Game Closet: Cargo Noir

Cargo Noir, by Days of Wonder

As a relative newcomer to the board game scene, I am a big fan of publisher, "Days of Wonder." They have consistently released games that look great, feel great, and can be played by the whole family.  "Ticket to Ride" and "Smallworld" continue to be two of my favorite game franchises because of their simple rules, their gorgeous presentation, and the ability to use them as gateway games for those raised only on "Scrabble" and "Monopoly."

Last year's release from DoW, "Mystery Express" scratched the sleuthing itch that "Clue" used to provide before I became older.  Trying to figure out the who, what, when, where, and how of a murder aboard a locomotive before it gets to its final destination has never yet failed to be a hit with anyone who once enjoyed figuring out Mr. Boddy's untimely demise.

So it was with great hopes and anticipation that I welcomed Days of Wonder's latest release, "Cargo Noir," a game who's theme - globe-trotting smugglers competing for contraband to turn into fame and fortune - is right up my alley.

And as far as presentation goes, "Cargo Noir" doesn't disappoint: beautiful art that is playful, vibrant, and colorful to balance out the seedy theme; large, chunky plastic coins to use to purchase contraband; weighty and colorful boat pawns; and gorgeous board that is customizable depending on the number of players (2-5).

Father's Office: CandyShell Wrap for iPad by Speck

Speck CandyShell Wrap for iPad

I've gone through plenty of cases for my iPhone since I first acquired one (by the way - still kickin' it oldschool with the original 2G) and Lady Rad's 3GS.  Once the iPad was released, a whole new bevy of cases needed to be auditioned to find the optimal one providing both protection and style.

In both cases (pun deliberately intended), I've come to love the CandyShell line provided by Speck Products.  Not only does the CandyShell look really good (a nice variety of color combinations for the iPhone/iPod Touch line) and feel really solid in-hand, the rubberized honeycombed interior really provides protection for the easily-scratched backs of iProducts and a level of shock-absorbtion for the the occasional low-height drop that generally only comes with ugly, wholly rubberized cases.  

Game Closet: Puzzle Strike

The only serious boardgame with a Pink Box

Beginning in January, Lady Rad and I have instituted Sunday Night Game Nights and I couldn't be happier.  After a savory family dinner on Sunday night and we put the kids to bed, LR and I settle in for what is supposed to be a relaxing and light competition, but it always turns into a no-holds-barred, battle royale of epic proportions.  It generally ends with me weeping in a corner.

By the way, I love, LOVE the fact that Lady Rad can kick my butt in games.

"Puzzle Strike" from Sirlin Games is our first foray into the very-quickly crowded genre of deck-building games, the grandaddy of which is the very respected Dominion.  The Deck-Building style of gameplay generally involves all players starting with the same hand of cards and taking turns playing card or using cards as currency to buy from a communal bank of cards.  After each turn, all cards in-hand are discarded and a new hand is drawn.  With each successive turn, individual decks become larger and customized to each player's style and strategy.

I haven't played Dominion, despite it being the most popular "designer" game next to "Settlers of Catan" for two reasons: 1) the theme holds no interest for either Lady Rad or myself (medieval times, and not even the good kind of medieval times with dragons, more like the boring medieval times with the black plague); and 2) the lack of "take-that" player interaction/opponent screwage.  When I hear that Dominion is a game that "anyone" can play and "it's like multiplayer solitaire," well that doesn't satisfy my or Lady Rad's bloodlust.

"Puzzle Strike's" take on deck-building, however, is nothing but "take-that." The entire goal of the game is to play a strategic series of actions against your opponent so that they are overwhelmed with attack and can't fight back.  The theme is anime style, inspired by a niche 90's videogame...

So it's pretty much the antithesis of "Dominion."

iOS and the need for Unity

Too many i'S on the dancefloor...

Daily before my commute to work, I load up my iPhone and iPad into my bag, and strap on an iPod Nano watch to my wrist.  I realize that I am probably mugging fodder by doing this, but I also know that I'm not alone from hundreds of others that find a need to carry these many iOS devices because of the individual advantages of each.

And after having used my iPad for a year for work purposes, my iPhone for several years, and my iWatch for a few months, I've come to the conclusion that Apple needs to make these devices talk to each other - and fast.

Game Closet: Survive: Escape from Atlantis!

Wish Fulfillment: Compliments of Stronghold Games

In the faintest recesses of my mind, back where all the cobwebs are, where distant experiences and imagination blend to form childhood memories, I remember seeing a commercial for a game that involved boats, sharks, whirlpools, sea monsters.

In my mind, this game moved all on its own with boats narrowly avoiding a real whirlpool that would suck the boat down into the table, and shark fins that would dart around the board in search of chum. 

So fuzzy is this memory that for years I chalked it up to imagination, it was a personal legend - A game like this simply can't exist.  I must have made it up.  Though I let go of the thought of physically possessing this game, that fever-dreamlike memory has stayed with me for well over 20+ years.

But one day, I stumbled across a game on BoardGameGeek that triggered this memory.  It was undeniable, it wasn't a dream, this game existed and it was known as "Survive!" Even more unbelievable to me: it was a critically-loved game, and it was getting a re-release!

People Thought 'Color Me Badd' was a Good Idea at the Time Too

Seeing Katie Couric wonder whether a phone line was needed to reach "Internet" made me think of how, in 1994, none of us had any idea what we were doing.

Want to say 'I love you?' Leave.

Make it a Quietccino

Here's a thought:

Lady Rad takes care of a 5 month old and a 2.5 year old every day, day in and day out.  She doesn't stop caretaking, doing laundry, making meals, cleaning, etc. until about 8:30p.m. most nights, even when I pitch in to help.  She is up at 5:30a.m. at the latest each morning so she can get 30 minutes of quiet time and exercise before she's on the clock for the next 14.5 hours.

So why would any compassionate husband of a woman who works this hard think that breakfast-in-bed, prepared by himself and the two kids would be what she REALLY wants for Valentine's Day?

You Spin Me Round

My home dentistry set.

Several Christmases ago, my dad got me a non-specific Rotary Hand tool.  When I opened the gift, I thought "why did he get this for me, and when will I ever use it?" Seeing the look on my face, my dad said, "you're probably thinking, 'why did he get this for me?' Just put it away, there will be a time when it comes in handy."

Next to my cordless screwdriver, this tool has probably been used more frequently since homeownership/parenthood than any other.  Just the other day I was trying to fit some outlet covers that allow items to be plugged in, but prevent tiny hands from accessing the sockets.  For whatever reason, the company didn't see fit to make the exit spaces for the cords large enough to accommodate a surge protector.  Figuring I'd have to find another solution, I remembered my little rotary tool sitting in my garage.  10 minutes later, I ground a larger opening and buffed out the work to make sure all the edges were smooth.

So now I'm on a "Dremeling" kick, where everything I see, I want to break out my multipurpose tool and see what I can do.  If only I could find a great "here's what you do with one of these" lists, I'd be set!

Dad, I'm sorry I ever doubted your handy wisdom!