Wednesday, March 05, 2008

RIP Gary Gygax

Thanks to Cale for the tip - Gary Gygax, one of the co-creators of Dungeons and Dragons, died yesterday.

Wow. I've been playing D&D for over 20 years...probably closer to 25. I remember the Basic Set my parents got me for Christmas. Man, that came out in 1977! I can't remember how old I was when I got it - I'll have to find out.

I have D&D to thank for many of the friendships I still have, and many new ones I've made since holding those dice for the first time.

Here is a link to one of the many websites that mention his passing, and it has an email address that was set up to communicate any thoughts you may have to the Gygax family.

Monday, March 03, 2008

Cryptonomicon

A few weeks ago I finished Cryptonomicon (more info here), by Neal Stephenson.



I really enjoyed it. Without giving too much away, it deals with cryptography, World War 2, Alan Turing, math, society, global finance, intrigue...I could go on, but I won't. If you have any interest in any of these topics, or none of these but you like a really good book, pick it up!

I've also read Stephenson's Snow Crash in college, and it was excellent as well.

3/4 update - we were in Goodwill last night and I picked up Snow Crash for $2.99!