Scott's Case Files

Willpower...Gone...Must Have WAR!

Download Warhammer Online

Warhammer Online

I think I have a problem.  I saw the advertisements and what have you for the soon-to-open Warhammer OnlineMMO and I really didn't want much to do with it.  I said no to it at every turn.  Now it's about to come out in a mere two weeks and I'm thinking about it...

I think I am definitely an MMO addict.  But it's an addiction with standards - is that even possible?  I mean, I won't play just anything - it needs to be a well put together game with a firm developer behind it.  Right now I'm back to Lord of the Rings Online and nothing else.

So I'm looking over the Warhammer site, watched the videos, and what have you and it looks interesting.  I like the concept of constant and in-your-face warfare at every turn.  I like the unique group dynamic that they've come up with (as in, you automatically group up at appropriate times, so you never have to be solo).  I like the look of the classes.

Knowing me, I'll break down and give it a try.  Whether I pre-order (if it's even possible at this point) or not is the unknown.  If nothing, I look at it as game-testing for any of my buddies who might try it out at a later time.

I still might resist, but we shall see...

Star Trek Online

I have to say that my love for sci-fi and techno-geekery started with Star Trek: The Original Series.  My Dad was a bit of a sci-fi buff (though I now put him to utter shame) and made sure I got a heaping helping of it in the form of '70s TV shows.  I am a Trekkie/Trekker/I-love-the-franchise!

Though Cryptic won't put a date on it, it looks as if Star Trek Online- an MMO based on my favorite universe - will be making an appearance in the 2nd half of 2009.  The more official line is apparently "in the next three years."  But whatever the date, I'm looking forward to experiencing the game.

I have just two quandaries.  First, do I play Federation or Klingon.  I'd love to explore the futuristic naval tradition that is the Federation and all that they do.  I'd also love to play out the Klingon culture, deep as it was developed in the several series.  My other quandary is do I play on a Player-vs-Player server or not.  Basically, do I want to play it safe or really enjoy the thrill of looking over my bow for that Bird of Prey to de-cloak?  Ah, if life's issues were only that simple!

If you enjoy Trek at all, definitely check out the home site and forums and see what there is to see!

Tales of the Cocktail 2008

Tales of the Cocktail (TotC) 2008 - what an adventure!  I have been remiss in posting lately but am looking to remedy that, starting with a quick post on my New Orleans adventure.  I went to the TotC mostly to meet fellow Wormwood Society members, enjoy absinthe and other cocktails, party, and to explore the French Quarter.  All of these things were accomplished and then some.

Last year represented the first time in nearly a century that an authentic absinthe was available for legal sale in the United States.  This year there are just about a half-dozen with more on the horizon.  The absinthes that were represented at TotC are: La Fee, Lucid, Pernod, and Marteau.  The Lucid is made by the same company (Jade Liqueurs) that produces my very favorite absinthe - Absinthe Edouard, a spectacular verte.  Absinthe Marteau is a relatively new absinthe that is produced by the founder of the Wormwood Society- Gwydion Stone.  His creation is aimed at being the best absinthe to use in making the various absinthe cocktails, the flavors and aromas enhanced to bring to the table everything that absinthe is for the cocktail in question.  Reviewers have said that it is just as delicious when sampled in the more traditional manner and I completely agree with them.

The "home base" of TotC was the Hotel Monteleone on Royal Street in the French Quarter.  I'd decided to stay in the less pricey Holiday Inn just a block away, which suited me just fine.  The Hotel Monteleone is a truly elegant place.  I opened my first night of exploration with a sazerac followed by a couple of rum drinks (who's name escapes me, but were very good) before it was time to head back to the hotel to lay my head down in preparation for the next day's activities, when TotC started in earnest.  The rest of my time was a whirlwind of adventure.  I met several outstanding characters from the Wormwood Society and that alone made my trip.  It definitely wouldn't have been the same trip without Lars, Hiram, Mrs. Hiram, Shabba, The Doctor, and The Freida (real names (almost all) withheld to protect the wanton!

As a note, the sazerac is presently made with Herbsaint (an absinthe substitute) in addition to the rye whiskey, Peychaud's Bitters, and simple syrup.  In the days to come, absinthe may yet retake its rightful place as an ingredient in this cocktail that has been named the official cocktail of New Orleans.

Oh, and click HERE to check out my pictures from TotC on Flickr!