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he did write me a personal letter with his regrets and also graciously included several D&D adventure modules, as yet unpublished, for us to use during the game.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.
Cool. I want one.
Even though its not practical at all, I really want one of these. Why? 'Cause its cool. Anyone care to order one for me as a gift? I don't mind, really. I like gifts.
On another note, I've been working quite a bit at ComicMix this week trying to help raise the page views by having more regular content. So, if you get a minute (or ten) be sure to click on over and browse as many of the articles as you can.
In fact, if you really want to help out, try reading and then commenting on a few. That would be nice. If you do that, you don't have to get me a Han Solo desk.
Sounds fair, right?
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!
Too Much Work?
I remember not too long ago when I was complaining (at least a tiny bit and mostly to myself) that I was doing something I really didn't love rather than something I do love. The thing I love is, of course, writing. I wasn't doing enough of it to make me very happy.
Of course, other events have transpired to interrupt the flow of words from my somewhat feeble brain, through my fingers, out to the keyboard and then up to Wordpress and this blog. But even with all the interruptions, I wanted to write more -- and, if possible, get paid for it in the process.
Cut to (as they say in "the biz") today and I pretty much have the exact opposite problem I used to have. Now I have too much writing work. At the moment, there are several sites to which I currently contribute, used to contribute and they want me back or are about to contribute. There's even one I can't even talk about yet which looks to be even bigger than the rest.
Of course, this is also the time when I'm doing a lot more Mac consulting than I was before so that kinda gets in the way of writing too. Although, consulting pays way better (at least for the moment) then writing does. I'm trying to limit my consulting to mostly worthy causes like favorite non-profits or schools but still, that takes time and that's time away from writing.
Really, I think something has got to give and at the moment I'm leaning towards the Mac stuff being the time consuming item that may get the "Spanish Archer" as my friend used to say. In other words, it might have to go. Or, at the very least, be far more limited. After all, I really think that in this life, given the pretty much unknown duration of it we have, you should try to do things you love rather than things you don't.
Really, I feel like I shouldn't complain too hard at this situation as it could be far worse and is for many people. I'm lucky that people have decided that I'm good at a couple new things. In the past, I've pretty much only been good at making movies, producing other shows and getting into trouble.
But now, I can add writing to the list of things I can do. I'm not saying I'm great at it but I think I can string a sentence together without too much trouble. Who knows, maybe this new writing gig (once it starts) will end up being the one that takes me to the next level -- whatever that might be? I guess anything is possible but to have the possiblity is a great feeling and one I would like to have more often.
I'll see what I can do about that.
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?
I ordered a new MacBook Air
Yes, yes I did. If you happen to be curios as to my reasons, head on over to TUAW and <a href="http://www.tuaw.com/2008/01/19/hello-my-name-is-chris-and-i-ordered-a-macbook-air/" target="_blank">take a look</a> at the article I wrote explaining it all. Apparently, judging from the number of comments (almost 140 I think so far) this particular topic appears to be one of interest. Check it out.
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."
FOIA Reform: Bloggers Are Journalists Too (Part 2)
More on bloggers getting rights and being considered "real" journalists. Now, according to this article, bloggers could have better rights under the Freedom of Information Act. Things are getting even more interesting these days -- especially if you happen to be a blogger.
And no, I don't think this will or should apply to everyone with a Wordpress or Blogger page but more to people who actually get paid to write for blogs. Yes, they actually exist. In fact, if you didn't already know, I happen to be one of those people. So yes, perhaps I'm biased, but still . . .
If you happen to be new here, I have written and/or currently write for several online publications. Among them are LAist, Cinematical, Comic Book Resources and The Unofficial Apple Weblog. You can check out the links to my actual articles by going to my main website at chris ullrich dot net and checking out the "Writing" section.
So yeah, as a person who gets paid to blog I wouldn't mind being treated more like an actual journalist with the same rights and privileges as someone who works for a more "traditional" news organization.
Yes, that would be nice indeed.
Last Minute X-Mas Gift Thoughts
I like to take pictures. It's really fun and sometimes even results in a great photo or two that I can be proud of. So, owning several digital cameras (and a few film ones still as well) was not a hard decision for me. That's my new digital SLR in the photo there. The Nikon D300. A great camera.
So, if you're still wondering what to get that special someone on your list why not be like thousands of others these days and get him/her a digital camera too? They're fun and mostly easy to use and let you have a camera ready when you really need one. But now that you've decided to get some sort of digital camera, which one do you get? Its a tough decision and one with a lot of variables.
Fortunately, some people have taken most of the guesswork out of it and put together a few ideas on how to select the right digital camera. Interested? Well then, head on over here for the help you need on digital camera selection. Or, if you're like me and want more from your cameras and don't mind spending extra to get it, check out this guide to picking the right digital SLR camera.
Happy Shooting!
Fantastic Four HQ
This is cool. A cutaway of the fabled HQ of the Fantastic Four - The Baxter Building. This guy really has some time on his hands and I'm glad he does.
What really happened to that X-Wing Fighter
Apparently, the previous video is not the complete story because there’s this. Makes you wonder, doesn’t it? Are we really alone?[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgF9hBL-CuA&rel=1]
Do you have your own X-Wing Fighter?
Build and launch your own X-Wing Fighter? Sounds impossible? Not for these guys. Although, it doesn’t end so well.[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rK-LKLxaieo&rel=1]
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.
