A Pirate on the Prairie

I have shared a handful of videos on this blog about the origin and the story of the tabletop roleplaying game (TTRPG) Dungeons & Dragons, but here I am sharing yet another. Why? Well, because quite simply, this video does a great job of impressing upon the viewer just how innovative and groundbreaking Dungeons & Dragons really was when the first handcrafted copies of the original game were being laboriously cranked out inside of co-creator Gary Gygax’s basement. I played a v

A former coworker recently shared the post below from the Pooh Memes Facebook account and it mirrors some thoughts that I have been contemplating lately. I have questioned whether or not some of the people from my past would even recognize the latest version of me (Greg 57.XX.X?). I recognize myself largely because I know how I got here. Not the physical version of me, although I now sport a shorter haircut than I used to sport when I was younger and I am admittedly currentl

Well, it’s October and we are more or less in spooky season, at least if you live in a country where Halloween is celebrated as Halloween or by another name for the holiday such as All Hallows' Eve. This is a time of year when people have some fun with fear and the macabre. It’s a time for carnivals, ghost stories, spooky films and tales, haunted houses, and haunting imagery. Below is a link to a post containing one man’s take on what we can gain from facing our fears and lea

“Chicago - If You Leave Me Now (Official Audio)” https://youtu.be/fCoVbDNx-C0

“If She Would Have Been Faithful...” https://youtu.be/peMLrzqxAJE

“Jesus said to them, ‘A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.’” — Mark 6:4 (NIV) I’m not a prophet, but I completely understand. Prior to finding myself in Illinois, I worked with people that were trying to improve their physical fitness and their health. I learned a long time ago that there was little-to-nothing to be gained from framing one’s struggles with fitness or food as some kind of great moral flaw, a personal f

“Robert Palmer - Addicted To Love (Official Music Video)” https://youtu.be/XcATvu5f9vE

“A pretty face don't make no pretty heart. I learned that, buddy, from the start.” Yeah, I have had that lesson hammered into me too. 😏 “Robert Palmer - Bad Case Of Loving You (Doctor Doctor)” https://youtu.be/DlPHmYtqSdA

“The J. Geils Band - Centerfold (Official Music Video)” https://youtu.be/BqDjMZKf-wg

“Steve Miller Band - Abracadabra (Official Music Video)” https://youtu.be/tY8B0uQpwZs

I have posted a number of times on this blog about tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) and my intention to return to the hobby as an active participant and not just a collector game materials. I have expressed my intention to play TTRPGs both as a solo participant and as part of a more traditional group game, online and/or in person. So far in my journey, I’ve played a couple of times by playing the “Alone Against the Flames” introductory solo adventure in the Call of Cthulhu

“Peter Cetera, Amy Grant - The Next Time I Fall (Official Music Video)” https://youtu.be/c-ENYuomYzA

“Cher - After All (Love Theme from 'Chances Are') [Duet with Peter Cetera] (Official Audio)” https://youtu.be/lQ2W3h8T1Eg

Here is an amusing take on the power of Love from the late Scott Adams. Thanks for the laughs, sir. Rest in peace. 🥲 https://x.com/scottadamssays/status/2104062381982986361?s=46

“Confederate Railroad - She Took It Like A Man (Official Music Video)” https://youtu.be/m8T0A8OYLlk

“Confederate Railroad - When You Leave That Way You Can Never Go Back (Official Music Video)” https://youtu.be/FiOBtOUUukM

“‘The Smithereens "Behind the Wall of Sleep’” https://youtu.be/TxPWsWhm2RU

“The Smithereens - Blues Before and After” https://youtu.be/AO4C70gfQ3g

“Billy Currington - People Are Crazy (Official Music Video)” https://youtu.be/PKpQRjj_WbU

Comedian Jimmy Carr is someone that I have followed on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/JimmyCarr) for some time. He is really funny and I particularly enjoy his responses to hecklers. In fact, I have watched him encourage audience members to heckle him so that he can respond humorously. I have also seen him devote a portion of his set to take all kinds of questions from the audience, some of which have included requests for advice. A recent Facebook reel sees Mr. Carr resp