One of these upcoming weekends my girlfriend is going out of town. So i was thinking of getting a group of us together to play a game together.
World of Warcraft is free to play to level 20. It can be done solo in a weekend. So I figure a bunch of people playing online would be a fun time. We can all meet up or just play from home. Or a combination of both!
If interested let me know. The more the merrier!
You will have to download the game beforehand because it takes awhile.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Softball: My Thoughts and Strategy
This is the sentence I have heard a lot over the years playing softball:
"I want to hit."
Seems to be a popular statement when it comes to softball or baseball. No one made the MLB Hall of Fame for having the most walks. HRs, RBIs and all of those sexy stats make other people say wow. But "I want to hit" is not what goes on in my mind.
I think "I want to win."
I think everyone has more fun when we win. You can go 0-3 with 2 errors and still get a smile on your face if you beat the other team. Then you get a team feeling going where you don't want to disappoint the rest of your team. Team morale!
Now how do you win? In sports its about scoring the most 'points' unless you are talking about Golf. But Golf is not a sport (its a game!) because there is no one defending the hole and no real chance of major injury. But back to the game at hand. Softball is all about scoring runs.
What makes scoring runs possible? Having people on base. The more base runners you get, the more chances of scoring runs. How do you get base runners in softball? Hit or walk!
My Thoughts on Hitting:
Seems easy enough. See the ball and hit it. Of course its not that easy. If it was then it wouldn't be worth doing.
I go to the plate with one thing in mind: Get on.
I have 9+ other guys who will bat too. I don't need to be a hero and try and hit a 20-Run Home Run. I just need to get on. 1 base. That is it. Getting on 1st base and then seeing what happens next.
Once I get in the box I say my greetings and prepare for my At Bat. I have one area I am looking for the ball. Usually on the outside part of the plate so I can take it down the line.
The pitcher then pitches the ball and then it begins. My mind takes in where the defense is, where the ball is headed and if its a pitch I want to hit.
If it is not where I want it I let it pass. The Ump can call ball or strike. As long as there is not 2 strikes on me I do not have to swing. Just because a ball is a strike it doesn't mean I have to hit it. I'd rather take a strike then make a fly ball out. I can see at least 2 pitches per at bat.
If a pitch is where I want it I will swing. The defense decides how hard I swing. If they are playing back in the OF I will try just poke one over the 1st or 2nd baseman's head. If the OF is playing closer I will swing hard. 60+% of the time I get a hit. Unless its co-ed then its more like 70+% of the time. I'm not bragging. Its just the truth to what I do.
If I never get a pitch I like then I will take the walk. A walk is easy for everyone. Put the bat down and go to first.
Base Running:
Know the situation. Most of these are easy to figure out. Watch the ball. You will know when to stop. I hit the ball to RF so I see the ball pretty much my whole time up to 1st base. I know if I should run hard or jog to first. No point in hurting myself when I know I can't get more then 1st.
There are times when I can be over-aggressive. I can also not be very aggressive at times too. I know what I can and can't do. I also know what my teammates can do.
If I am on 2nd or 3rd and there are less then 2 outs I will tag up on a fly ball out. On a fly ball with less then 2 outs being at 3B there is no point in being off the bag. If it hits the ground, I score. If its caught, I score. Its easy.
Line Up:
Its softball. You can't steal bases. And most importantly, you can't steal first. The lead off hitter has to get on base a lot. Doesn't matter how. Also just think about it when you write the line up. Do you need a fast person at the top when you have a slow person batting last?
So the lead off hitter is the player that gets on. Whats the #2 hitter?
For me the #2 hitter is just the next best OB%.
The #3 hitter is the best overall hitter. One of the best OB% and able to get an extra base hit to put a run on the board doesn't hurt.
#4 is supposedly the Power position. But I don't like the HR in softball. It kills scoring more then it helps. Hitting is contagious. More runners on means the other teams defense has to work harder. So many moving parts. After a homer it seems like they have little left to worry about. And the next hitter is still admiring that HR in their mind. Soon enough the 4 run rally is over and the inning is done soon after. I'd rather single and walk them to death.
I am going to skip the middle of the line up hitters. The end of the line up is my next focus. You can't have the slowest at the bottom. It just clogs it up for the top of the order. What I like is a good OB% and speed player. Why? It gives the line up a nice symmetry. Gives the line up a nice turn around.
The rest of the line up goes by the best OB% + Power potential in the middle.
To Sum Up:
Hits + Walks = Base Runners
Base Runners = More Chances to Score
More Scoring = Winning
Winning = Me Happy : )
There are times when I can be over-aggressive. I can also not be very aggressive at times too. I know what I can and can't do. I also know what my teammates can do.
If I am on 2nd or 3rd and there are less then 2 outs I will tag up on a fly ball out. On a fly ball with less then 2 outs being at 3B there is no point in being off the bag. If it hits the ground, I score. If its caught, I score. Its easy.
Line Up:
Its softball. You can't steal bases. And most importantly, you can't steal first. The lead off hitter has to get on base a lot. Doesn't matter how. Also just think about it when you write the line up. Do you need a fast person at the top when you have a slow person batting last?
So the lead off hitter is the player that gets on. Whats the #2 hitter?
For me the #2 hitter is just the next best OB%.
The #3 hitter is the best overall hitter. One of the best OB% and able to get an extra base hit to put a run on the board doesn't hurt.
#4 is supposedly the Power position. But I don't like the HR in softball. It kills scoring more then it helps. Hitting is contagious. More runners on means the other teams defense has to work harder. So many moving parts. After a homer it seems like they have little left to worry about. And the next hitter is still admiring that HR in their mind. Soon enough the 4 run rally is over and the inning is done soon after. I'd rather single and walk them to death.
I am going to skip the middle of the line up hitters. The end of the line up is my next focus. You can't have the slowest at the bottom. It just clogs it up for the top of the order. What I like is a good OB% and speed player. Why? It gives the line up a nice symmetry. Gives the line up a nice turn around.
The rest of the line up goes by the best OB% + Power potential in the middle.
To Sum Up:
Hits + Walks = Base Runners
Base Runners = More Chances to Score
More Scoring = Winning
Winning = Me Happy : )
Monday, April 16, 2012
The Death of my 1st MMO
A little history...
On February 11th 2003, the day after my 26th birthday, I went to Gamestop and picked up my first MMO. It was a game for the PS2 called: Everquest Online Adventures. I also bought a USB keyboard for my PS2.
For years I had heard about Everquest and was looking forward to getting to play one finally. And the fact it was on a console was a big deal to me. No need to upgrade my computer. Just plug in the phone cord (yeah it was old) and play.
I logged on and created my Human Warrior, DravenX. He wandered the city of Freeport randomly picking up quests and roaming the nearby dessert. Being a total Newb (which is how it was spelled at the time) I leveled up all aspects of my character evenly. Making him totally worthless but I didn't care. I had fun. Before grinding and all the boring stuff, I adventured!
With a few crappy swords and a can do attitude I was easily killed many times. But I did not care. I had fun. Exploring deep into the dessert I came upon Gargantula! A giant spider.
I died.
But I made some friends. We joked and had fun. 15 of us lowly characters attacked the Gargantula and defeated her easily. We got cocky since she was Red (higher level) to us. We went in search of bigger game.
We died. Apparently even an army of lvl 2 or 3 characters can't kill a lvl 30.
We had a good first day.
The next day we decided to find all the cities so we could just coach to the different places. I always enjoy exploring. We found many places. We lost a few along the way. Some by accident (apparently there were sharks in the ocean) and some on purpose (3 different 8 - 10 year olds trying to pull every enemy we snuck by).
Time went by and things changed. A few of my group switched servers and asked me to join them. So of course I did.
I soon bought my own house closer to my work. So I of course got my own set up for gaming.
In EQOA I made a Paladin and worked hard with him. Is it odd to name a man of pure good Forsakn? Yeah, but screw it. He was my character. I was not one of the 1st to hit 60. But I wasn't trying. I just enjoyed exploring still. I think my favorite area until they made it more important was an underground area full of Driders. The Spider Men were fun to kill. They rarely dropped anything good. But I made good xp and loot just soloing.
I eventually made an Elven Mage I named Dimitrius. Soon after I was laid off of work. Getting badly depressed I played EQOA 80 hours a week. It kept me sane. My Mage was pretty much always on. I let my pet kill for me while I was sleeping. It wasn't a lot of XP but it was better then 0.
Time seemed to fly by. I think I listened to the same 3 CDs and watched the 1st season of Family Guy like 100 times while playing the game (2 TV set up). I had upgraded my Paladin to a Crusader. Either being the 1st or 2nd crusader on the server. I also made my Mage into a Geomancer (Earth Pet).
Everntually life took its toll and I lost interest in the game. Went back to work. Hung out with friends more and eventually got married. I eventually decided to laydown my Sword. So I said my goodbyes to the many friends I had made. Being there from the beginning it was kind of a sad day. I talked to a few through AIM but like everything else in life we lost touch.
I hoped someday that EQOA would get a PS3 upgrade and I'd go back. That never happened.
On March 29th 2012, as the sunset over Norrath, the servers for EQOA were shutdown. From what I heard the last month was free to play and they set up a spectacular final battle against some dragon. I hope it went well.
I will always remember my time on EQOA with a smile. They let me be a mighty Paladin in something other then my imagination. I commanded the elements and met some good people along the way.
On February 11th 2003, the day after my 26th birthday, I went to Gamestop and picked up my first MMO. It was a game for the PS2 called: Everquest Online Adventures. I also bought a USB keyboard for my PS2.
For years I had heard about Everquest and was looking forward to getting to play one finally. And the fact it was on a console was a big deal to me. No need to upgrade my computer. Just plug in the phone cord (yeah it was old) and play.
I logged on and created my Human Warrior, DravenX. He wandered the city of Freeport randomly picking up quests and roaming the nearby dessert. Being a total Newb (which is how it was spelled at the time) I leveled up all aspects of my character evenly. Making him totally worthless but I didn't care. I had fun. Before grinding and all the boring stuff, I adventured!
With a few crappy swords and a can do attitude I was easily killed many times. But I did not care. I had fun. Exploring deep into the dessert I came upon Gargantula! A giant spider.
I died.
But I made some friends. We joked and had fun. 15 of us lowly characters attacked the Gargantula and defeated her easily. We got cocky since she was Red (higher level) to us. We went in search of bigger game.
We died. Apparently even an army of lvl 2 or 3 characters can't kill a lvl 30.
We had a good first day.
The next day we decided to find all the cities so we could just coach to the different places. I always enjoy exploring. We found many places. We lost a few along the way. Some by accident (apparently there were sharks in the ocean) and some on purpose (3 different 8 - 10 year olds trying to pull every enemy we snuck by).
Time went by and things changed. A few of my group switched servers and asked me to join them. So of course I did.
I soon bought my own house closer to my work. So I of course got my own set up for gaming.
In EQOA I made a Paladin and worked hard with him. Is it odd to name a man of pure good Forsakn? Yeah, but screw it. He was my character. I was not one of the 1st to hit 60. But I wasn't trying. I just enjoyed exploring still. I think my favorite area until they made it more important was an underground area full of Driders. The Spider Men were fun to kill. They rarely dropped anything good. But I made good xp and loot just soloing.
I eventually made an Elven Mage I named Dimitrius. Soon after I was laid off of work. Getting badly depressed I played EQOA 80 hours a week. It kept me sane. My Mage was pretty much always on. I let my pet kill for me while I was sleeping. It wasn't a lot of XP but it was better then 0.
Time seemed to fly by. I think I listened to the same 3 CDs and watched the 1st season of Family Guy like 100 times while playing the game (2 TV set up). I had upgraded my Paladin to a Crusader. Either being the 1st or 2nd crusader on the server. I also made my Mage into a Geomancer (Earth Pet).
Everntually life took its toll and I lost interest in the game. Went back to work. Hung out with friends more and eventually got married. I eventually decided to laydown my Sword. So I said my goodbyes to the many friends I had made. Being there from the beginning it was kind of a sad day. I talked to a few through AIM but like everything else in life we lost touch.
I hoped someday that EQOA would get a PS3 upgrade and I'd go back. That never happened.
On March 29th 2012, as the sunset over Norrath, the servers for EQOA were shutdown. From what I heard the last month was free to play and they set up a spectacular final battle against some dragon. I hope it went well.
I will always remember my time on EQOA with a smile. They let me be a mighty Paladin in something other then my imagination. I commanded the elements and met some good people along the way.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
FML? Seriously? Get over yourself...
The other day I was playing on Facebook and watching FOX NEWS. As I was reading FB I saw someone had a bad day at work. They finished the post with FML. On the news I was seeing a body was found in the woods.
I got a bit angry. Someone has a bad day but has pretty much everything else going for them and they think to themselves Fuck My Life. You know what? Get over it. Shit happens but it could be fuckin' worse.
You know who should be thinking FML?
- The parents of Levi Aron.
- The people of Japan who lost everything including their family and friends.
- The troops who go out there everyday and risk their lives.
I could go through plenty more but I hope you get my point.
Shit happens but it could be worse. Remember to be grateful for what you do have. Think FML to yourself and if you have to write a post about how your life is so bad end it with CBW (could be worse) because you will not get pity from me.
I was actually going to really go off on Friday. But after cooling off a bit I thought this would be better.
I got a bit angry. Someone has a bad day but has pretty much everything else going for them and they think to themselves Fuck My Life. You know what? Get over it. Shit happens but it could be fuckin' worse.
You know who should be thinking FML?
- The parents of Levi Aron.
- The people of Japan who lost everything including their family and friends.
- The troops who go out there everyday and risk their lives.
I could go through plenty more but I hope you get my point.
Shit happens but it could be worse. Remember to be grateful for what you do have. Think FML to yourself and if you have to write a post about how your life is so bad end it with CBW (could be worse) because you will not get pity from me.
I was actually going to really go off on Friday. But after cooling off a bit I thought this would be better.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Mothers Day
Mothers Day is this Sunday and I really wanted my Mom to know how much I love her. She has done so much for me and my siblings. Since her stroke she has lost the use of her right arm. So she can only do things with one arm. She loves to read so I figured a Kindle would be perfect. So my brother and I decided to get her one and a gift card. I hope she likes it. I also hope she will learn how to use it.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Softball Part 2: It Hurts
The past 2 years have not been easy for me. I was diagnosed with depression. I have lost my wife and home and I did nothing wrong. And that wa only a few weeks after we were discussing having children. One of the few things I have looked forward to in my life. I contemplated suicide a few times. I have moved at least 6 times. The only woman in my life that did not abuse me, leave me or get tired of me had a severe stroke while I was in the next room. So while dealing with softball this is what was going on in my mind and life.
I missed one doubleheader the last few years. That was because I was depressed. I needed some time to myself.
Now its a new season and I can't get a reply from half the people about softball. They don't care about the things I have gone through or the things I have done for them. And thats fine. I am getting used to selfish people.
When you joined the Wolves you became one of my boys.
- I have fought for you.
- I have been thrown out for you.
- I have told umpires to suck my balls for you.
- I have picked you up and taken you to and from games and practices.
- I have spent money out of MY pocket for you to play. Not counting my own league and ump fees I have spent over $300 in league fees, ump fees and forfeit fees.
- I have listened to you whine about hitting low in the order even when you couldn't get on half the time.
- I have listened to you tell me you do not want to hit last but then procede to go 2 for 7 the whole day.
- I have listened to you complain about your playing time even though you didn't show up last week.
- I have listened to you whine when I ask you to play RF. Or Catcher.
- I have seen you swing at ball 4 because you didn't want to walk.
- I have seen you hit a fly ball and walk 2 steps towards 1st base.
- I have heard you complain that I bat too high in the order.
And YOU don't want to play for ME???
I wonder why I want you to play for my TEAM. A teammate:
- fights for his team.
- gets thrown out for his team.
- tells umpires their wrong for his team.
- knows their responcibilities. Be it getting to games, calling if not playing and paying their part.
- earns their spot in the order.
- confidence is good. Ego is bad.
- earns their playing time and makes the most of it when they play.
- plays wherever they are needed.
- takes a walk.
- runs it out. Last season I had 4 hits on groundballs right back to the pitcher.
- gets on base.
I have worked hard to be a good teammate. Would I rather come to the plate 4 or 5 times and swing as hard as I can? Sure. But I want to win. A Teammate sacrifices for the good of the team. I can hit 2Bs and 3Bs. But I'd get on 50% of the time. Some of you might be happy with that. Not me. I get on 65% of the time and let my teammates knock me in. I will take a pitch. I will take a walk. If it helps the team I will bat last. Would I like to play every inning? Yup. But I will take myself out so someone else can get into the game.
This is softball. You don't need a speedy leadoff hitter when you can't steal bases. You want the people who get on the most near the top.
To Be Continued...
I missed one doubleheader the last few years. That was because I was depressed. I needed some time to myself.
Now its a new season and I can't get a reply from half the people about softball. They don't care about the things I have gone through or the things I have done for them. And thats fine. I am getting used to selfish people.
When you joined the Wolves you became one of my boys.
- I have fought for you.
- I have been thrown out for you.
- I have told umpires to suck my balls for you.
- I have picked you up and taken you to and from games and practices.
- I have spent money out of MY pocket for you to play. Not counting my own league and ump fees I have spent over $300 in league fees, ump fees and forfeit fees.
- I have listened to you whine about hitting low in the order even when you couldn't get on half the time.
- I have listened to you tell me you do not want to hit last but then procede to go 2 for 7 the whole day.
- I have listened to you complain about your playing time even though you didn't show up last week.
- I have listened to you whine when I ask you to play RF. Or Catcher.
- I have seen you swing at ball 4 because you didn't want to walk.
- I have seen you hit a fly ball and walk 2 steps towards 1st base.
- I have heard you complain that I bat too high in the order.
And YOU don't want to play for ME???
I wonder why I want you to play for my TEAM. A teammate:
- fights for his team.
- gets thrown out for his team.
- tells umpires their wrong for his team.
- knows their responcibilities. Be it getting to games, calling if not playing and paying their part.
- earns their spot in the order.
- confidence is good. Ego is bad.
- earns their playing time and makes the most of it when they play.
- plays wherever they are needed.
- takes a walk.
- runs it out. Last season I had 4 hits on groundballs right back to the pitcher.
- gets on base.
I have worked hard to be a good teammate. Would I rather come to the plate 4 or 5 times and swing as hard as I can? Sure. But I want to win. A Teammate sacrifices for the good of the team. I can hit 2Bs and 3Bs. But I'd get on 50% of the time. Some of you might be happy with that. Not me. I get on 65% of the time and let my teammates knock me in. I will take a pitch. I will take a walk. If it helps the team I will bat last. Would I like to play every inning? Yup. But I will take myself out so someone else can get into the game.
This is softball. You don't need a speedy leadoff hitter when you can't steal bases. You want the people who get on the most near the top.
To Be Continued...
Monday, March 14, 2011
Softball Part 1: Good and Bad Times
Background:
Over the past few years I have been running a softball team. The first year it was mostly just getting people together to go out and have some manly fun. We lost a lot of games but we got to run around and be with other guys. No family drama when we were on the field. Playing for a friend I hurt my foot. But it was near the end of the year so it was nothing major.
But the next year things changed. I had been going to a therapist because I had a bit of depression. Things started looking up in the spring. I was so looking forward to softball that I guess I missed the signs at home. My wife and I seperated soon into the season.
My only escape at the time was playing ball. Its the only time I did not feel dead inside. I hit better then ever and we even won some games. But I got overwhelmed. I think I overdid it. A few times my foot injury flared up and I could not walk for a day or two.
Last year things just kept falling apart with people not showing up more then ever before.
Some of The Good/ The Bad:
Good - Family & Friends - Getting to play with friends and family was great. Because of family and work I barely got to see my friends much. But during the season I'd have a couple of hours a week to catch up with them all and see whats new face to face.
Bad - Unappreciated - People seem to think its easy getting people together for softball. Its not. You'd think adults would get a schedule and just show up when they are supposed to... but they don't. There are exceptions but the majority was just an issue.
Good - Competition - Be it us vs them or a friendly in team competition to see who would finish with most HRs or hits.
Bad - No Show/ No Call - People know ahead of time that they have things they are doing but do not let me know. The people on the team look at me like its my fault. Its a group full of adults, I am not the father. People don't call or email or anything just shows no respect for anyone on the team.
Good - Great Plays - Watching someone pull a play out of their ass always brings a smile to my face. I have done it. Others have done it. But nothing is more fun then seeing the face of someone on the other team go from happy to annoyed in 1/2 a second.
Bad - No Respect - No one seems to care about the shit I have done for them. I have been thrown out of games defending my players. I have driven half an hour out of my way to just pick someone up for practice. If someone plays for me I will always have their back. But I am not even given a little bit of respect.
Good - First Game of the Year - I am usually the most pumped about the first game. The day is a little brighter, the smell is a little sweeter. Everyone is exactly the same 0-0.
Bad - Best Friends Quit - Some of my best friends quit on me. Sure some were tired of the crap from people on the team but the team is me. My friends are very important to me and I started my team to be able to play with them. I have gotten up in the middle of sleeping to help them. Always there and always will be. But it will always feel like I was quit on no matter what they say.
Good - Winning - When it happens after a hard fought game it felt great. I could not fall asleep for hours after being so pumped up.
Bad - Egos - Som people have huge egos that I had to deal with. Sure one week they will do whatever they need for the team. And then the next they are a superstar that wants to play every inning even if they misplay half the balls hit to them. They get upset when I play someone who they do not think is as good as them. Not thinking that everyone should get to play. Especially the guys that showed up when they decided to no show/no call.
To Be Continued...
Over the past few years I have been running a softball team. The first year it was mostly just getting people together to go out and have some manly fun. We lost a lot of games but we got to run around and be with other guys. No family drama when we were on the field. Playing for a friend I hurt my foot. But it was near the end of the year so it was nothing major.
But the next year things changed. I had been going to a therapist because I had a bit of depression. Things started looking up in the spring. I was so looking forward to softball that I guess I missed the signs at home. My wife and I seperated soon into the season.
My only escape at the time was playing ball. Its the only time I did not feel dead inside. I hit better then ever and we even won some games. But I got overwhelmed. I think I overdid it. A few times my foot injury flared up and I could not walk for a day or two.
Last year things just kept falling apart with people not showing up more then ever before.
Some of The Good/ The Bad:
Good - Family & Friends - Getting to play with friends and family was great. Because of family and work I barely got to see my friends much. But during the season I'd have a couple of hours a week to catch up with them all and see whats new face to face.
Bad - Unappreciated - People seem to think its easy getting people together for softball. Its not. You'd think adults would get a schedule and just show up when they are supposed to... but they don't. There are exceptions but the majority was just an issue.
Good - Competition - Be it us vs them or a friendly in team competition to see who would finish with most HRs or hits.
Bad - No Show/ No Call - People know ahead of time that they have things they are doing but do not let me know. The people on the team look at me like its my fault. Its a group full of adults, I am not the father. People don't call or email or anything just shows no respect for anyone on the team.
Good - Great Plays - Watching someone pull a play out of their ass always brings a smile to my face. I have done it. Others have done it. But nothing is more fun then seeing the face of someone on the other team go from happy to annoyed in 1/2 a second.
Bad - No Respect - No one seems to care about the shit I have done for them. I have been thrown out of games defending my players. I have driven half an hour out of my way to just pick someone up for practice. If someone plays for me I will always have their back. But I am not even given a little bit of respect.
Good - First Game of the Year - I am usually the most pumped about the first game. The day is a little brighter, the smell is a little sweeter. Everyone is exactly the same 0-0.
Bad - Best Friends Quit - Some of my best friends quit on me. Sure some were tired of the crap from people on the team but the team is me. My friends are very important to me and I started my team to be able to play with them. I have gotten up in the middle of sleeping to help them. Always there and always will be. But it will always feel like I was quit on no matter what they say.
Good - Winning - When it happens after a hard fought game it felt great. I could not fall asleep for hours after being so pumped up.
Bad - Egos - Som people have huge egos that I had to deal with. Sure one week they will do whatever they need for the team. And then the next they are a superstar that wants to play every inning even if they misplay half the balls hit to them. They get upset when I play someone who they do not think is as good as them. Not thinking that everyone should get to play. Especially the guys that showed up when they decided to no show/no call.
To Be Continued...
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