A lot of things have been happening since my last post. So, I thought a general update would be in order and I'm going to try to get back to a regular posting schedule in the next 2 weeks. So, here we go!

Item 1: Gary Gygax passes away

One of the creators of Dungeons and Dragons has passed on this month. His contribution to the fantasy game genre is only surpassed by Tolkien himself, and narrowly. Dungeons and Dragons has managed to upset ignorant parents and religious groups alike while spawning an incredible range of fantasy games and gajillions of man hours spent in basements by those who dwell in the realm of geekdom. Gary, you will be missed

By way of Penny-Arcade, comes this most fitting tribute:

Item 2: I did not make the IGDA Board

Alas, I was not chosen to sit on the board of the IGDA. However, the folks that were elected truly deserve to be on the board as they are all more active in the IGDA than I ever have been. Congrats to Tom Buscaglia, Brenda Brathwaite, Tim Train and my very good friend Mark DeLoura! Good luck guys!

Item 3: Keynote at the ETech 2008 Conference

I was fortunate enough to be asked to give the Sun Microsystems sponsored keynote talk at the 2008 ETech conference this year. My slides are available for those interested in seeing them. Here is a photo of me in a dance pose or something during the talk:

Item 4: NERDCORE RISING

I am a BIG fan of the hip-hop genre known as Nerdcore. MC Chris, Y.T. Cracker and MC Frontalot are all in heavy rotation in my iPhone. Imagine my excitement when I found that a movie that traces the roots of this exploding genre was shown at SXSW and is touring the country??? Mad props to the folks at Vaguely Qualified Productions for this movie. Can't wait to see it!

Now, for a taste of MC Frontalot and the kings of gamedom, Gabe and Tycho, check out their deconstruction of the "Penny Arcade Theme Song". Quite hilarious! (NOTE: Some rude language in here, so headphones may be in order, and not at work please!)

That's all for now. Back soon with regular blog posts!