My dear friend and artist Joie Brown — known most recently for her Ponythulhu art on a t-shirt I sell — is known as the Duchess of Dessert and the Countess of Cookies. She’s been trying to cut down on sweets, so I decided to foil her schemes by baking her delicious treats for her birthday! (It’s tomorrow as of this writing.) Since she also loves cute horses, rainbows, and the power of friendship, I decided to mess with my trusty chewy chocolate chip cookie recipe to create something that’s a little more … more. And thus I have created … Chewy Rainboom Cookies! This is a modification of the “The Chewy” by Alton Brown, which is in turn a variation of the classic Nestle Toll House recipe. And now, gentle reader, I share my creation with you.

Chewy Rainboom Cookies

This recipe uses melted butter instead of softened, so it’s a little different than the typical “creaming method” cookies. So technically it’s more of a muffin-method kinda mixing procedure. You will need …

The Wet

2 sticks unsalted butter, melted
2 oz. white sugar
2 oz. brown sugar
1 egg (large) + 1 egg yolk
2 tablespoons milk
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

The Dry

12 ounces all-purpose flour (bread flour for extra-chewy cookies)
1 teaspoon salt (kosher)
1 teaspoon baking soda

The Chunkies

10 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
Rainbow-Colored Sprinkles (I used ice cream sprinkles, but you can get the ones in the baking section)

Procedure

Raindough

Once you’ve got the butter melted, mix with the sugars until the texture is smooth, then add in the eggs, milk, and vanilla. Mix the dry ingredients separately, and then add in about three batches to the mixer, and scrape down the sides of the bowl. Mix in the chocolate chips and about 4 tablespoons of the rainbow sprinkles. Once everything is well combined, cover with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for about an hour.

Once you’re ready to bake, pre-heat your oven to 350° F and use a cookie disher on a parchment-paper-lined sheet pan or cookie sheet with about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for about 14 minutes, but halfway through pull the cookies and sprinkle more rainbow bits on top (and spin the pans for more even baking). Cool two minutes on the pan before moving to racks. Store in jars, plastic bags, tubs, eat ‘em all — or give to grateful bronies.

Last night I stood in the street with all of my old neighbors while I watched the family home that I grew up in burn. This is now my sister’s home, and while I’m sad because of the long history and countless memories from that home, right now I’m focusing on helping my sister Bambi and my two nephews, Joshua (7) and Jacob (2) who lost everything they own in the fire.

While the basic structure of the house still stands, the interior is virtually gone and the house looks to be a total loss. I’m so grateful that in less than one day there has been a tremendous outpouring of support and offers to help. This page will be the central hub of that effort so that everyone knows what my family needs, what’s going on, and how you can help if you’re looking to do so.

In order to keep this process organized and so that everyone knows who is donating what, please list what you have using the Comments section below. We will respond and communicate to you here so we all have a clear picture of what’s going on. I’ll post daily updates as we move forward to get Bambi and the boys back on their feet.

Click here to download a printable flyer with information to post or give to people who would like to help!

Joshua, Jacob, and Bambi

Smaller items can be delivered or mailed to my office:

Bambi Chambers
c/o Signal Fire Studios
2265 Roswell Rd, Suite 100
Marietta, GA 30062

If you have larger items such as furniture, please hold them until we know what my sister’s situation will be. She’ll be in furnished, temporary lodging soon but in the long-term we’ll be replacing all of her furniture.

One other thing thing to note … my nephew Joshua’s birthday is Thursday (May 3) and his birthday party is this Saturday. We want to make sure that his birthday is a happy one, so we appreciate any offers to help make this happen.

Short-Term Needs

These are the things that my sister needs right away to get by as we figure out the long-term picture.

Clothes

Jacob (almost 2) – Jacob needs clothes sized for 24 months or 2T (a tiny bit big for room to grow), Size 5 diapers. We’re working on getting his current shoe size.

Joshua (almost 7) – Josh wears size 6 slim pants, preferably ones with adjustable interior waist bands. Size 6 shirts and size 12 shoes. Socks and underwear to match.

Bambi - She wears a size 8 or Medium. Shoes 8 1/2. Bra 34DD.

Food

Non-perishable food items are best for now, as well as gift cards that can be used at grocery stores or restaurants.

Toiletries

Hairbrush/comb, soap, shampoo, conditioner, etc.

Money & Gift Cards

Money orders and gift cards can be sent to my office address. If you would like to donate online, you may use the following link:

Toys

Boys love toys.

Joshua

The birthday boy loves video games, action figures, play swords, NERF guns, and things of that nature. He also loves comic-book and superhero stuff (big Avengers fan!). We are trying to make sure he has a good birthday and will have so much new and fun stuff that he won’t be as sad about losing all of his old toys.

Jacob

He’s a simple little guy who loves balls more than anything, along with bubbles and other simple toys that he can use with his hands or throw/roll.

Long-Term Needs

We’ll make this list more specific soon, but we’ll be replacing all household basics when Bambi’s home is rebuilt. They will need furniture, appliances, cooking supplies and cutlery, beds, linens, etc.

—

Update (May 2)

We have been so blessed and grateful for the tremendous outpouring of assistance. While there is a long way to go in order to rebuild my sister’s and nephews’ lives, we have received clothes and shoes and cash. One decision we decided to make was to preserve a sense of normalcy for my nephew Joshua, who turns seven tomorrow, and allow him to enjoy his time staying with his grandmother while the temporary housing is set up. We decided to replace Joshy’s X-Box 360—and I was surprised and pleased to find out that GameStop had reduced the special edition 360s with Kinect to the same price as the standard and only had a few left in stock. Pictured is my son Xander with the new X-Box and the first game we got to re-stock Joshy’s collection. While we will likely be more practical with our next purchases, I don’t regret this one at all.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_BzWEzGFww

The $10,000 goal we’ve set covers the basic production and printings costs, though we’ve defined stretch goals that will unlock additional products and bonuses if we reach them! There will be updates over the next three weeks as we work to fund our game, so check it out, decide if you would like to pledge, and share with any gamers you feel might be interested. (No spam, though! We at Signal Fire Studios believe that spam should be reserved for delicious blackened spamwiches. Mmm…)

If you scroll down and to the right you can get a peek at our progress on our handy-dandy Kickstarter widget, showing our current funding and how many days remain before the clock runs out. The good news is that if we don’t make our goal, no one who’s pledged has to pay a dime. Kickstarter is all-or-nothing that way, which is a Good Thing.

Click here to check out the Metamorphosis Alpha Kickstarter Campaignd

The following (NSFW) conversation took place about twenty minutes ago before the time of this posting. You’ve been warned, so read on if you dare! I’ve kept all screen names and websites exactly the same, so if you want to meet a new artificial friend or get your credit card charged stupid amounts of money, by all means. Guess the Internet really is for porn.

* * *

blissful.charm hiii mister

jamie1km hi?

blissful.charm whats up, I dont remember when I found your username..im 24yrs old, female…you?

jamie1km Oh hi robot.

blissful.charm im not desperate hehe i just enjoy talking to ppl online especially via webcam, do you webcam?

jamie1km Right now I’m contemplating throwing myself out of this window. Want me to set up my cam so you can watch?

blissful.charm ahhh ok are you signed up to any dating sites? i wanted to join adult friend finder but they charge too much!

jamie1km Yes, my dating and porn website subscription fees cost me my marriage and children, drove me into bankruptcy, and left me homeless. I have only the clothes on my back, this laptop, and stolen wifi.

blissful.charm
well, i am a true “autagonistophiliac” which means I have a fetish for being on camera you can google it if you dont believe me! lol, have you ever used AlertCrush?

jamie1km Oh yeah? I’m a formicophiliac (you can google it), which means that nothing gets me going more than bugs crawling on my junk. Wanna watch?

blissful.charm its a site that allows you to see me while we chat, basically like a one person free video stream ..i like it cause they give you a unique page, my link iswww.livecampanion.com just click on my streaming video so that you can type to me

jamie1km AFK for a few. I have to chase down a few stray beetles. They double as lunch.

blissful.charm yea you have to make an account to be able to talk to me on there, and im about to sign off yahoo cause its LAME compared to the free video sites, PLUS you can watch me be naughty

jamie1km If you sign off I’m gonna jump. I swear.

blissful.charm lol, im a little bit of a freak so I just love to know im being watched when i masturbate…if your camera shy you dont have to show yourself, I’M the one with the fetish remember LOL

jamie1km Stay and I’ll show you by junk-bug collection. The ones I haven’t eaten anyway.

blissful.charm the quality is awesome you do enjoy webcam convos with a dirty girl right? lol!

jamie1km Thanks! I call this one “Bitey.”

blissful.charm hehe, did you join yet?

jamie1km No, all my credit cards were cancelled and the loansharks are looking for me.

blissful.charm its free through this site they just require cc for age verification babe..and once your in you can fulfill my dirty desires to lick my fingers and put them in my pussy in front of people

jamie1km While you’re doing that, I’m going to set my six-legged lovers free and leap out this window toward freedom.

blissful.charm yes babe the credit card is for age verification, for me to be a premium member and give you free access they have to know your over 18 just click the Join button on the top right of the page, its 100% free to join

jamie1km I DONT HAVE A CREDIT CARD. THANKS FOR REMINDING ME THAT MY LIFE IS AN EMPTY SHELL AND A HOLLOW LIE. GOODBYE, CRUEL WORLD.

blissful.charm Sorry babe you have to put in a vaild cc number so they know ur not a kid.. kidz r not allowed

jamie1km my children do not even speak to me anymore …

blissful.charm i’m stepping away from yahoo come talk to me in the chat, if you need my link again itswww.livecampanion.com

jamie1km FREEEEEEeeeeeeeeddddddooooooooooom!!!!

blissful.charm k

jamie1km *CRUNCH*

blissful.charm are u in babe??

jamie1km …

blissful.charm k

Before I explain, let me offer my very short review: For those willing to relax the usual studio movie cynicism, you can enjoy a tale filled with action and spectacle, a simple and enjoyable story, and a touch of romance. You may also experience vision of another world as it would dreamed about, quite literally, a hundred years ago. This film is underappreciated and unfairly judged by people who seem to be expecting something other than what it intended.

I can’t tell you exactly when my Dad handed me a copy of A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs, but I believe I was only a year or so older than my son Alexander is at the time of this writing. In hindsight it’s pretty obvious what a delight it was to my father that I read ahead of grade level and jumped into games and stories of fantasy and science-fiction at a very young age. He had a closet library he constructed himself, one perfectly sized to the hundreds of old, dog-eared paperbacks bearing names like Zelazny, Farmer, Tolkien, and many more. The Frank Frazetta cover displayed a muscular, sword-wielding warrior standing over the slain corpse of a green-skinned four-armed foe with a nearly nude woman as his prize—two moons shining in the sky behind him.

Many years, a bazillion books, and an English degree later I’m really happy that I haven’t succumbed to a literary snobbery that would prevent me from enjoying tales of unashamed adventure. My love of pulp authors—most especially Robert E. Howard and H.P. Lovecraft—are well documented elsewhere. These stories are unburdened by intricate plots and deep characterizations, and instead focus on transporting its readers to exotic places for tales of combat and romance.

I suppose that in today’s world of $300 million movies filled with CGI special effects to show us science-fiction, fantasy, and comic book heroes that such stories don’t hold much appeal to many. But understand that back in the early 20th century, these books were the equivalent of those films for its day. Simple words printed on cheap paper fired imaginations and inspired generations. Understand that John Carter is the granddaddy of them all, and without Burroughs taking the risk of writing tales that were considered fanciful, silly, and immature we might not have the same tales of science and fantasy, sword and sorcery, Super Mario or Superman. (Click here for both a good review of the film and a bit more explanation on that.)

It’s only later in life that I appreciate just how extraordinary a man my father was, the huge influence and impact he’s had on who I am on multiple levels, and just how damn much I miss him. He not only tolerated my daydreaming, not only encouraged my creativity and love of the unusual, he actively subsidized it! Years of reading came literally from him handing me the next book he wanted to me read. A trip to Dr. No’s in Marietta meant coming home with comic books and games. A father-son trip to the movies usually meant over-the-top action, swords, guns, or lasers, and female breasts that perhaps weren’t entirely appropriate for my young eyes. I didn’t get it back then, but I do now. Dad didn’t simply expose me to this stuff, he wanted to share it with me. Me reading his old books was as much fun for him as watching me open Christmas presents, and once I was done we’d talk about them for hours. He bought the games for me not just so I’d have fun but because he wanted to play them with me. Being a part of the hobby game industry means I know lots of others who have parents who encouraged their hobby at a young age, but I was even luckier. When I was thirteen years old my Dad brought me along to play D&D with his adult friends, who at first wanted nothing to do with “the kid” at the table but later invited me back, and at the same time he joined my campaign, sitting around and slinging dice with pimple-faced boys who weren’t even old enough to shave.

I let myself enjoy John Carter (of Mars, which it should have been titled). I settled back with my own son and daughter and let the majesty and action and romance wash over me and I loved it. It’s by no means perfect or “great cinema.” But to see the green-skinned, four-armed Tharks swarm across the Martian desert, to see our hero fight with courage and strength and win the love of a beautiful princess, suddenly I was twelve again. My father was handing me a book, spoiling far too much of the story before I turned on my reading light and stayed up late into the night, dreaming when I finally slept of airships sailing the skies of Mars. Sitting there as it ended, I wished desperately for him to be there with me, so I could share this with him.

I know it sounds like I’m sad right now, but I promise that I’m not. I was born blessed with two amazing parents. My mother always worked hard and took care of the practical things, sacrificing much so that the Chambers boys could slay dragons and shoot laser pistols. And my father was never afraid to dream big, not for himself and certainly not for me.

Thank you, Dad, for showing how to walk in other worlds. I’m going to keep exploring them, for you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4MnpzG5Sqc

Short version: A non-profit group called Invisible Children, Inc. are using this video to shine the spotlight on war criminal Joseph Kony, who over his multi-decade career has abducted children, impressed them into military service, and used them as sex workers. He’s attacked, murdered, and mutilated. Invisible Children is using the Internet and social networking to spread awareness and put pressure on the United States to increase maintain and increase their military support to hunt down Kony and bring him to justice.

It’s a moving piece of film. Immediately after watching it I instantly re-linked it on all my social networking accounts.

Then I went back to work, feeling good about myself. I, Jamie Chambers, had done something good.

But though my heart had grown three sizes that day, some little niggling parts of my brain began to bug me. The first was I did something that I never do. Which is forwarding chain emails or status updates or urban legends without doing at least some cursory research on my own. I don’t just pass stuff on. If I choose to inform my circle of friends about anything I want to know what the hell it’s all about.

Next thing that really settled on me was that the film really spent more time than necessary glorifying the filmmakers and, by extension, anyone who orders a bracelet or puts up a poster — or even, like I did, puts up a video on Twitter/Facebook/Google+. It also treats the government and people of the affected area as victims only with no recourse or power to do anything on their own without white westerners swooping in to save them — specifically United States military forces. This was before I looked further into the issue …

I checked my comments and saw some counterpoints and negative reactions. I realized that I had broken my own rule — as the former Debunking Man of MySpace, no less — by re-posting something without doing my own homework. Bad Jamie! So I pulled the video links down until I could read up a bit. I learned quite a few things, the most surprising of which is that the film presents a version of Uganda that was accurate six years ago but not today.

I’m going to disappoint you by not taking a firm stand on this one, either way. Honestly, I feel like Joseph Kony is an obvious monster who should be made to pay for his crimes. The message and intent of the Invisible Children folks is a good one in the most general terms. But — you knew there was going to be a but, c’mon — I also feel like the message plays to emotion rather than reason, that it oversimplifies rather than educates, and that it equates “spreading awareness” with action. And I don’t agree with that. Buying a bracelet doesn’t mean you’ve done anything for children in Uganda, anymore than buying a breakfast cereal with a pink ribbon on the front means you’ve done anything to fight breast cancer.

Is awareness bad? Not at all. But is it enough? Never.

So here’s what I recommend. Take the time to not only learn what Invisible Children Inc. have to say about Uganda and Kony, but get counterpoints and raw facts. Don’t just “spread awareness” and jump on the bandwagon — as I admittedly was guilty of doing earlier before I took a step back. You can’t really spread awareness when you aren’t even truly aware of all the issues yourself.

The following are a few places to learn more on multiple sides of this issue. But it definitely does not end here. Do your homework, then decide.

Invisible Children – The organization behind the movement. Regardless of the particulars, I feel these people have their hearts in the right place and genuinely care about affecting change. Whether they are doing it effectively or in the right ways is in the eye of the beholder.

Wronging Rights: “Worst Idea Ever” – This blog post is very anti-IC and paints their activist efforts in a very negative light, though this is old—from 2009—and is not specific to the current “Kony 2012″ campaign.

Gawker.com: “How You Should Feel About Kony 2012, the Campaign That’s Taking Over the Internet: A Guide” - This attempts to take a balanced view at the issue and provides good information, though it comes across a bit heavy on the criticism against the folks of Invisible Children.

Jezebel.com: “Kony 2012 Group Responds to Increasing Criticism” – This looks at what the key arguments against what the IC folks are doing as well as their stated responses.

Lifehacker.com: “How to Determine If a Charity Like Kony 2012 Is Worth Your Money” – Another one that’s perhaps a little harsh on the criticism, but offers some great tips to help you decide if this or any other charitable cause wanting your dollars is one you really want to receive your hard-earned dough.

Finally, perhaps most important, is the response of actual Africans. Their voice is lost, except that of helpless victims, in the viral video. I felt like I got the most understanding by viewing the following video by Ugandan journalist Rosebell Kagumire …

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLVY5jBnD-E

… and the following article:

BoingBoing.net: “African voices respond to hyper-popular Kony 2012 viral campaign” – A group of African-native writers, journalists, and activists voice their own feelings both on the Kony 2012 campaign and the larger issues at hand. If you ignore the rest of the links, read this one.

I reject the argument that hesitation or criticism is somehow a bad thing. People get caught up in movements and tend to feel if you don’t agree 100% that you’re “against” them. Sorry, kids. I believe in following your heart, but the heart is the engine and your brain should be the steering wheel to guide it.

Short Explanation: You can pledge as little as a dollar, and change your mind at any time up until the deadline. You only pay if we meet our goal of $9,500. If the project isn’t fully funded, no one will be charged. If you’ve ever purchased anything through Amazon.com, it will be a snap for you to make your pledge since Kickstarter uses Amazon’s payment system. And there is a list of cool rewards that you can choose from depending on the level of your pledge!

Click here to visit our Kickstarter project page!

It took a lot longer to get here than it should have, quite honestly. When I started Signal Fire Studios it was my goal to be a 21st century tabletop game publisher. I wanted to offer all of our products — even dice and card games — in a format so that people could download, view, print, and assemble our games for a reasonable price. I wanted to connect more directly with our customers and fans using social networking like Twitter, Facebook, and Google+. But I’ve been in the games business a while, and I realize I still have work to do to stop instinctively doing everything the Old Way. But I’m watching what others are doing, and I’ve been particularly inspired by the exceptional work and modern methods of Fred Hicks and Evil Hat Games.

My company is new on the scene, with only download and digital-press products currently available, and not a lot of start-up cash. So I had to take an honest look at my resources. They include …

Talent. While I like to think I bring some of it myself, I refer to the fact that I’m already working on multiple projects with people who are doing some incredible work. It is a treat to know and collaborate with these folks, and they inspire me to work harder and push myself on my own creative contributions. For Building An Elder God it has been the jaw-dropping work of Ben Mund.

Experience. I’ve been doing this a long time, now. I started working with publishing and commercial printing a few years before jumping into the game industry full time. Since then I’ve worked on RPGs, card games, board games—from small independently-produced ventures to some pretty big licensed products with big entertainment companies. My time serving on the GAMA board of directors has given me some big-picture insight into the industry I did not possess before. Believe me when I say some of my experience was hard-earned and through some pretty significant mistakes. I truly believe, though, that sometimes that experience can be the most important variety.

Relationships. Friends and colleagues have told me that my “super power” is the ability to forge and maintain relationships. I don’t think I’m quite ready to join the Justice League, but I’ve been tremendously blessed with an amazing network of family, friends, and supporters who’ve stuck with me both through the high times and those in which I fell flat on my face. If you’re reading this, it means that you are likely among them and you have my deepest thanks.

So how to translate these assets into working capital? I had a couple of options for loan or investment that could have gotten things started, but it dawned on me that the best course was to put our talent and experience out there on display for friends old and new, and give them the opportunity to vote with their dollars—while rewarding their support with some pretty cool rewards if our project is fully funded.

This is definitely a new way to raise money to fund a game publishing effort, but after seeing my friends and colleagues in the industry using it to great effect, I realized it would be foolish of me to continue to do things the Old Way. I’m hopeful and excited! While I’ve written this update, I got our first pledge before letting anyone know that our Kickstarter is live.

If we hit our goal with time to spare, Ben and I have already planned some cool additional rewards that we can add into the mix. We’ll be able to afford a higher print run and put some money toward the second card game he and I are working on together.  I’ve also given myself an amusing dare that I’ll go public with soon — something on-theme with the game and completely surrendering my dignity.

I’m going to continue to push myself toward being a true 21st century publisher. Communication, transparency, crowdfunding, social networking, and digital products are just part of that vision. I hope you’ll stick around and see our upcoming announcements!

Hardware

Cocktail Shaker / Strainer
Martini Glass

Software

Vodka (a middle-of-the-road vodka is usually just fine for a dirty martini, but use whatever brand you prefer)
Dry Vermouth
Pitted Olives (and brine from the jar!)
Bleu Cheese Crumbles
Ice

Instructions

This recipe isn’t fond of exact amounts. Play with your drink to find the exact proportions for your taste. Fill your cocktail shaker about halfway with ice, then drizzle in just a tiny bit of vermouth. Sloth around in the shaker and then strain out. (That’s right, you’re dumping it out. Only what sticks to the ice and coats to the side of the shaker will remain in the drink. This is the plan.) Pour in the vodka appropriate to your serving size and then enough brine from the olive jar to dirty it up to taste. (For me and my shaker this is just below ice-level in vodka and a quick two-count of drizzled olive brine.) Mix until the shaker is ice-cold to the touch, then strain into chilled martini glass. Garnish with bleu-cheese stuffed olives which further flavors the drink and gives you a nommy snack as you sip. Enjoy!

Dirty and cheesy pretty much sum me up, therefore they are the traits that make up the Jamietini. Enjoy responsibly!

1. A year ago I gave up drinking Coke or any other soda except on rare occasions — though my one cheat is that I MUST have a Coke to go with my popcorn when watching a movie.

2. Since we’re discussing beverages, I drink plenty of coffee and prefer to make it ridiculously strong and grind my own beans. My favorite grownup drink is a dry, dirty vodka martini with bleu cheese stuffed Olives. When it comes to wine I like dry reds–especially Chianti. Not much of a beer guy.

3. I have three children. Technically the oldest is my stepdaughter, but she’s MY daughter. I firmly believe it’s love that makes me a father–not genetics. And I loved Melanie before her sister and brother were ever born.

4. Speaking of genetics, I’m the first that I’m aware of in my family to have dimples. It was also the first of my features I was able to recognize in my daughter Elizabeth when she was only a few hours old. My son looks a LOT like me but somehow better-looking than I ever was, and he probably didn’t inherit the dimples because it would just been unfair to everyone else.

5. I started singing for performance was I was 14, and ended up in show choirs in both high school and college–originally entering school as a music major. Now I only use my voice to sing in the shower, the car, and at karaoke once a week.

6. I took a college History class from Newt Gingrich while he served as Speaker of the House of Representatives.

7. I have an Associates degree and a bachelor’s — English, with minors in both History and Religion.

8. I entered my first writing competition when I was 8 years old. (1st Place.) It was around the same time I started playing Dungeons & Dragons. I didn’t realize this was pretty much mapping out my professional life. I just knew the things I loved.

9. I’m on good terms with my ex-wife, ex-girlfriends, and even most women I’ve dated. I don’t believe in burning bridges just because relationships didn’t work, and if you care for someone it’s wrong to turn your back on them just because you cannot be together.

10. My White Knight tendencies to rush in and help a lady in need have led me to do some pretty foolish things, but I accept this is just who I am and I’m too set in my ways to change.

11. I vacillate between scornful cynicism and hopeless romanticism. But I drape humor over them both.

12. I have worked as a bouncer three times but only had to break up one brawl– but it was a doozy. Eight guys involved, police called, and the bar shut down. One guy ALMOST threw a punch at me and then changed his mind.

13. I wrote my first play when I was in sixth grade. My teacher decided that the class would perform it and also made me the director. Title: “The Bloodstone Knight.”

14. I never cooked until I started a family, but learned to my surprise that I really enjoy it and am pretty damn good at it. My favorite lunches are leftovers from last night’s dinner.

15. I used to play the piano, but it’s been a long time since it’s been a regular part of my life. I’d like to fix and tune my piano and really take it up again. The last thing I did was write an arrangement for my ex-wife’s favorite song at the time as a gift to her for Valentine’s Day.

16. When I was six years old an older girl spent time teasing me and shoving me down to the ground. I finally had enough and I punched her, bloodying her nose. I was proud of myself for standing up to someone bigger than me, but my father told me he was ashamed that I hit a girl and that there was no excuse for it, grounding me to my room and making me apologize to her. That was the last time I ever struck a female and to this day anyone who hits women or children gets me angrier than anything else.

17. I can’t write poetry to save my life. Verse is just not one of my gifts.

18. I come from a long line of handy men who could build and/or fix just about anything. But I can barely hammer a nail into a wall.

19. I fight against procrastination and poor time management tendencies. But when I’m in my productive mode I work FAST.

20. I can’t imagine the idea of “retiring” in the traditional sense. They’ll probably find me with my head resting on the keyboard.

21. My parents made sure I had a computer since I was in early grade school. First one was a Texas Instruments TI-994A with a speech synthesizer. These days I’m an Apple guy for my computers and now have both an old 1st gen iPhone and a brand-new Kindle Fire for my tablet needs.

22. I’ve been to Italy three times and hope that this year will be the fourth. I could spend weeks exploring Florence. I love lardo and fresh-shaved parmesan cheese and young wine from Bologna.

23. When I’m writing quickly I have a habit of dropping words. My fingers are trying to keep up with my brain so they just skip in places.

24. Bad habits, a changing metabolism, and health problems in my twenties shifted me from a skinny young man to a gargantuan 327 lb. when I was in my mid-twenties. Right now I’m 71 lb. lighter than that and hope to get down to 100 lb. down total from that point as my goal weight this year. I did pretty good last year and hopeful I can make it happen.

25. My father was hardly a perfect man, but I miss him deeply and wish I could be more like him in many ways. I never thought I was much like my mother but the older I get I realize I have a lot of her traits and they’ve served me very well.

26. I’m not a sports fanatic, but I enjoy baseball — football or hockey if they are live games. I’m not much for basketball.

27. I don’t mind flying, but as long as there is time I love road trips.

28. I’ve driven hundreds of miles in one day just to have lunch with a pretty girl.

29. I’m the oldest child in my family, with two younger sisters. I enjoy their company and consider them great friends. We try to hang out at least once a week if possible.

30. I like animals but I’m definitely more of a dog person. I still miss my furry best friend, a golden retriever named Vegas who sweetest and gentlest companion.