Monthly Archives: August 2007

1992: Gen Con XXV opened

The 40th Gen Con just ended yesterday and it was a landmark convention for the iconic gathering that spawned Dungeons & Dragons (see all the complaining about Fourth Edition). But 15 years ago, the 25th Gen Con began on this … Continue reading

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1895: John Wesley Hardin shot in El Paso

…as if the shootings over there would’ve ever stopped. Anyway, after reading this account and living in Texas for 12 years, I’d say very little has changed about El Paso or Huntsville. I think I’ll always prefer the UK musician John … Continue reading

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1977: The Police make their debut, as we knew them

Never thought the History channel would be hip to this musical landmark. Certainly less morbid than the death of Genghis Khan, some judge in an ugly scandal and the creation of Toyota, the car manufacturer clobbering Detroit’s Big Three. Their rise … Continue reading

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Happy 50th Birthday Denis Leary

Two words Denis! Merry F-ing Birthday! Thumbs up to one of the few Massholes I can stand. It’s funny when he does his angry Bostonian routine because it isn’t directed at me and he doesn’t have the thick, obnoxious accent; … Continue reading

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Fourth Edition is coming in 2008

It’s official, there will be a Fourth Edition of D&D and WOTC has posted last night’s preview. The YouTube links are pretty cool and informative, especially with the upcoming digital content successors to Dragon and Dungeon. I’m going to reserve judgment until later … Continue reading

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Happy Birthday to the Compact Disc

The source for a huge argument in my family celebrates its 25th anniversary today. Although the CD’s development began back in the Seventies with Phillips, it was not until this day did the first commercial CDs became available for the public … Continue reading

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1977: Elvis officially dies

I vaguely recall the announcement of his death at Grandma’s house (my parents were on vacation in Canada). It occupied most of the evening news but I don’t remember if the afternoon cartoons were interrupted over it. My brother and … Continue reading

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The new Flash Gordon is an eyesore

The best version of Flash Gordon will always be the 1980 production starring Max von Sydow as Emperor Ming the Merciless with Queen’s thunderous score. I think this horrible, cheap-ass, Wal-Mart version on the Sci Fi Channel will eliminate any further … Continue reading

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Rad’s San Diego Pictures are now available

My friends Rad and Steve attended the huge San Diego Comic Con this Summer. This one made it into the SCLM more often than most but I think it was considered news because it was sold out every day and … Continue reading

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Mike Ricci retires, Lindros & Roenick haven’t decided yet

Mike Ricci announced his retirement today after 16 seasons. The neck surgery he recently had wasn’t enough to play last year with the Coyotes which was a shame: I was hoping to see him when Jeremy and I drove to … Continue reading

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Austin’s first 100F/38C day of the year

Yeah, boo hoo for Austin, TX as the rest of the US and Canada cracked that temperature weeks ago. It’s still a big deal for us because it’s abnormal to be this “cool.” All the rain we received from May … Continue reading

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B5: The Lost Tales babbles on and on about nothing

There hasn’t been anything new on TV for Babylon 5 since the rather mediocre The Legend of the Rangers pilot from 2002. Now comes this direct-to-video release of B5: The Lost Tales. It rings of great promise because it has President Sheridan, Captain … Continue reading

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RIP Uncle Skip

I was expecting a synopsis of my brother’s recent vacation to North Carolina when I saw his e-mail but it contained Uncle Skip’s sudden death last Saturday. I don’t know any details sadly yet I hope Brian will clue me … Continue reading

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Tonight is the peak evening for the Perseid Meteor Shower

It’s early August which means the annual Perseid Meteor shower is visible again and according to Dr. Phil Plait of Bad Astronomy fame, tonight is the best evening to watch it. These are his tips to get an optimal view. He … Continue reading

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I’m skeptical of this, but stupidity knows no bounds

My co-worker Peter sent me this story and I seem to have doubts in its validity. No other links, including the original source (a Denver-based newspaper in a land of credibility problems, see Colorado Springs) has a picture. My link has … Continue reading

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