Tag Archives: Eighties

Ready Player One: Disappointing Spielberg Schmaltz

The long-awaited film adaption of Ernest Cline’s bestseller is here and it’s terrible. I know all about the limitations of movies versus books, so spare methose comments. Ready was always going to be a huge challenge since Cline’s references were a copyright/trademark nightmare. … Continue reading

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The Toys That Made Us, part one

I discovered and got on the bandwagon late with this show, I wholeheartedly admit it. However, it was so great, I’ve watched all four episodes TWICE since I love toys, even at my advanced age. Not just playing with them but … Continue reading

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RIP: Dr. Stephen Hawking

One of the greatest living Physicists passed away today and what made Hawking more remarkable is that he pushed on through despite ALS slowly destroying his body. I think he’s one of the longest surviving people to have the disease. … Continue reading

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Rest in Peace John (Johnny B) Bryson

I need to stop going to the back pages of my Marquette alumni magazine whenever I crack it open for the first time. I sometimes discover the passing of a classmate and my generation (Generation X) isn’t that damned old … Continue reading

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RIP: David Ogden Stiers

Another rough day in which you see a name you haven’t seen in a while show up on the side of the headlines of FaceBook and you know it can’t be good. Sadly, David passed away Saturday from bladder cancer. … Continue reading

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RIP Barry Crimmins

Just got the news a few hours ago. As soon as my car’s radio came right up to Patton Oswalt talking about Barry I knew this wasn’t going to be a happy story. I wish I were wrong. Barry passed … Continue reading

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Another pro-D&D essay

TED talks tend to be something I take with a grain of salt. You hear some good ides but my complaint is that these “talks” are often Silicon Valley oligarchs lecturing other Silicon Valley oligarchs. Ergo, their “solutions” will flop … Continue reading

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Let my freak flag fly #3

Christmas 1981, my parents bought me the boxed set sequel to the Basic Game…Expert! They didn’t know D&D was divided into two different “brands.” I was more into the Advanced, hardback books and needed the Dungeonmaster’s Guide, but I really didn’t … Continue reading

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1987: My last Maggi-Maier family Christmas

As I kick back, enjoying the much warmer weather down here in Austin, I remember how at this time 30 years ago, the six of us celebrated at Grandma’s (Maier) house for what would be the last time. Starting in … Continue reading

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Gary Numan

Last week, I got to see Gary Numan perform a full show; I had met and watched him a couple years ago through a SXSW showcase at Waterloo Records. Despite the cold rain, Gary played to a sold-out crowd at … Continue reading

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It: Worth Seeing

Another second-chance opportunity we got through the local discount theater near work. Economist said it was one of the top ten financially successful movies this year and a rare non-sequel/franchise too. Could’ve fooled me, it didn’t stay at our Alamos for … Continue reading

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Rest in Peace Pat DiNizio

I was really saddened to see the sudden blurb on my FaceBook feed this Tuesday night (December 12) about Pat’s passing. Even though I knew about his recent injury, I never would’ve guessed he was in ill health. When the … Continue reading

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Let my freak flag fly #2

This artwork by Erol Otus was the cover of my first D&D Basic Set circa 1981. Erol was often someone people really hated because I think he took a more unconventional route. As per this painting: the wizard is a … Continue reading

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RIP Tommy Keene

Tommy passed away last Wednesday in his sleep despite being in really good health. The papers said he was 59. Wow! He could’ve fooled me since I had the honor of seeing him open for Matthew Sweet (twice) this Summer … Continue reading

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Let my freak flag fly #1

This incarnation is probably the version of D&D most people around my age remember, the terrible Saturday-morning cartoon. Despite being in high school when it debuted on CBS in 1983, I would make the effort get up and watch it. … Continue reading

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