs/AOL (particularly Victor Agreda, Jr. and Grant Robertson) saw fit to throw me a bone and let me join up. I wonder what took them so long?
Macworld 2008 Musings
It was a whirlwind week for me at Macworld in San Francisco. I saw so many interesting new products and met so many great people it's almost impossible to contemplate. What really comes across, though, during my week there is the Mac community as a whole and just how nice everyone is. Gracious, intelligent and extremely pleasant people seem to gravitate towards the Mac and I, for one, couldn't be happier about it.
It's really hard to pinpoint a highlight of the show but if I had to pick one (or two) one would have to be meeting <a href="http://43folders.com/">Merlin Mann</a> and getting a chance to chat with him for a few minutes. We did an interview with him for <a href="http://www.tuaw.com">TUAW</a> but before and after we got to talk a bit off-camera. Good times with a great, funny and articulate man. I also got the chance to meet <a href="http://walt.allthingsd.com/">Walt Mossberg</a> of the Wall Street Journal, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Breen">Chris Breen</a> of <a href="http://www.macworld.com/">Macworld Magazine</a> and a whole host of other sharp and Mac-loving people.
Also, another highlight was the famed Cirque Du Mac party featuring a great band, great drinks (especially because they were free) and great company. Thank you Laurie D., Nik F., Victor A., Isiah C. and David C. for making that night extra fun. And, of course, another highlight of the show for me was getting to meet the great people I work with at TUAW for the first time in person. I know it may seem odd but we've been working together since last May and up until last week I had never met any of them face to face. In fact, we had never even spoken on the phone very much except to plan the first Talkcast and when we actually record the Talkcasts (at least the ones I'm in).
Other than that, it's just been email, IM and Twitter most of the time. How very futuristic, right? Scott McNulty, Michael Rose, Nik Fletcher and Victor Agreda from TUAW are all stand-up guys and some of the nicest, most gracious and funny people I've been around in a long time. Their humor, brains and talent are in so many ways humbling to be around. It's a real privilege to get to work with them and I appreciate it even more now that I've had a chance to meet them all in person.
In most cases I really prefer talking to people in person most of the time. Although, communicating via email, IM or Twitter is a great to avoid actually having to communicate at all. In fact, in some cases you can pretty much avoid all communication by simply ignoring these types and not responding. I think I'll start calling that "Zero Communication" or something like that. Could catch on. Maybe.
If you get a chance head on over to TUAW and check out the continuing coverage of Macworld and see some of the video I shot last week. Also, I'm posting pics at <a href="http://flickr.com/chrisu">Flickr</a> (at least some) and even managed to churn out a few TUAW posts so check those out too.
All in all a fun time in SFO @Macworld 2008 and something I hope to have the privilege to do again next year.
My latest TUAW Post
This is the most recent one concerning predictions for the upcoming Keynote. Also, I’ve got a few pics up over at the site as well so take a look. Of course, expect a crap load more pics, video and even some writing over the next few days.
Keynote tomorrow! Something is in the air.
Next Stop Macworld Expo in San Francisco
I'll be going up to San Francisco on Sunday to cover the big Macworld Expo gathering of the faithful all week for TUAW (thank you TUAW parent company AOL for sending me). Consequently, I'll be posting here less next week.
However, if you just can't get enough of me, check out the multiple ways in which you can keep up with my adventures, and those of my TUAW colleges, at Macworld as we bring you all the exciting news and info this year.
Here's some of the best ways:
The Unofficial Apple Weblog Website
Posts Tagged with the Macworld Tag at the TUAW Website
Our TUAW Twitter Feed (you do Twitter, don't you?)
My TUAW Articles - Stuff just from me (the best part, of course)
And, my Twitter feed is right there to the right so I will be posting to it as much as I can.
That a pretty good start. If you can't get enough Macworld info using these various methods, you're not trying hard enough. Also, be sure to check out our predictions of what Steve Jobs will announce at this year's keynote. There's some good ones there and if even half of them come true, it should make for an exciting keynote not to be missed.
And, if you are attending Macworld this year, be sure to say hello. We'll be the ones running around shooting video, taking photos, interviewing celebs and booth babes and loving every minute of the Macworld experience.
See you in San Francisco.
Fingers Crossed
I really hope Apple announces a new subnotebook at Macworld. And I don't mind if it looks a little something like this:
RIP: Netscape Navigator (1994 - 2008)
Starting in February 2008, current owner AOL will no longer support what was once one of the most popular web browsers of them all: Netscape Navigator. The browser will now be relegated to the anals of web history. Although, surely at some future date, Netscape Navigator will be inducted into the as-yet unrealized "Web Hall of Fame" located, one might assume, somewhere in Silicon Valley.
Does 1994 really seem that long ago? I guess it was -- especially in technology years. Things do change rather quickly, don't they?
Powerful Photographs
These were taken by New York Times photographer John Moore before and during the assignation of Benazir Bhutto in Pakistan. All I can say about them is "wow."
One Very Expensive Crapper
And people think NASA and the federal government spend too much money on things. How about a $75,000 toilet? Fancy. Think this is crazy? Blame this guy for making it.
Marvel Launches Digital Comics
Apparently, Marvel has decided to enter the 21st Century and is now offering comics online for you to read. Quite a few titles to choose from as well. What's the catch? Well, it will cost you a monthly fee of $5.00 / month if you pay upfront or $10.00 / month if you opt to pay every month.
Not bad I guess as I spend way more than that on comics in a month anyway. However, I do love the feel of the actual pages so I think for the time being -- even though this is pretty cool and is probably the way things are going to go -- I think I'll stick to reading comics the old fashioned way. Although, ten bucks a month really isn't that much . . Decisions, decisions.
Almost Real
Congress passes a law helping to solidify the position of bloggers as “real” journalists. Could be a step in the right direction. Still has to get signed by Mr. Bush but perhaps it will. We’ll see.
Harold Ullrich 1930 - 2007
It's hard, but in the end I guess I'll manage it. What else can you do but try to get on with life even if you don't really want to? After all, life happens even if you're not ready for it. So, may as well try to get ready for it, right?
Or, at the very least, try your best. A wise man once told me "Do the best with what you've got." Good advice.
Take a Number
You know, its sorta funny how life works. Just when things seem to be taking a turn for the better life smacks you in the face so you know who’s in charge. Without going into to much detail, let’s just say that I’m still in the midst of things personal but on the plus side, if there is one, it looks to be a pretty short time now until the hardest part is over.
Although, they say waiting is the hardest part and dammit, whomever said that pretty much had it right. Waiting pretty much sucks but at the moment, that's all I can do. Wait. So, here I am and here I'll stay. I just hope it doesn't take too long -- this much waiting is not good for anyone.
Quick Update and Vacation News
Just in case anyone still comes here let’s just say that I’m almost to the point of returning. As you know, many things have happened lately, including my father being very ill, that have basically turned my life into pale imitation of its former self. Not that what I was doing was so great, just that I had more time to actually do it.
Now, it seems like most of my time is spent dealing with "things" and not my own life. Although, I'm sure there are people in the world with far more going wrong in their lives than me so I will do my best not to bitch. Still, things were going pretty great up until recently and I would really like to get back on that road as soon as possible.
Until then, I will content myself with thoughts of sandy beaches, warmer climes, large bar tabs and a much needed vacation. All of it coming soon courtesy of the impeding nuptials of Tony and Jenn who have graciously decided to have their wedding in the <a href="https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/cj.html">Cayman Islands</a>. Naturally, I felt obligated to attend. After all, they are my friends. I couldn't very well let them get married on an exotic Caribbean island without being there to celebrate with them. I felt I owed it to them.
The fact that I benefit as well never entered my mind. To help tide you over until the inevitable deluge of photos from the trip, here's a few of the island taken by someone else besides myself (the groom-to-be actually). Enjoy.
<img src="http://chrisword.com/files/2007/10/caymanpier.jpg" alt="Caymanpier" border="1" height="475" hspace="4" vspace="4" width="321"><span style="font-size:0;"></span>
<img src="http://chrisword.com/files/2007/10/caymanpierwithpeople.jpg" alt="Caymanpierwithpeople" border="1" height="315" hspace="4" vspace="4" width="475">
Take a minute.
Even though I have a lot of stuff going on at the moment, I have to take time to remember that there are a lot of people who have suffered much more than I have and many who continue to suffer today.
I know it may sound cliche' or naive but today, let's try to be a little nicer to each other. Who knows, maybe it will catch on?
Checking In
Well, a lot has happened over the last couple weeks. Most of it not so good but some of it encouraging (at least a little). Without going into too much detail let's just say that I am dealing with some stuff of a very personal nature which has an effect not only on me but on my family as well.
However, things are beginning to look up a bit and perhaps in the next few days they will continue to improve even further. Until then, I won't be posting much here or writing anywhere else either. I know, try to make it through -- tough as it may be.
I do think things may return to some semblance of normalcy in the near future. On that day I will surely be a happy person. Until then, stress is doing not so fun things to me and my physical well-being so after I finish here I'm off to the park for a long, brisk walk.
Oh, in case you're keeping track of stuff like this, Apple released a <a href="http://www.tuaw.com/2007/09/05/metaliveblogging-the-beat-goes-on-event/">bunch of new iPod variations</a> this week as well as dropping the price of the iPhone by two hundred bucks. Some people were angry about the price drop and so Steve Jobs is now <a href="http://www.apple.com/hotnews/openiphoneletter/">going to give</a> an Apple gift certificate to those of us who purchased the iPhone at a higher price.
On the day they were released, I actually purchased two of them. Maybe I'll get two hundred in Apple credit? If so, I wonder if I'll be able to find a way to spend it?