Quote this, Bartlett.

Last night was poker night. After the great state of Indiana decided to crack down on independent gambling operations we are forced to go back to the home games. Ours is more of a league, where we play for points every week to settle on who is the Player of the Year. Wake up! I'm getting to the point.

Sometime during every game someone pulls out a quote from "Rounders". This is a movie from a few years back with Matt Damon, John Malkovich and Edward Norton. A good film in its own right, but one that is partially reponsible for the boom in Texas hold 'em. "Sorry, John, I don't remember." always comes up when someone asks what hand a player had. More Rounders

Some movies get watched over and over, largely because of the great lines. I go around repeating dialogue from these films assuming that everyone has seen them. So if I come up with speech seemingly out of context I offer this short list:

Pulp Fiction
Caddyshack
Napoleon Dynamite
Blazing Saddles
Stripes
Glengary Glen Ross
The Godfather
Full Metal Jacket

Halloween in Two Days - Yikes!

This is a lame observance. I didn't even like it when I was a wee lad. I never was much for:

1. Dressing in a costume
2. Begging
3. Sickening sweet, cheap candy.

As an adult, you don't get a day off for it, and as a retired elementary teacher, the real horror was facing 30 sugar-crazed heathens the next day.

I really don't like it when adults get involved. For the most part, I think it's merely an excuse to get out the sex role-playing, and S&M gear for public display. It's kind of a Freak Pride Day.

The only good thing is that the dogs enthusiastically greet every group of kids that show up at our door and sleep soundly the next day. OK, and the little kids are kind of cute. Especially the toddlers that have no clue about what is going on. They're just glad to be involved.

Better go out and get some cheap candy.

Playing Chicken

I want to cut the grass just one more time in 2007 . It could use it now, but if I cut it too early, then it might mean still another mindless walk about the yard this season.

I can still see the dogs' heads above the growth, so I think I'll wait.

War at Home

Patti relented and we played Memoir '44 tonight.

I may have to go to an art fair soon because of this, but I was happy that she actually played a war game and did it with all the grace I've come to expect from her.

The first few moves were, as expected, slow and cumbersome - but something happened after I failed on an attack and she countered and took out one of my units. Not only did she laugh and flaunt her victory, but now the game's rules and objectives became suddenly clear. She was a hardened warrior at that point and it was on. We slugged it out for a few turns but she eventually got the upper hand and wiped out 2 units and took the bridge in a single swoop to win the game.

I spent the afternoon looking at ideas for my miniature naval games setup with Brenden and was treated to a game with his beautifully rendered high-detail miniatures and battlegrounds. I'm at the brink. Only a lack talent in the modeling end of the hobby keeps me from jumping in. This hobby is very similar to my lifelong sports sims passion. The combination of background reading and illustrating history through the game makes it fun. The collecting aspect adds to the enjoyment.

It's hot right now, anyway.

Boats

Two weeks, gone.
Just
Like
That.

The blame goes squarely on my new interest in tabletop war games. . I'm fascinated with two games in particular. Axis and Allies War at Sea (called "Boats" in this household) and Memoir '44 (Army Guys). Brenden (as seen on the FancyPance blog) has been over to play them a couple of times. Great fun from my point of view. Hopefully Brenden wasn't bored playing against a novice tabletop admiral / general.

I always liked the idea of combat games, but the cheapo components and the multitude of rules found in older titles kept me away. The games I saw at GenCon last August have well-illustrated rule books, high-quality components, and a welcoming presentation. Memoir '44 is the most inviting of the two, but I love the aspect of the miniatures in War at Sea. I've been spending my online time searching for deals on miniatures and looking into other games. Meanwhile there has been a draught in MSLOE.

I didn't even mention that a tree branch poked me in the eye and led to a trip to the ER. Nothing serious, but it was on Saturday night and Doc said "Go." I had a small cut inside my upper eyelid and a scratched cornea. Location is everything. A mere boo-boo if it was anywhere else but in the eye. After a day or two of itchy crustiness and a few days of drops, I was healed.

The dogs did a bunch of cute things that would normally spawn a topic, but I've already forgotten what they did. The annual bonfire at Patti's folk's place was last night and as much fun as always. I was annoyed by news stories at the usual rate and I even had a run in or two with people who dare walk in my world. All unrecorded due to my recent fixation with "Boats" and other games.

Shaking My Head

Another reaction to a news story.

This one involves the apparent loss of nine skydivers in a plane crash. The loss of human life alone is tragic. I'm troubled more so by the cruel irony of the situation and the lack of wisdom of those who needlessly risk their precious lives for a thrilling experience.

I'm not being a smart ass when I note that a sky diving team, by nature, should have parachutes available. If there was any warning at all of a potential crash the chutes could have been employed. The cruel irony comes into play if the parachutes were all used for the skydive and none were available for their utilitarian purpose.

Prime Time

October may very well be my favorite month of the year. It used to be July, when going shirtless on the beach was an option and my birthday was anticipated.

October marks the end of lawn mowing. It means apple cider. It's the month with lowest utility bill. Indoor and outdoor activites are both viable. The three major sports are all played in October - NASCAR too. There are no holidays, but there are days off for teachers.

Pesky insects die off and the house can be aired out. With windows wide open, carpets can be cleaned, walls can be painted, and windows can be washed.

It's easy to get people together. No one is on vacation. Winter and its holidays aren't getting the way.

Everything in October seems to be - fresh.