An excellent resource for the Victorian gamer and GM, particularly for Call of Cthulhu games. An incredibly well researched and worked out site that is part dictionary, part quote book, and part atlas. The very well scanned and highly detailed maps alone are worth checking out this site. However, the maps...due to their level of detail and quality are quite big, so downloading might be a pain if you have a low-speed connection. All in all, a very good site.
Dictionary of Victorian London - Victorian History - 19th Century London - Social History
The entire website is available from the site's creator as a CD-Rom, for only $25 for us Americans, a good potential investment just to have all of this stuff in one place. Many RPG supplements aren't this well thought/worked out.
Wednesday, October 13, 2004
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
National Games Week (Site Goes Live 10/15/04)
It looks to me as if some of the other publishers (apparently White Wolf will be involved) are counter programing D&D Game Day. Personally, I think its a good thing. The more exposure to gaming the better, and higher of a profile of other game system besides just D&D promotes diversity in the big old happy international gaming community.
National Games Week (Note: Site goes live October 15th, 2004).
National Games Week (Note: Site goes live October 15th, 2004).
Blogs seem to be popping up without limits
Nice article, I love the quote.
Blogs seem to be popping up without limits - or rules
"At 100 mph, the car smashed through the guardrail and crashed into a blog." [via Rebbeca's Pocket]
Blogs seem to be popping up without limits - or rules
"At 100 mph, the car smashed through the guardrail and crashed into a blog." [via Rebbeca's Pocket]
Welcome
Hello. Just on the off chance that you are new to this place, I thought that I would send out a quick hello, and welcome you to Dorkland. Dorkland is what is know as a web log, or blog for short. These things have been around for a while, and different people use them for different things. I first heard of them after reading Rebecca Blood's book The Weblog Handbook.
A lot of blogs are used by their owners as personal journals, people talking about what they did with themselves each and everyday. Frankly I am not interested enough in my life to want to read about it, and I live it. So, I throw up links to things that I come across while websurfing and the occasional rant about something (politics is beginning to piss me off these days) but mostly the blog is just about those things that catch my eye for some reason or another that I think might come in handy later, or may be of interest to the handful of people who check this site.
I think that keeping a blog is a simple and very easy way for someone who wants to have a presence on the internet to do so, without a lot of time or effort. If you are interested in having your own blog, check out the Blogger site, it is who I use...and it is very easy.
A lot of blogs are used by their owners as personal journals, people talking about what they did with themselves each and everyday. Frankly I am not interested enough in my life to want to read about it, and I live it. So, I throw up links to things that I come across while websurfing and the occasional rant about something (politics is beginning to piss me off these days) but mostly the blog is just about those things that catch my eye for some reason or another that I think might come in handy later, or may be of interest to the handful of people who check this site.
I think that keeping a blog is a simple and very easy way for someone who wants to have a presence on the internet to do so, without a lot of time or effort. If you are interested in having your own blog, check out the Blogger site, it is who I use...and it is very easy.
Matrix Games Home Page
I have been remiss in not linking to Matrix Games (out in Sheffield Lake) where I fill in from time to time on Monday nights...sometimes completely changing some lucky person's character. If you are out that way, they have a pretty good store, friendly people and a good amount of space for gaming in the store. They run a number of weekly role-playing games of various sorts through out the week, and probably have room for more.
Matrix Games Home Page
Of course, I linked to them....and they returned the link to me (look at the bottom of the page). Jack (the owner) mentioned that he liked reading my blog (I apparently put the link up on their discussions boards) when a bunch of us were out last night, so I thought that I would throw him a link. Check out the site.
Matrix Games Home Page
Of course, I linked to them....and they returned the link to me (look at the bottom of the page). Jack (the owner) mentioned that he liked reading my blog (I apparently put the link up on their discussions boards) when a bunch of us were out last night, so I thought that I would throw him a link. Check out the site.
Thursday, October 07, 2004
FactCheck.org Cheney & Edwards Mangle Facts
Yes, I know that this isn't a political blog...and the stated goals of this blog have nothing to do with politics, elections, etc. However, I do feel that, as the election is getting closer, each of us has a responsibility (as Americans) to make sure that the proper information is getting out, and that each one of us is making as informed of a descion as possible when we enter into that voting booth on Nov. 2nd.
FactCheck.org Cheney & Edwards Mangle Facts
Its ironic that Cheney got the URL of the website that would show that those nasty democrats were lying about him wrong. "They know that if you go," Cheney said in the debate, "for example, to FactCheck.com (sic), an independent Web site sponsored by the University of Pennsylvania, you can get the specific details with respect to Halliburton." The site, as you can see above is factcheck.org. I know, a petty squabbling point.
Don't worry, this blog will soon return to its regularly scheduled geekiness.
FactCheck.org Cheney & Edwards Mangle Facts
Its ironic that Cheney got the URL of the website that would show that those nasty democrats were lying about him wrong. "They know that if you go," Cheney said in the debate, "for example, to FactCheck.com (sic), an independent Web site sponsored by the University of Pennsylvania, you can get the specific details with respect to Halliburton." The site, as you can see above is factcheck.org. I know, a petty squabbling point.
Don't worry, this blog will soon return to its regularly scheduled geekiness.
Wednesday, October 06, 2004
Anime Adrenaline: The Ultimate Anime Rush
MP3s of music from various Anime programs. Fairly recent ones.
Anime Adrenaline: The Ultimate Anime Rush
Anime Adrenaline: The Ultimate Anime Rush
Tuesday, October 05, 2004
It Is Cold Here In Cleveland
Normally, I don't do this sort of thing on here...but I guess that I need to vent.
It is a cold morning here in Cleveland, the morning of the Vice Presidential debate. Should I care? Of course I should. Am I really better off than I was four years ago? Sure, I've got a better job (sort of) but I am also a temporary at a company that turns out has a hiring freeze for its support staff, so even after almost two years (two years without any sort of vacation or extended break except for holiday weekends) of good work and service to the company...I am not going to get hired.
I just finished paying off my gas bill from last winter (even though I live in a tiny efficiency apartment with only my two cats) and the heat is coming on in the building tomorrow. Or at least I hope it is coming back on tomorrow. It really wasn't fun stepping out into the cold after showering this morning.
Am I better off than I was four years ago? No, I would have to say that I am not. Is Kerry going to do any better than Bush? I can't really say. Its gotten pretty sad when the deciding factor for choosing a president has become, "Well, he can't do worse." I would hope that he can't do worse. As much as I love living in Cleveland, it sucks that there aren't any jobs here and the whole city is going down the toilet because there isn't any money to stop it.
I saw some Republicans being interviewed on TV this morning about the debate, and one woman said that hopefully the City would keep up with the cleaning that they did for the debate. Everyone knows that regardless of economic conditions, a tidy city is a thriving city. Of course, I live on the other side of town from the debate so there weren't any road crews to pick up trash, or street sweepers cleaning the debris out of the streets in my neighborhood. Not even a sweep to get the hookers or the homeless people or the drug dealers out of the public eye. My neighborhood isn't holding the debate, so it doesn't really matter in the public perception of things.
To the candidates and the media, my neighborhood doesn't exist. John Kerry or George Bush don't hold rallies in my neighborhood, hell even Dennis Kucinich doesn't do that. When does the hope start in that area?
It is so much easier to just put a spit shine on the isolated part of the city where the media is right now, even as I type these words. I am sure that Chris Matthews and the people from CNN appreciate the effort that our mayor and our city is put forward on their behalf. I doubt if the Vice Presidential candidates even look out of the windows of their chartered planes and their limos in order to see what is going on in the world, what is really going on in the world.
Well, I am tired this morning, but it is more than just being physically tired. My soul feels weary this morning, because deep down inside I feel like it doesn't really matter. It doesn't matter who gets voted into the White House, because there is just too much of a vested interest in the status quo for too many. When are we going to get some real change? Thomas Jefferson had said that if we became fed up with the American government that we should just tear it all down, move things a little further West and build up something new and better.
That would be great, building a new and better government. It is also a pipe dream. Maybe that would have worked a few hundred years ago, but not any more. These things take on a weight and a strength of their own, and unfortunately there just aren't enough people who have the willingness, and the strength of their own, to fight the BIG fight...the fight that they are willing to fight even if they know that they might not win it.
Ok, I guess I should stop ranting now and go back to fuming...
It is a cold morning here in Cleveland, the morning of the Vice Presidential debate. Should I care? Of course I should. Am I really better off than I was four years ago? Sure, I've got a better job (sort of) but I am also a temporary at a company that turns out has a hiring freeze for its support staff, so even after almost two years (two years without any sort of vacation or extended break except for holiday weekends) of good work and service to the company...I am not going to get hired.
I just finished paying off my gas bill from last winter (even though I live in a tiny efficiency apartment with only my two cats) and the heat is coming on in the building tomorrow. Or at least I hope it is coming back on tomorrow. It really wasn't fun stepping out into the cold after showering this morning.
Am I better off than I was four years ago? No, I would have to say that I am not. Is Kerry going to do any better than Bush? I can't really say. Its gotten pretty sad when the deciding factor for choosing a president has become, "Well, he can't do worse." I would hope that he can't do worse. As much as I love living in Cleveland, it sucks that there aren't any jobs here and the whole city is going down the toilet because there isn't any money to stop it.
I saw some Republicans being interviewed on TV this morning about the debate, and one woman said that hopefully the City would keep up with the cleaning that they did for the debate. Everyone knows that regardless of economic conditions, a tidy city is a thriving city. Of course, I live on the other side of town from the debate so there weren't any road crews to pick up trash, or street sweepers cleaning the debris out of the streets in my neighborhood. Not even a sweep to get the hookers or the homeless people or the drug dealers out of the public eye. My neighborhood isn't holding the debate, so it doesn't really matter in the public perception of things.
To the candidates and the media, my neighborhood doesn't exist. John Kerry or George Bush don't hold rallies in my neighborhood, hell even Dennis Kucinich doesn't do that. When does the hope start in that area?
It is so much easier to just put a spit shine on the isolated part of the city where the media is right now, even as I type these words. I am sure that Chris Matthews and the people from CNN appreciate the effort that our mayor and our city is put forward on their behalf. I doubt if the Vice Presidential candidates even look out of the windows of their chartered planes and their limos in order to see what is going on in the world, what is really going on in the world.
Well, I am tired this morning, but it is more than just being physically tired. My soul feels weary this morning, because deep down inside I feel like it doesn't really matter. It doesn't matter who gets voted into the White House, because there is just too much of a vested interest in the status quo for too many. When are we going to get some real change? Thomas Jefferson had said that if we became fed up with the American government that we should just tear it all down, move things a little further West and build up something new and better.
That would be great, building a new and better government. It is also a pipe dream. Maybe that would have worked a few hundred years ago, but not any more. These things take on a weight and a strength of their own, and unfortunately there just aren't enough people who have the willingness, and the strength of their own, to fight the BIG fight...the fight that they are willing to fight even if they know that they might not win it.
Ok, I guess I should stop ranting now and go back to fuming...
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
They Might Be Downloads
They Might Be Giants Launch Download Site
"Alternative rock duo They Might Be Giants are starting a download store, selling tracks for $.99 and full-length albums for $10.
The site (TheyMightBeGiants.com) offers tracks from the band's 2002 children's album 'No!' (Rounder), the 2002 rarities compilation 'They Got Lost' (Idlewild), latest full-length 'The Spine' (Zoe) and the EP 'The Spine Surfs Alone,' as well as live shows from the 2004 'Spine Hits the Highway' tour. The remainder of TMBG catalog will not be available on the site."
I guess that my problem with it is that the stuff that I would want, the classic TMBG stuff, isn't available. The record label is too busy selling the mp3s elsewhere for their own profits. While the newer music is still good, and of course better than most pop music out there, it doesn't feel the same for me that the old stuff does. I think that the last song of theirs that I really liked was Dr. Worm. Since then, its been a bit dull. The free mp3s are ok though.
"Alternative rock duo They Might Be Giants are starting a download store, selling tracks for $.99 and full-length albums for $10.
The site (TheyMightBeGiants.com) offers tracks from the band's 2002 children's album 'No!' (Rounder), the 2002 rarities compilation 'They Got Lost' (Idlewild), latest full-length 'The Spine' (Zoe) and the EP 'The Spine Surfs Alone,' as well as live shows from the 2004 'Spine Hits the Highway' tour. The remainder of TMBG catalog will not be available on the site."
I guess that my problem with it is that the stuff that I would want, the classic TMBG stuff, isn't available. The record label is too busy selling the mp3s elsewhere for their own profits. While the newer music is still good, and of course better than most pop music out there, it doesn't feel the same for me that the old stuff does. I think that the last song of theirs that I really liked was Dr. Worm. Since then, its been a bit dull. The free mp3s are ok though.
Tuesday, September 21, 2004
Friday, September 17, 2004
The Diana-Morrisey Phenomenon
The Diana-Morrisey Phenomenon
Morrisey is apparently a prophet who's song lyrics foretold the death of Princess Diana. I really couldn't pass up throwing up a link to this site. [via SJ Games Daily Illuminator]
Morrisey is apparently a prophet who's song lyrics foretold the death of Princess Diana. I really couldn't pass up throwing up a link to this site. [via SJ Games Daily Illuminator]
Thursday, September 16, 2004
Oldman Quits 'Star Wars' Sequel
Does this spell trouble for Lucas and the final of the Star Wars prequels? Personally, I just wish that he would get them done so that we can get on with pretending that they never happened.
Since I don't really understand what it means, I wish there was an explanation of him "working illegally."
Oldman Quits 'Star Wars' Sequel
"Wild actor Gary Oldman has pulled out of the next Star Wars movie because he refuses to work overseas illegally. The Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban star had agreed to be the voice of evil Jedi knight killer General Grievous in Star Wars: Revenge Of The Sith, but quit the production because it was made outside the Screen Actor's Guild rules. Oldman's spokesman explains, 'Gary was excited and looking forward to working on the film. The snag is that the movie is being made without members of the Screen Actor's Guild. It means Gary would have been working illegally overseas. Out of respect and solidarity with the other members, he could not and would not consider violating the rules of his union.'"
Since I don't really understand what it means, I wish there was an explanation of him "working illegally."
Oldman Quits 'Star Wars' Sequel
"Wild actor Gary Oldman has pulled out of the next Star Wars movie because he refuses to work overseas illegally. The Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban star had agreed to be the voice of evil Jedi knight killer General Grievous in Star Wars: Revenge Of The Sith, but quit the production because it was made outside the Screen Actor's Guild rules. Oldman's spokesman explains, 'Gary was excited and looking forward to working on the film. The snag is that the movie is being made without members of the Screen Actor's Guild. It means Gary would have been working illegally overseas. Out of respect and solidarity with the other members, he could not and would not consider violating the rules of his union.'"
Wednesday, September 15, 2004
Friday, September 10, 2004
Fluxblog Is Not Essing Around
Fluxblog Is Not Essing Around
Another interesting looking mp3/music blog. Certainly a nice variety of musical styles. I'll have to check some of these mp3s out. Although I think I can do without a String Quartet version of anything by Beyonce. Unless its those Apocalyptica guys.
Another interesting looking mp3/music blog. Certainly a nice variety of musical styles. I'll have to check some of these mp3s out. Although I think I can do without a String Quartet version of anything by Beyonce. Unless its those Apocalyptica guys.
The Mystical Beast
An mp3 and music blog that looks like it has some pretty good stuff. Love his piece from yesterday on Tegan & Sara. I like them, and definitely have to track down some of their stuff. A blog well worth checking out.
The Mystical Beast
The Mystical Beast
Thursday, September 09, 2004
RTalsorian Games - Mike's Rant
RTalsorian Games - Mike's Rant
Since I'm never sure how often this is updated, look for the header of Interlock vs Fuzion: the Battle Rages On. Does this mean that Mike Pndsmith is back at the helm of Cyberpunk 3x? I'm not going to hold my breathe until a book is announced in something like Previews. Does the begining of this "rant" mean that Mike is backpedalling on Fuzion? Its amazing how fans of a game that is based on extraoplation and a potential world of tomorrow can be so reactionary about a game system.
My opinions of Fuzion are pretty well known among those people who have had to listen to me about them. Fuzion is an obvious evolution of a good system, and the nice thing about it is that it moves the Cyberpunk game away from its class-based origins. Cyberpunk is D&D.
Since I'm never sure how often this is updated, look for the header of Interlock vs Fuzion: the Battle Rages On. Does this mean that Mike Pndsmith is back at the helm of Cyberpunk 3x? I'm not going to hold my breathe until a book is announced in something like Previews. Does the begining of this "rant" mean that Mike is backpedalling on Fuzion? Its amazing how fans of a game that is based on extraoplation and a potential world of tomorrow can be so reactionary about a game system.
My opinions of Fuzion are pretty well known among those people who have had to listen to me about them. Fuzion is an obvious evolution of a good system, and the nice thing about it is that it moves the Cyberpunk game away from its class-based origins. Cyberpunk is D&D.
RPGnet: Review of The World of Synnibarr
RPGnet: Review of The World of Synnibarr
"Contrary to my expectations, the World of Synnibarr did not suck all of the flesh off of my face, leaving behind only a screaming skull. It did not rape my other gaming products, leaving them pregnant with “neomods”, McCracken-speak for something as simple as a gaming module. It did not shoot twin streams of hydrochloric acid into my eyes, nor did it squat on my chest and stare at me when I was trying to sleep."
You know that you want to buy a copy.
"Contrary to my expectations, the World of Synnibarr did not suck all of the flesh off of my face, leaving behind only a screaming skull. It did not rape my other gaming products, leaving them pregnant with “neomods”, McCracken-speak for something as simple as a gaming module. It did not shoot twin streams of hydrochloric acid into my eyes, nor did it squat on my chest and stare at me when I was trying to sleep."
You know that you want to buy a copy.
CNN.com - Two Muppets named top scientists
Two Muppets named top scientists
"EXETER, England (Reuters) -- Muppets Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and his assistant Beaker defeated Dr. Strangelove, Dana Scully of 'X Files' fame and Star Trek's Mr. Spock to be voted Britain's favorite screen scientists."
"EXETER, England (Reuters) -- Muppets Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and his assistant Beaker defeated Dr. Strangelove, Dana Scully of 'X Files' fame and Star Trek's Mr. Spock to be voted Britain's favorite screen scientists."
Cthulhu For President in '04
Probably best that I not reprint it here, but it is funny none the less. Why vote for the lesser evil? Cthuhlu for President! Click the above link for the main site.
The Elder Party Platform
The Elder Party Platform
Why Vote Cthulhu?
On Homeland Security:
Who would mess with Cthulhu? 'nuff said.
On Foreign Policy:
Our candidate routinely meets with an asian special interest group called the "Tcho tcho". The word "leng" has been heard mentioned many times, and that's the chinese word for "cool"!!
On Mental Health:
Many of you have asked: "What Would Cthulhu Do, if voted into office?" The anwser is: Drive Everyone Mad and Eat Them...
On the Economy and the Environment:
Great Cthulhu has solutions for unemployment and protecting the environment, for after Cthulhu eats half the world's population there will be plenty of job openings and urban sprawl will be a thing of the past.
Tuesday, September 07, 2004
Comments By Kromm
While not official, this page has gathered some of the commentary on the new GURPS 4e rules by Sean Punch, the GURPS Line Editor. Still should have some usefullness to them for GURPS fans.
Overall comments
Overall comments
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