Call me Mallex

That's my character in World of Warcraft, a quite excellent MMORPG from Blizzard, the creators of Diablo II. I'm totally hooked on this game. It's my first massively multi-player experience, and it is sort of fashioned after Diablo II, which was my favorite single player game of all time. I've had so many incredible adventures so far. I have to thank cyberhap (or Kinngdom/Grow to those in the realm) for putting me on to this game. It's simply amazing. The gameplay is top notch, and the graphics are very good for a multiplayer game. The X factor is the interaction between player characters. I've been fortunate enough to make a few friends who have helped me move up in the ranks fairly quickly. After one week, I'm level 11, near 12, and I'm starting to develop some good skills.

It's funny how I'm still playing computer games. My generation was raised on computer cames, from Atari to Colecovision to Commodore 64/128/128D, to Nintendo, Sega, Nintendo 64, Dreamcast, Playstation, XBox, PS2, and PC games. It's a part of who I am. I know people 5 years older than me that never got into gaming b/c they sort of missed the boat. I think my generation represents the older edge of gaming enthusiasts. Sure there are some older players, but as far as diehard players, I'm probably at the upper limit. And I think my passion for gaming will continue, even as gaming evolves. It's part of what we are. Part of the kid in me that doesn't want to go away. Nor should it.

So should you run into Mallex in the realms of Azeroth, make sure you tell him that you read his alter ego's blog entry. Maybe he'll share some tales with you over some charred boar meat and a pint of mead.

s42

Light at the End of the Tunnel....

For three reasons. First and foremost, I had a sinus infection which lingered from Dec. 31 to Jan 22. Twenty three days of more or less sick. Three antibiotics until we got one to erradicate the germs. Fortunately I wasn't over the top sick, but not feeling well and not being able to breathe or sleep for over 3 weeks was the big SUCK. I'm now staying away from anything or anyone that so much as sniffles. I've had my sick for the year. And then some....

Second, the EAGLES are soclose to being world champions, and ending this Philly Phunk/curse/whatever that has plagued us for almost 1/4 of a century (think about that - I was 11 when the last Philly team (Sixers) won a championship). Sure the Patriots are favored by 7, but that's alot of hype. If the Eagles play a perfect game and the Pats play a perfect game, the Eagles win. That simple. Instead of getting caught up in the overblown hype that is the Patriots, break it down into smaller pieces and you'll see why the Birds have a realistically good chance: Positionally, QB position is a wash. I know Brady has more super bowl experience, but I'd never count out D Mac. Especially this year. If he needs to make some plays at the end of the game, he will. RB position has to go to the Eagles. Dillon is a good runner, but Westbrook gives you so much more. WR is a slight edge to the Pats unless T.O. is over 50 percent, then it's in the Eagles favor. We'll miss C. Lewis, but I think L.J. will fill in nicely. O line is a wash, D line goes to the Birds. Defense is a tie between the 2 for scoring defense, until you realize the Eagles gave up all those points in the last 2 games that the starters sat. Then the Eagles have the edge. The Birds secondary is MUCH better, and while the overall linebackers of the Pats get the edge, you have to argue that Trotter is the best of the group on both sides. Special teams is also a wash. You have the 2 best kickers and 2 very good return groups. Finally, if you compare the teams' records over the past 4 years, the patriots are only 2 games better than the Eagles (Superbowls?). And for coaching, another wash. Yeah, Belichek has his rings, but Andy is close behind. And Reid is 8-0 after bye weeks. And don't forget the guru Jimmy Johnson It's going to be very very close. Any given Sunday.....

Finally, we are now over 1/3 through Winter. It's cold as balls, but the calendar is just about to flip to February. A short month later it will be March. I've always loved Winter, but I guess b/c I've been so sick already this year, I just want it to get and stay warm ASAP. It's going down to 1 degree tonight. 1. The mind can't fathom 1. I'm also getting ever so closer to my KW trip. God knows I need that. Seven days of pure freedom. Freedom to do (or not do) anything, anywhere, anytime. Beer at 7AM? No problem. Swimming at 2AM? No problem. Naptime? Anytime! Pools, ocean, sun, sand, Duval, shots, beers, 190 octanes, boats, girls, everything. Fun. Can't wait.

So be good y'all. Think warm and stay safe.

stevo42