Black Widow

Here is my prize, the black widow. Isn't she lovely, and so deadly.

Her kiss is 15 times as poisonous as that of the rattlesnake.

Her venom is highly neurotoxic. That is to say it attacks the central nervous system causing intense pain, difficulty in breathing, loss of consciousness, violent convulsions and finally, um death. I think what I like most is her inborn need to dominate and possess the smaller and weaker male of the species.

Such power and dignity unhampered by sentiment.
If I may put forward a slice of personal philosophy,
I feel Bush has ruled this world as a stumbling demented child-king long enough.
And as his empire crumbles my precious black widow shall rise as his most fitting successor!

Why dwarves are smarter than Americans

As the United States comes closer to economic collapse I think it is important to look at why dwarven economies last for millenium while the US economy probably won't outlive the livetime of a single generation of dwarves...gold! Dwarves use the gold standard for their currencies. Have you ever heard of a single clan of dwarves ever using fiat money? Even the duergar have the good sense to use currencies with hard value. While it may be true that a gully dwarf will give you gold for a used rat's tail, even they use precious metals and gems to get that precious piece of rodent. It is true that really successful dwarven clans risk attracting the attention of rather foul dragons and even the occasional rust monster, the risks are at least hedged against inflation. My advice is to learn from the dwarves and aquire as much silver, gold, precious gems, platinium and even electrum as you can lay your hands on for your paper money. A storm is coming and the breathe of a dragon does more damage to paper than metal.

Gary Gygax

RIP Gary Gygax. I've been gaming since 1981. During that time Gary Gygax was an important part of my emotional intellectual growth. Through Dungeons and Dragons and the many articles written by Gygax I developed an interest in history, literature and cultures. I was deeply saddened to hear of his passing yesterday. I've played some of his adventures like Vault of the Drow too many times to mention. Unfortunately I never had an opportunity to meet Mr. Gygax.

My condolences to his family.
Gary Gygax will be deeply missed by the gaming community.