From the Mind of Trevor Stone

Zach Weinersmith, creator of Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal recently started blogging at the bottom of the comic's RSS entries (visible on the home page to, I think). He made a comment about not wanting interactivity like a comments section, so here's a response to his latest post in blog-to-blog form like we used to do two decades ago.

On peak gameplay and VR:
I think different games have different parameters that are worth optimizing. Computer chess has been around for about half a century but people still play lots of chess on physical boards. There have been some hi-fi graphics in computer chess games but that's not actually a key feature. People play computer chess so they can play with people who aren't in the same room (and it's probably completely replaced chess-by-postcard) and so they can play against software algorithms instead of brain algorithms. You could make a VR chess game but it wouldn't be a better chess experience for most players. Unless perhaps it's good for simulating chess tournament experience?

One day as a kid I drew a new Super Mario Bros level on paper. It wasn't particularly fun, and if I'd drawn amazing graphics it still wouldn't have been much fun because paper isn't a very good medium for Mario. VR wouldn't be either (so much jumping your legs would get sore). A good VR game needs to be a fun VR experience that happens to be a game, not a good game that's been given the VR treatment.

In addition to porn it seems that VR is attractive when the participant's place in the world is important *and* embodied movement is a more natural or enjoyable way to move around that environment than a keyboard or touch screen. Maybe this'll be how real estate is sold to people out of town. Maybe it'll be the way people can have a virtual conference that's not as soul-draining as Zoom. In 2020 when Burning Man didn't happen people built several virtual Black Rock Cities, including two in VR, where people could wander around, check out community-built art and structures and have conversations with strangers. And there will probably be some cool games that are reminiscent of Myst.

But just as board games and tabletop RPGs have flourished despite seeming competition from computer games, I wouldn't expect VR to make video games any less popular because VR games aren't actually a replacement.

It's been an eventful summer. It felt like I had something scheduled (even if it was nominally restful) every day from the middle of July through the middle of September. Phew.

Now that the sun has slid past the equinox and the sky has filled with rain, it's time to turn our attention indoors. I'm therefore declaring this Saturday, September 30th, my first game day of fall. And hey, it's just a couple days after my birthday, so that's fitting.

As usual, bring games, friends, food, kids, drinks, and other things that might be fun. I've accumulated a few games over the last year or so that haven't gotten much play, so I'd love to give them another whirl. I've got a bunch of recently-brewed maple ginger spruce ale, so if you're not a fan of hops, you might enjoy this beer. I'll also have some kind of food going. RSVPs help me know how to plan accordingly.

My house is in the usual place. If you don't know where that is, send me an email (and join my games mailing list, where I include more details).

A very merry unbirthday to you!

We've moved across town once again, because apparently we really enjoy building and disassembling box forts. This time we live in northwest Boulder at a house we call Lucky Gin. If you're in my circles on Google+, you can see my address on my profile. Otherwise, email me and I'll give you details.

Excited for the new year?
Got new (to you) games?
Why not combine both?

Come to my house on New Year's Day to ring in the increasing sunlight with friends old and new, favorite snacks, and my fresh batch of homebrew cider. Bring any combination of friends and family, food and drink, games and toys, stories and jokes, cheer and sneer. Compete in the Dice Bowl, the Card Bowl, or the Hummus Bowl.

When: January 1st, 2015, from 2pm until you're too tired to stay.
Where: 1062 Stearns Ave, Boulder, CO 80303. Come around to the back of the house and downstairs.
Huh: Call 303-EEL-WANG if you get lost or confused.

Here's hoping you get a head start at playing 2015 rounds this year,
Trevor

Avast, Mateys! This Friday be Talk Like A Pirate Day! And this Sunday be Boxing Like A Pirate Day Observed! So make 1062 Stearns Ave yer port o' call an' try yer luck at cards, dice, and maybe a rousin' game o' Rum and Pirates!

Landlubbers are also welcome.

As usual, the details:
On Sunday the 21st, come to 1062 Stearns Ave, Boulder, CO 80303 any time after 2 pm. Come around to the back of the house; we're probably in the basement (or ring the new rear doorbell). Call 303-EEL-WANG if you get confused. Bring any combination of food, friends, drinks, games, and pirate accents. Be advised that the house is populated by four adult humans, one rapidly expanding human, two felines, and one canine.

Also, save the date: we'll be having a housewarming party on either Sunday the 5th or Saturday the 4th of October. Games will probably be played at that gathering too in addition to a casual bike ride, socializing, and sitting by the fire.

Hello friends! After a several-month hiatus, it's time to resume my quasi-monthly game day.

When: Saturday, April 26, from 2pm (or so) until late (or so)
Where: 1006 Wagonwheel Gap Rd, Boulder - http://trevorstone.org/wagonwheel.html
Contact: 303-EEL-WANG

A few things have changed, mostly having to do with parking. Much of Wagonwheel Gap Road got wiped out in Boulder's flood last September[1]. The semi-permanent dirt road is in really good shape right now, but the shoulder at the base of my driveway is no longer a suitable place to park a car[2]. Please (a) carpool if possible and (b) call before you come so I can suggest a parking location based on the situation on the ground. The two likely parking spots are the southwest corner of Wagonwheel and Pinto (the part without a No Parking sign) and the west side of Bow Mountain. We can also fit some cars in my driveway, but coordinate with me on that since it might be full.

Other traditional trappings of game day remain the same: you're welcome to bring food, friends, drinks, children, games, stories, and more. I'll have some snacks, beer, and juice on hand. Arrive when you're ready and leave when you're done. Consider turning your cell phone off when you get here, since you might not get reception.

See you soon,

Hot town, summer in the city
Back of my neck getting dirty and gritty
Sing this little ditty
Head to the mountains, they're quite pretty

This Sunday, come on up to 1006 Wagonwheel Gap Rd and play games in the shade. Bring friends, kids, food, drinks, games, and anything else you'd like to enjoy a great summer day with a bunch of nerds.

As usual, the fun starts around 2 PM and continues until everyone leaves, which is usually in the 11 to midnight range. If you'd like to get a trail hike in, get an early start -- Anne U. White "closes" at noon due to flash flood concerns.

Directions to my house are at http://trevorstone.org/wagonwheel.html
My phone number is 303-EEL-WANG. Most cell phones won't work in the canyon, so give out my number if someone needs to reach you while you're up here.

Be seeing you,
Trevor

The votes are in; it looks like this Sunday (the 26th) is popular for a Memorial Weekend edition of games day. It's also my 33⅔ birthday.

Where: 1006 Wagonwheel Gap Rd http://trevorstone.org/wagonwheel.html
When: 2pm-ish until late-ish
Call: 303-EEL-WANG (you may not have cell reception here)
Bring: Games, friends, family, food, festive feelings. Don't bring beer; I've still got plenty from Cinco de Mayo.

Vehicular advisory: The Boulder Creek Festival is happening downtown this weekend. Consider taking 28th St. or Foothills. It will probably also be a popular day to hike Anne U. White trail. If all the space at the bottom of my driveway is in use, you can park on the west side of Bow Mountain Dr. Don't park on the south side of Wagonwheel or on Pinto. Or get some exercise on a bike with gears -- it takes me about 20 minutes to ride from Broadway & Lee Hill to my house.

Friends, Gamers, Countrymen, lend me your ears. Whether you're a Lincoln fan or more of a Washington guy, I hope you'll celebrate the birth over two centuries ago of some white guys by playing games at my house this Monday.

Monday, February 18th (Presidents Day), 2pm until late
1006 Wagonwheel Gap Rd. http://trevorstone.org/wagonwheel.html
Park below the driveway on the north side of the road.

Bring any combination of snacks, drinks, friends, kids, games, and jokes about denizens of the White House.

Adequately relaxed from large piles of meat and/or carbs?
Sick of your family?
Camped out at the game store this morning to get the best deal on a new exciting board game?
Come to Thanksgaming this Saturday (that's tomorrow!) afternoon.

Thanksgaming will be at my house at 1006 Wagonwheel Gap Rd. Since not everyone read the directions at http://trevorstone.org/wagonwheel.html last time, there are a couple important things to keep in mind:
* The house isn't exactly where mapping sites think it is. Keep going up the canyon until you get to the house on the north between Bow Mountain and Pinto drives.
* Park along the north side of the road, respecting the various no parking signs. Don't park in the driveway.
* Your cellphone might not work here. Call 303-EEL-WANG in advance if you're confused; give this number to anyone who might need to reach you while you're here. Phones tend to run out of battery while they search frantically for signal.
* The weather's been really nice and sunny. If you feel like a hike before games, the Anne U. White trail is a block away and is mostly mud-free.

As usual, the event starts around 2 and goes until everyone decides to leave. Show up when you can, depart when you need. Feel free to bring snacks, friends, drinks, games, leftovers, and kids.

If you can't make it, I hope you have a fantastic fall weekend with friends and family. Or a productive weekend of study or hobby pursuit with few distractions if you prefer.

It's time for games day at my house! If you've had practice before, there are important changes:

* New house! I now live at 1006 Wagonwheel Gap Rd, Boulder, CO 80302. Google Maps has incorrect assumptions about the spacing of addresses on this street, so please follow the directions and parking instructions at http://trevorstone.org/wagonwheel.html

* New housemates! I now live with my lovely girlfriend Kelly. You'll like her. We also live with a well-behaved cat. You'll like her unless you've got strong cat allergies. I've also got a nice earth scientist who lives in the upstairs portion of the house. Come to the lower door on the south side of the building, not the north door on the big wooden deck.

* New neighborhood! If you feel like a hike, hit the Anne U White trail before joining the party. My house is a block away from the trailhead.

* New games! I've got (and have yet to play) Domion: Dark Ages. There are several other games I've picked up in the last couple years that I've yet to play as well.

* New year! I turn 33 on Yom Kippur. Feel free to celebrate my birthday, the Jewish high holidays, or the fall equinox with your selection of snacks and/or beverages. Or totally ignore this arbitrary point in time. I aim to remove the social assumption of holiday presents.

Some things are still the same:

* Show up at 2 PM or later. Leave when you get tired.

* Bring friends (especially if you carpool), bring games, bring kids, bring snacks, bring drinks.

* Call 303-EEL-WANG if you need navigational assistance or have any questions. Your cell phone might not work inside my house, so tell your friends and family to call that number if they need to get ahold of you.

I look forward to seeing you all! If you can't make it, but would like to check out one of Boulder's best hiking trails, let me know. We can go for a nice stroll some other time.

Be seeing you!

I have the fortune of a five day weekend next week, from Wednesday through Sunday.
Since I'll be moving the following week, I'd like to have one last game day at 4245 Martin Dr.

Vote for your favorite day(s) for gaming at https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dGs0ckNjREpON1JEYmtDR0lsWWFITFE6MQ

I'll send another announcement when I've got a firm plan.

Oh, and don't worry -- I'm just moving to the mountains just outside of Boulder (2 miles from the Bustop). I'll continue to host games gatherings, just at a slightly higher altitude and mildly lower temperature.

Happy Canada Day and Independence Day, whichever direction your loyalties lie. To paraphrase Apu, celebrate your country's independence by not setting the county on fire.

Earth Day is this Sunday, which means Saturday must be Earth Eve. Or, depending on your persuasion, "I think I'll pass on the munchies day."

Regardless of what you're celebrating, do it at my house! As usual, show up at or after 2 PM and stay until you have something more glamorous to do. Bring any games, friends, food or drink you'd like to share; those with dietary restrictions are responsible for their own intake.

In case you haven't memorized my coordinates yet, I live at 4245 Martin Dr., Boulder, CO 80305. My phone number is 303-EEL-WANG. I think the street sign for Martin Drive at Table Mesa might still be missing (big wind storm); if you miss it, turn north on any numbered street.

Happy middle-of-April!

Celebrate Alan Alda's birthday, Data Privacy Day, the Feast of St. Thomas Aquinas, the birth of Henry VII, the death of Henry VIII, and the 199th anniversary of the publishing of Pride and Prejudice (those are some old zombies) by playing games at my house. You may also learn how well I can shuffle with one hand.

Where: 4245 Martin Dr, Boulder, CO 80305
When: Saturday, January 28th, 2ish post meridian
Contact: 303-EEL-WANG

Bring drinks, snacks, games, friends, children, private data, Tudors...

I'm turning 100000!

Come celebrate my last day of five digits by playing games and hanging out with cool people.

Sunday, September 25th
2ish PM until late evening
4245 Martin Dr, Boulder, CO 80305

Bring food or drink if you like. Bring a game if you'd like to play it. Presents are not expected, and I'll return the favor by not filling your house with stuff you might not need.

If you'd like to celebrate the occasion by damaging your liver, I recommend Boulder Pirate Con on Saturday night. I'll be at TedX Boulder in the evening, but intend to cap it off with a yo-ho-ho and several drinks of rum around Pearl St. for a couple hours. http://boulderpiratecon.org/ has the schedule.

Hope to see you soon,
Trevor, at the end of his 11111