Poetic Colossus

The Heroes' Stone Launches...And I Get My LIfe Back!

Victorious!

Almost a year spent on this thing, but it's done - my final tribute to the great institution of Neverwinter Nights.

For those wondering what this nerdiness is all about, I assembled all of my past work from the Game/Toolset, "Neverwinter Nights", into a Persistent World. It's a bit like a World of Warcraft where anyone can log and play 24/7, but free, and set in the Forgotten Realms of Dungeons and Dragons.

In other news, my wife almost throws me out the door after obssessing with minutiae detail like whether Rondor's +3 sword can actually bypass a damage reduction of...well, you get the point.

But now, I'm back in the mix after unloading this thing on the general populace.

Click on the picture above to see my uber-geekly promo video!

Leaving the Ranch

After ten years working at DRHS, seven as a teacher/wrestling coach and the last three as an assistant principal, I’m moving on.

With the second baby in the works, I needed a bit more time for family and all of my other eccentric craziness – working as an assistant principal at the middle school level seemed to be the perfect fit as I’ll no longer have to supervise football games, banquets, dances, parades, you name it. Plus, it’s a great opportunity for a Principal position.

While middle school kids will be a bit more rambunctious, I already have plans for getting a wrestling mat in the gym and choking a bit of sense into them.

Er, well, not choking per se, but you get the general idea.

I remember interviewing for the teaching and coaching position ten years ago – I was 24 years old and dumber than I am now, if you can believe that. Back then, it was just a series of portables – the actual school had yet to begin construction. I nervously fumbled my way through the process – despite *zero* teaching experience however, my wrestling credentials were enough to land me the job, and it was out of Grandma’s house and off to the races.

I owe this school a lot and mere words will never be able to describe how many doors it opened for me. Everyone I met along the way who helped me and more importantly, helped the kids to achieve their dreams, will always have my gratitude.

Pride of the Panther – I’ll always have it.

The Son Becomes the Father, the Father the Son

My first Father's Day was great - my wife took me out to a great dinner on Friday and then she suffered through the Incredible Hulk on my behalf.

Love, sweet love.

What made it even better though was a breakthrough of sorts with my father.

My dad and I don’t always see eye to eye on things – but regardless of our differences concerning politics, religion and family matters, we’ve always shared a passion for standing up for those in need. He instilled into me the value of a strong work ethic and being accountable as a member of society – the same core principles that saw him through 30+ years in law enforcement.

Since getting married and having a family, things haven’t run so smooth between the two of us, mostly due to the strains of a new family and trying to integrate everyone seamlessly into our daughter’s life. Communication between the two of us has always been a bit of a constrained process – affirming at times, but obscure on other occasions.

But something happened today that gave me the comfort of knowing that regardless of whatever arguments we may have had, currently have, or will have – I’ll always understand my place in the scheme of things and what he was really trying to tell me for all of my years.

I get it pop, and I’ll always be grateful for your efforts.

To all of the Dads out there, Happy Father’s Day!

I....Am....

IRON MAN!

Yes, I'm a dork, I know.

I've been reading Iron Man comics for the last 27 years - this was the best comic-to-movie adapation since Superman in the 70's.

Robert Downey Jr was GENIUS and Jon Favreau was even more money than usual. Major props to all of those involved.

Victory!!! It's A Boy!!!

Ok - so let me start off by saying that I dearly love my little baby girl.

But seriously - take one look at this site and you know it'd be an uphill battle to pass on my love of smiting goblins with my level 6 Paladin. Especially when I have to compete with years and years of genetic indoctrination - work with me here!

Of course, if it turns out to be my daughter that picks up the gauntlet of Geek Glory rather than my son, expect a full recount on this website.

Rest in Peace - Gary Gygax

Gary Gygax - Father of Dungeons and Dragons passed away on March 4th. Let's face it - this is a nerd's world and this man had a large part to play in that. What do you think Bill Gates' hobby was? Scoring on hot chicks at the Mall with his jock bros?

Mr. Gygax - rest in peace in the fantasy world of your choice (here's hoping they start you with a + 1 magic sword and a cloak of displacement) and thank you for sharing your dreams with us.

Goodbye Diet Coke - I'll Miss You....

After many long years of a loving relationship, it's time to call it quits. I'll always remember the times we spent together late at night, playing video games and web-surfing, but alas, all good things must come to an end. As much as I adore you, the gallstones and weight-gain are simply just too much baggage to sustain in this relationship - something had to give, and it's you, my love.

Keep on the Borderlands Released! Nerds Rejoice!

The Circle of 8 is a supremely talented crew of amateur modders with professional tendencies. Their work is based off of the Troika game "The Temple of Elemental Evil". The good news is that they just released their newest mod - "Keep on the Borderlands".

Any proper geek worth his or her six-sided die will recognize that this is a remake of one of the most classic Pen and Paper adventures of all time - to check out, take a look at: Circle of 8 Forums

Quite Possibly the Greatest Dungeons and Dragons Animation Sequence Ever...

Frankincense of Eternal Flame!!!

Greetings!

Greetings (to whatever bot happens to visit this site as it currently stands) - this is a work in progress, and moreso, an experiment in teaching myself the joys of html and PHPnuke.

More to come - soon!