Video Game Review: Legacy of the Ancients C64

http://www.c64gg.com

This was a fantastic old game for the commodore 64 and a few other systems.  I think it was released by EA back when they made good games and didn't suck.  Its a computer RPG that was standard for the time but it included some nice elements.  You had traveling over the world map, some sections that were first person as the picture displays and even some over the dungeon sections when you were storming castles.

It was made by a couple of brothers using questron as a model and then went on to make a spiritual sequel called legend of black silver. 

The basic premise is you are a farmer that finds a corpse with a dagger, mysterious coin and bracelet.  This quickly leads you to a cosmic museum.  The exhibits in the museum are odd in that some display items that you can insert the coins in and take and places that you can travel too.  At first many of the exhibits are not functional but as you progress and level up they allow you to interact with them.    This works to limit your access to items and areas.  It also works to give you something like quests.

I had  loads of fun with this back when i was a kid.  I really found it deep and had enough game play to be memorable. I liked the difference between dungeons and storming the castle parts.   This game demands and update as do many of the older EA titles.  Its funny how they have gold in the vault and keep doing the sports crap.  Seven Cities of Gold was amazing and would be a fantastic game.  Really it was the first sandbox game, they could remake it with the same ideas and loads of achievements, it would be great.  This game too!
 

Toy Review: Montgomery Wards Personalized Real Tool Set

This is a sort of cool thing i found on line.  I had the more junior version of this when I was a kid and had no idea they still sold it.  Actually I didn't know Wards was still around.  Really this tool kit is better as there is more to it.

So I had the 1981 version of this thing from Montgomery Wards.  This one is the modern 2012 version but it is still pretty much the same.  The tools are kid sized but real tools.  There had been some up dates, it looks like.  My tools had blue at the end of the handle and these have red.  There are some new tools included, I certainly didn't have a block planer.  But all in all it looks near the same as the smaller version I had.

I am actually pretty shocked at the price as mine was probably a little cheaper but 49.99 for all these tools seems a pretty good purchase for such a big set of tools.  I hope they are of the same quality as my old ones, they where real workable tools back then.  They could take a beating and still build.  Probably not for everyone but Norm Abrams and Roy Underhill would approve of this toy.

Game Review: 7 Wonders

http://www.boardgame.de/reviews/7wonders.htm

I don't know how to start out this review of 7 Wonders, as I have some pretty mixed emotion.  At the end of the game most of the players liked the game and wanted to play again, and I was much happier with my purchase.  The beginning of the game was awful as we were all learning it from the rule book. So I guess i need to give some basics then talk about the good and the bad of the game.

Thematically you are building on of the ancient worlds' seven wonders.  While that is what you are doing you are really building up various victory points in little pools and trying have the highest total of these.  You play through three ages which include six rounds of play each.  In each round you are playing some card which gives you resources of some sort.  These don't work in the traditional since of something you spend but rather satisfy requirements for future building.  I am reminded of Shadowfist in this a bit, you never really lose resources they are just around for you to use always. You  can purchase from your neighbor if you don't have something and they do.  That sounds like you are taking something from them but you are actually just giving money to them with out taking anything away. 

So you are building resources to build your wonder which gives you rewards for each part you finish.  You also build up military structures, Victory point structures and science structures that come into play in end scoring.  I said end scoring for military structures but that is actually wrong you battle with your neighbors at the end of each age and these battles give you victory point awards.  Basically everything other than resources works out to be focused on victory calculation at the end of the game.  But actually certain cards turn those into victory points.

The bad about this game is the rule book it is super confusing.  I was getting more and more pissed off at the game while we were trying to figure out the rules in the beginning.  The writing is bad and overly confusing.  The quick play sheet makes figuring out things worse.  One thing that was sort of bad in the game was the passing of cards between rounds, this made it feel very random.  You were not really able to plan.  Another thing I didn't like was I was really dis involved with some of the other players.  You are connected to the two players on either side of you but totally disconnected with anyone else. The finally things is both good and bad depending on who you are.  You don't really do much screwing over you friends, very little of what you do hurts your opponents.  Some people like this other want to had more negative ways to harm their friends.

So I have made this game sound very complicated haven't I, it's not.  Once we all got the flow down it moves super fast.  Everyone can do their actions at the same time this works in part because of the above never harming your friend nature of the game.  After playing all the rules made since and it was all very easy.  The different wonders all play different so the game has variety.  Couple that with each having two different versions and you have tons of variations.  It supports seven players which was big for us.  And again its simple once you get it, if there was a youtube video introducing the game it would be way better.  The game is actually simple the rule book is just bad.

Krampus for Christmas part 121: Clean up part 2

The little girl , Idunn , still from the window watched.  Only hearing the beast when he returned from a hunting trip that was botched.  He prowled nightly after fall was here; with this new competition the cats howled in fear.  They didn't know Krampus was looking for kids nor did Idunn or she might have hid.  The monster got the naught list early and needed a bite.  No one would miss a kid or two, well maybe they might.
Some evenings later Idunn spied Krampus with his sack.  It looked full and something moved in the pack.  The monster laughed and lashed the bag with a chain tied to bells.  Santa bound Krampus with these chains and one of his spells.  Idunn was worried and slunk down to hide but couldn't stop watching no matter how hard she tried.  When the bag spilled open she thought it was a giant rat, but it was just an o ‘possum plump and fat.  Krampus cooked it up on the grill, but Krampus was too big to be filled.

The damage done and neighborhood in surmounting terror Krampus was still hungry and realized he had made some sort of error. Sure he has spread fear and reminded everyone of a dark presence, but his cupboards were bare except for some pheasants. The monster would need to stock up on meat; no restaurants would let Krampus in to eat. With the chaos sewn Krampus would have to lay low spending time at the Capitol drive in picture show. For Krampus horror movies were a joy except he would have ate up the camping girls and boys.  He rooted for Freddy and thought elm streets parents were to blame.  For Leather Face and Pin Head it was the same.

A few weeks pasted until the monster again stalked the streets.  Krampus waited until the full moon to hunt his treats.  Each full moon had a name in days of yore and October's was for hunters said the lore.  High above birds flew south against the moon, but Krampus meat wasn't fowl and he would have it soon.  All full Krampus slept deep counting reindeer instead of sheep.  October was a blur until his work was well in hand. Krampus was relieved things were going as planned.  Then he took some moments to enjoy the fall knowing it was too early for Santa to call.  A sea of leave caught in the air, whipping and whirling dancing without care.  Lawns left with a patchwork of leaves others cleared and mounds piled to the eves.  Then there were the children prowling the streets all armed with bags of treats.  The kids confused Krampus all dressed like someone else, pirates or plumbers or even Celts. One night Krampus saw a little girl dressed like him, she had the horns and hoof but was much too slim. The beast ran away at the doppelgangers sight; imagine a little girl giving a monster such a fright.

But Krampus had more pressing matters at hand, a party to attend. He was a friend of the band.  The monster even dressed up in his little lederhosen, but they were far too tight.  The monster though a costume was needed for the night. Upon arriving he found his friends dressed as ghouls toting machetes and instruments cruel.  There were too many mummies and a skeleton with wired shut eyes and jaws.  Another had no face at all; it was the strangest bunch of monsters you ever saw. 

Krampus finally took a seat in the corner near his friend Ed.  He was dress in a strait jacket bolts holding down the top of his head.  He said Hi and passed the furry Krampus some wine, spiced and mulled, it suited Krampus just fine.  They all knew Krampus was a monster of Christmas thinking him weird. But one weirdo was nothing to be feared.  A weird monster who felt Christmas couldn't come too soon. Here at a Halloween party he felt out of tune.  To their roaring electric mayhem, Krampus thought of carols and started to hum. For their candy He thought of cookies and asked the barman for eggnog and rum. His friends had had enough of him when he arranged the skeletons into a manger and started treating Krampus like a stranger. 

Krampus stayed a few hours and would have stayed more, but found himself always inching his way to the door.  The party didn't notice Krampus stealing away I think they were glad he left anyway.  The monster was one too many some had thought, they would see him at Christmas his presence would be sought.  Krampus walked deep in Halloween night and after a while of being alone he started to feel alright. He was happy for the moon which lead the way, though he wasn’t in a hurry anyway. The monster pasted other monsters haunting all the streets.  Many masked from Woolworth other with wholes cut in sheets.  These old kids stayed out late prowling for fun, most gave Krampus distance and a few would flat out run.
He wandered not aware where he was going or the night was at end; coming face to face with the sun after turning a dark bend.  It was a new day, but one of the dead.  New sights and smells filled the monsters head.  The monster wandered the small run down shops, a barber and a Baker all painted pink even the sign “Stop”!  Krampus looked at the little Catrina's and sugary skulls for the dead.  A skull faced server gave kids some swaddled baby bread.  This was a holiday Krampus didn't understand.  Songs of Dia de la Muertos were played by an undead mariachi band. Krampus hid ducking down and tucking himself away then creeping back toward home.  He wasn't the right sort of monster and shouldn’t be caught alone.  Krampus worried El Cucuy was around, if there is one monster then two isn't as crazy as it sounds.  The two argued every time they met, about turf is my bet.

Afterwards was the dreary November with days turning short and somber.  Few thought of Christmas with and election and Thanksgiving on the way.  But Krampus long ago turned his attention to the day.  Idunn could see his yard was already merrily dressed.  But the monster thought his display was a terrible mess.  Some garland the halls when they toss up the tree, others might give a week to adding the house with holiday glee.  Krampus had been decorating since before Halloween, Idunn often watch from her window, under blankets, hiding unseen.  Krampus liked to vary each year with different styles and themes.  Muted and dull ornaments one year; the next crystal trees that gleam.  He could put on a sixties lounge Christmas with glitz and flair, even a sad little forties Christmas when war was in the air.  Some years he hung knee hugging little elves.  Other years nutcrackers filled the shelves. 

Our monster decked his dog house with festive delight, rolling out the holly and electric lights.  There was a star and an arrow, gold links garlanded around the tiny house.   He even forced Christmas sweaters on a very frightened mouse.   Krampus hung wooden ravens all along the door.  They were a Christmas tradition from Alaska's chilly shore.  Some he carved with his wicked Krampus claws; others were bought online.  Paying state taxes it was all within the law.  Raven represented Jesus to the Tlingit people up north.  Through virgin birth Raven stole the sun and for the people and brought it forth.  In his house Krampus's manger was set with more Caganers than two; all trying discreetly to take a Christmas poo.  One looked like john Lennon another like Peggy lee. He searched without luck for one taking a wee.  Christmas Catalogs filled the rest of his tiny shack, ordered chronologically in a massive stack.  The monster had Sears wish book from every year, yes he had Montgomery Wards and Penny's you needn't fear.  Some had toys circled, he would have liked as a lad; but Krampus never got presents as he was always bad.

Krampus remembered a house on a street named Seal, decorated everywhere with Christmas Zeal.  Christmas filled every little nook, if you wanted tips these folks wrote the book.  You couldn't see it all in an evening or season, Christmas spilled out every room no rhyme or reason.  The little couple that lived there decked the halls every year, from the fifties until now without fear.  They started even before Krampus the old beast, so grand kids saw when they came from back east.  There was a tree that magically seemed to snow and a second in the back on the patio.  There were so many ornaments extra branches were hung on the walls and more like a sea of stars on the ceiling in the hall. Some years they turned the garage into a scene, removing the door and making a window of Plexiglas and beams.  The little lord Jesus slept in a bed a pump for his breathing a drive stirring his head. All the neighbors would come to see, when Krampus showed up they all turned to flee.  The monster just smiled on the couple’s work, thinking next time to hide and lurk.  Krampus had watched the couple’s house fill and fill every year until kids were about to spill.  Most years the traditions remained the same, though some were already pretty strange.  Chop Suey was served for a special treat, odd for a Mexican Irish family to like to eat.  One son often cooked eggs pickled in beets; most would have preferred to lick feet.

Krampus would be sad when they were gone, then only a lesser Christmas could be drawn.  He would be sad for the Kids who wouldn't get to see. Christmas everywhere; even a Crystal tree.  Boys would wonder over a hot wheel covered twig draped with lights, two feet big.  For the girls one decked in dolls and merriness everywhere though the halls.  If the monster could save some in his mind maybe it wouldn't be lost ever in time.  The beast wished he could save some Christmases that were oh so grand, not to have traditions pass from the land. To someone in the family they may pass the flame but to Krampus taste it would be tame.  They would take a tradition or two the rest passing away to the beasts rue.  Krampus remembered too many holidays long forgot, none would be remembered and put at the soul of the plot. The monster turned them over in mind, when filled with longing from time to time.  Still some new ideas weren't so dark, except for that horrid peppermint bark.  Perhaps the couple’s kids would have a grand thought and the spirit of Christmas again would be caught.  Krampus felt a ray of hope. Maybe with the loss of the little couple he could cope.

The thoughts were soon cast aside Krampus would play some Christmas carols then he could abide.  Mid November some start playing Christmas tunes, but Krampus had been playing them since June.  He had vinyl and Cd's and an iPod loaded full of his favorite Christmas songs.  Playing carols so early wasn't right but he was happy being wrong.  The heartfelt music soothed Krampus on lonely nights.  The monster didn't worry and felt everything would be alright.  Sometimes he felt he could even take a break his house had been decorated since veterans day for Pete's sake. Some late nights he prowled record shops disguised in a hat and giant coat.  Luckily the customers looked mostly the same and even smelled a little of goat.  He snapped up Christmas records from country to jazz.  He even bought “A Progressive Rock Christmas” with Greg Lake and Patrick Moraz.  From John Denver to the muppets his collection was very complete only a dedicated collector could ever compete.  Krampus enjoyed the Siberian metal Christmas and wished he could attend the show, but to that Fresh Aire Christmas flatly said no.  He was left lukewarm with saxophone Christmas by Kenny G.  The monster had no use for Bocelli.  The new sung Christmas records kept less than they missed.  A Vince Guaraldi Christmas really put the beast in a Christmas mood.  To such pleasant jazzy sounds the monster couldn't menace or brood.  Some Canadian had a song about a winters night, that Krampus felt really got the tidings right. 

Riding home the station played Christmas too, Oakridge Boys Christmas from 1982.  Listening to the music he basked in peace, but soon he would be down to business so he switched on number of the beast. There was still more work and other holidays would intrude, interrupting Krampus's Christmas season really very rude. 

Krampus had a bird on thanksgiving, a flame broiled and nicely stuffed Tom; Eating it right there with the dog on the lawn.  Krampus wasn't too formal with the feast.  A ping pong table in the back yard was fine for the beast.  For dessert Krampus gathered Halloween pumpkins that were smashed on the road.  Leaving them on the window sill until they reeked growing mold.  With the mess he baked thanksgiving pies complete with homemade crust and several hundred files.  Yams were hand smashed and candied golden brown, soaked in syrup so sweet they were hard to get down.  Scalloped corn and stuffing rounded out the meal. Krampus heaped on seconds and thirds with a happy squeal. Who knows what part kids played in the feast, he may have ground their bones to make the yeast.  There was some doubt as it was before the season, but Krampus knew a butcher with meats for every reason.  The day of the feast he caught a little nap.  Then waited by the mall and set a little trap.  Black Friday shoppers tasted the best; full of thanksgiving dinners from their toes to their chest.  They thought of sales, not their kids.  They wouldn't mind just a nibble; so he waited and hid. Later Krampus, happy with the nights mayhem, crept way; planning more for each of the coming days.  

It was some days later than Idunn watched and listened on a morning where dew glistened.  Down next door the monster hurried about a table; He was preparing a feast fit for a fable. A meal fit for kings and queens back in olden times, again so much food an army could have dined.
There was a bird or rather many, Idunn guested twenty but really only thirty. The beast was turning them into a feast, a roast of birds from times long ceased. Krampus would laugh at a turduken that was only three; he made his tenfold bigger you see. He had an ostrich, an emu, emperor penguin on down the line a pigeon a blue jay with a humming bird finally stuffed it would taste just fine.  Idunn thought it smell delicious "Yumming" with a sigh.  Krampus even baked on of great grandma's chocolate pies. Idunn wondered where he got the recipe, grandma kept a secret card, but the monster's smelled the same cooling on the table in the yard.
With the night drawing near Idunn's parents called her down from her window.  They were having dinner with grandma Clara and it was time to go!  Idunn came down with a sullen mope. Returning from dinner early was the little girls only hope. She spied a man when she got into the car.  He poked round the neighbors house with long hair and a guitar.  He had a lock of white hair that bobbed to and fro.  Idunn thought he looked like the leader of a jazz trio.  Then a bum wandered up and Krampus opened the gate.  The little girl wanted to see more but her parents grew irate.  So Idunn and family drove away and the band started to play.  Her family returned to music ringing from the neighbor’s yard.  Singing and ringing out songs of Christmas under a veil of stars.  Idunn again watched from above a pair playing music with love.  One wore rags and the other a tux but they played in unison without any flux.  The bums voice was ragged but warm and sweet. His beautiful performance would have brought a crowd to their feet.  He sang of old city bars, streetlight and drinks for free.  Wishing everyday was Christmas was his final plea.  Ancient rhymes sung of olden times with Krampus humming along.  Sang and swelled from the backyard the whole night long.  These miscreants of Christmas didn't care the hour was late.  They didn't even pause when the Trash Men were banging on the gate.  The concert was for Krampus sole and alone.  He was cloistered in the safety of his backyard home.
Idunn in her sleep dreamed of dancing with Santa and riding Krampus back.  The little girl didn't know the monster would have preferred her for a snack.  She thought him a furry friend and didn't think of teeth that rend.  The monster would have been wary if he knew of the little girls plans, He was a connoisseur of kids but otherwise not a fan.

The pair finally finished the last tune, and then scurried off in the light of noon.  A bus took the guitarist to the next stop on his tour, what happened to the bum really I'm not sure. But there are many bars and local dives not too far a five minute drive.  Krampus tucked into sleep snuggled up in a sheet, but with all his fur there was plenty of heat.  The monster dreamed deep of not beating kids.  He just wanted a pretty witch with whom he could live.  Nothing fancy just quiet and alone, a cabin in the woods they'd call home.  If the monster dreamed other things I wouldn't know, I was kept up by the musical show.  Krampus was up before dawn the next few days.  Still decorating his dog house, he entered a contest that paid.

Idunn too was up early and looked down on Krampus amused, she was glad her furry neighbor wasn't caged in the zoo.  With watching Krampus for so long Idunn had grown brave.  The little girl decide to talk to the Knave.  She marched down and looked him right in the eye; offered her hand and said "Hi".  Krampus was shocked at the little girl's bravado.   At first he huffed then finally he said "Hello."  Idunn introduced herself by name waiting politely for the beast to do the same.  When Krampus finally did it was curt.  Idunn was not being afraid, the monster felt a little hurt. But she kept at him with a smile and the innocence of a child.  Krampus temper turned more mild.

Christmas lights glowed around the eaves, with Krampus making small talk hoping the girl would leave.  She had been good and the beast couldn't eat her.  Santa wouldn't allow it of that Krampus was sure.  Krampus tried yelling and showing his claws, but the little girl wasn't scared, leaving him in awe.  What did she want?  The beast still hoped she'd leave!  When she said to be friend Krampus gave her a reprieve. I'm a monster he said with a growl.  And if your bad I'll eat you, beat you, you'll howl.  But Idunn stood her ground and still holding out her hand without a sound.  Silent and stoic Krampus finally took the little girls hand.  The beast asked "why aren't you afraid.  like any little girl would?"  Idunn thought a moment "I can pretend; do you think I should?"  Krampus snarled disgusted at himself. "She thinks I'm funny! silly like an elf!"  The girl told of her watching so many months, even of following his little hunts.  How after time the monster was a matter of fact, she even accused the kid eating was just an act.  "No" the beast roared, I'd eat you if allowed. Krampus monstered and menaced and furled his brow. 

Idunn just laughed and hugged a hairy leg.  How did a monster scare this girl? Did he have to beg? She was unrelenting and determined; wouldn't bend.  Krampus finally was forced to let her be his friend.  Idunn chattered at Krampus through the fence, the big brute taking each word with a wince.  How did he end up with a kid wanting to be a friend?  If Nick heard of it the torment would never end.  He was a monster!  No The Monster of the merry Yule!  Now this child played him for the fool.  The monster indulged the small talk only as much as he could; even considering a change of neighborhood.  He only took interest when she mention how for Halloween she had her mom make a Krampus costume.  Flattered the beast finally blushed; a little ashamed he wished the child hushed.  Still Krampus had a reputation and couldn't have a kid as a friend.  He plotted and planned a way to make the friendship end.  He listened intently when she spoke of getting a tree, maybe he could scare here off then he would have to try and see.  The morning went on much the same; to her words he nodded his mane.  Krampus hoped to end the talk it was driving him insane.
Rows of pines decorated the hills above the town; all waiting someone to come and chop them down.  Fathers proudly stalking with saw in hand, all searching for the perfect fir noble or grand.  All were happy unless they picked a tree full of ants, that wriggled and climb right down their pants.  Krampus hid until the growing dark, crouched under junk hidden with a tarp.  The monster finally crept out around dusk, spending his time  sharpening his tusks.  Parents were most concerned with pines and spruce.  They wouldn't mind a few bites on little Bruce. Only hoof and paw tracks would mark Krampus there, he would have a snack without a care.  In the evening, he spied little Idunn, all innocent and silhouetted by the light of the moon.  Her parents didn't see the monster creep.  Krampus would scare them so bad they would lose sleep.  Then this girl wouldn't hope to be his friend, for the monster a happy end.  The beast leaped from behind a tree with a furious growl.  Her parents, but not Idunn, recoiled with a howl.  Their terror rapped them up like a rug, but Idunn instead ran up and gave the monster a big hug.  Krampus then ran off in fright; he meant to instill horror never delight.

The brute howled in sorrow only to be joined but nearby dogs.  Sad and dejected Krampus needed someone to flog.  Idunn's hug and turned him into a joke.  Krampus walked home deprived of his hopes.  He wandered the hills until he arrived where the sidewalk began.  Krampus didn't notice the kids until they shrieked and ran.  Feeling a tad better the monster gave chase, lashing a teen directly in the face.  Krampus kicked him as he went down, happily cackling with no sort of frown.  The terror that night is legend to this day, though only an urban legend the foolish unbelievers will say.  I can assure you though I still have the scars, Krampus branded me with a red hot iron bar.  The night went and Krampus slept sound in the backyard though many houses lay burned and charred.  Krampus he was happy; again the raging beast, even Gamera couldn't challenge him being so far back east.

Some nights later Krampus slid out of his yard.  He was a swift shadow stopping only to make sure the gate was barred.  Silent as Santa but twice as grim he moved as a monster three times as slim. Down the street he moved in a flash preparing to give naughty kids the lash.  His bag was filled full with a big bundle of sticks. He would leave them on ill-mannered kid's door steps so their parents could give them a few licks. He festooned switches with candy and little toys to soften the blow. But the message was clear for any kid to know. A Christmasy warning to mend their way or the monster Krampus would make them pay.  Krampus was the strong arm to Santa's merry laugh, and the beast was content to be the pairs darker half.  He would give coal or whipping to the kids on the wrong list.  Sometime he could eat the ones that really made Santa pissed.  This night in early December Santa appointed to him.  Krampusnacht it was called, falling on the sixth when the lights grow dim.  Krampus prowled leaving switches at houses where the kids were bad. If he hasn't paid you a visit you really should be glad.

Krampus also delighted in mischief when his night was at hand, his gift for mayhem was really quit grand.  A few streets over Krampus came upon the Barries house that was without lights.  The only house on a well dress street looking a terrible sight. The old man was lazy even though his neighbors offered to help.  Krampus thought of beating him until he cried with a yelp.  A better idea pop into the monsters evil head.  He would Decorate the house himself and run up their electric bill until their wallet bled.   Mr. Barrie tried to argue with the electric company but they said he lies. Krampus work was glorious and they even won a prize. 

Toy Review: ERTL Darrel Waltrip Mountain Dew playset

Please check out Worthpoint.com

I have been hunting for pictures on this one for a while but came up short, well except for this small one of the hauler.  I know this was a Christmas gift and I want to say it came from the 1981 Montgomery Wards Christmas catalog.  It was actually a really cool set that came with much more than you see in the picture.

There was this hauler but also a full stock car that went with it.  Also included was a nice Darrell Waltrip action figure and a bunch of tools and toys related to the pit crew.  The figure was super articulated for the time moving at the wrists, ankles and even having full movement of the head.  The Gi Joes of the time didn't even have swivel arm battle grip.  With this thing you had extra tires and all sorts of little tools to loose, it was very cool.

I ended up passing this along to my friend Mark who is a Mountain View collector and liked it more than my parents closest did.  I only had the hauler by that time speaking to how easy it is for a kid to loose stuff. 

Krampus for Christmas part 120: First Cleaned up part

Summer was Krampus' Slow time, with hibernation and the brute lined up for the odd vacation.  Sometimes he hid out in the Matterhorn when he traveled to the south.  Snarling at the bob sleds and trying to scoop kids into his mouth.  Disneyland didn't care for monsters though he was a careful guest.  But after a night with Cinderella’s sister he thought leaving was for the best.  Besides the weather didn't suit his fluff, he almost shaved himself to be cooler in the buff.  Far north the climate was better for a beast such as he, The Bay was nicer even cold in Carmel by the sea.  There he frolicked with the walrus beneath a sea of green.  People wondered if it was an elephant seal they had seen.  Still Krampus didn't stay long always worrying it was getting late.  If he missed a minute of Christmas the monster would be irate.

Most days he spent at home in the yard.  So Idunn could easily see him, spying wasn't very hard.  He was taller than the fences with his horns, which poked out like wicket bougainvillea thorns. Sometimes he worked on an old Plymouth from late 66, something was always broken that the beast needed to fix. Then he would hear a dry leaf scratch cross the street and would check the date even in the summer heat.  Other days he would lounge in a little kiddie pool.  Drinking a Slurpee and trying to keep cool.  But a calendar was always at hand; the monster circled dates and planned and planned.  Some of his schemes centered on candy corn; others on pumpkin doughnut, without them he would be forlorn.  Seldom was there a day the monster didn't have something planned.  Autumn for Krampus was shaping up to be grand. 

And Idunn watched from her window spying on the dates.  Hoping to understand the monster whom lived over the gate.  She thought it was strange her friends didn't have a neighbor like "Him".  She often wondered if he needed a friend.  He had the neighbor’s dog that he treated well, but if they were friends it was really hard to tell.  The dog sleep inside lying on the couch while the monster slept in a tiny dog house his feet sticking out.  Now I said feet but that's not really true.  He only had one foot not so many as two.  The other was a hoof that clopped on the ground.  It would keep you up at night when Krampus walked around.  But as Idunn watched the monster never did anything mean.  He was well groomed and even kept his claws manicured and clean.

On Labor Day just before the start of school Idunn was surprised the beast wasn't in his pool.  Krampus flame broiled burgers like a king; he also made hotdogs and sausage all sorts of things.  Krampus and the dog would have quite a feast, with left overs and seconds even if they ate like  beasts.  His grill glowing Krampus cooked unaware, but slowly the monster noticed a change in the air.  From the high branches a tree cast of a leaf, seeing it caused Krampus untold grief.  The monster left his grill glowing bright and was hidden in the garage the rest of the night.

Krampus searched through boxes hidden from Idunn's eye.  He looked for garland and lights sometimes muttering with curses and cries.  Untangling strands was difficult with his claws. Krampus hoped the dog would have better luck with its paws.  Krampus's monstrous hands weren't made for that sort of task.  What sort of monster is this I bet your going to ask?  Krampus is the Christmas monster or demon depending to whom you speak.  Horned and hoofed and kids are the dinner he seeks.  You see Santa keeps his gloves clean where the naughty list is concerned. Krampus dolls out the punishment bad kids have earned. But Krampus loved Christmas and was full of its cheer, even on Arbor Day, all of the year. 

Even though it was still early, Krampus considered the date and was worried.  For the monster Christmas loomed even though Oktoberfest would arrive more soon.  For Krampus these others holidays just got in the way.  The monster had to celebrate three versions of Thanksgiving Day; one for the Canadians and two for the Yanks.  Back in the forties Republicans and Democrats each had a day to give thanks. 

But for now it was September and Krampus worried about a tree.  He liked to cut his own though they came with spiders and fleas.  By now he had his light untied and untangled, checking each bulb to make sure none were mangled.  The garland looked nice and angel hair was neatly arranged.  Such care from a monster was pretty strange.  Krampus's supply of switches had grown rather low, last year the naughty list saw a lot of flow.  He would need more and to mend his sack, one kid tore a hole while struggling on Krampus's back.  He almost got away, but ended up in the stew.  All of the bad kids end up there; be good or you will too.  Krampus hurried on with chores, most of September the beast was a whirlwind of Christmas gore.  Repainting his several mangers with care the colors well matched and painted with flare.  His ornaments were inspected each at least twice; any broken were mended and made to look nice.  Idunn only caught glimpse of the monster these first autumn days. Krampus even forgot beer and sausage he was so dedicated to his Christmas ways.

Toy Review: Spirograph

Image horked from this page

Spirograph is a toy I have pretty mixed emotions about.  It was cool really cool and it game kids a nice introduction into art and drawing.  But it automated the process to that you really developed no skill.  It's almost art for the talentless math nerd.  Its fun and sort of fractal but you really are not going to gain any skills with this.

I really didn't have any art training other than the mild art projects that were part of school.  I took drafting in my freshman year rather than actual art.  which is more like the high end of the spirograph technique.

The one thing I did go to religiously was a KTEH channel 54 show called "The Secret City Drawing Club with Commander Mark."  This was one of the best drawing shows that a kid could watch.  It was fun and had this on going mural that was awesome.  There were loads of terms and techniques that were demonstrated and host make it all very easy to follow.  I think any kid wanting to get into art should check it out and to make it easy here is a youtube video for you to check out.  Yes it is an awesome mustachio my friend, yes it is.

Toy Review: Colorforms Dungeons and Dragons

Toy Archive

This was one of the goofier toys I had as a kid.  I am not sure how I ended up with it really.  I know I was into Dungeons and Dragons and even had some of the figures that a present in this set but I really didn't know what to do with this thing.  I hope I didn't beg for it, because it didn't get much use once I got it home. Sure i played with it but it wasn't a go to toy by any means.

ColorForms had a wide variety of sets for all sorts of things and basically were repeatable stickers that you would use to make some scene.  The "Stickers" were vinyl and would stick with a gentle moistening of the display board.  In this case a dragons treasure horde in dungeon.  You had many of the characters from the D&D LJN action figure line present.  Warduke, Strongheart, Melf, both wizards and the cleric even the troll was there.  The problem was what if you got it to the point where you liked it, the "Stickers" eventually dried and feel off.  For me colorforms were just sort of a bad concept but if you liked them more power to you.  

De Profundis: Mather's Arrives

My Fellow Gentlemen


As it happens Mr. Yeats is but a milk toast pawn in this matter as myself.  I was to meet the bearer of his leash the night past.  A wrapping alerted me to my transom where I found Mr. Yeats in a disheveled state accompanied by the Mathers.  Yeat's introduction was high and formal always giving full dictation of Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mather founder and celebrant of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. I must confess I was taken aback by this Mathers.  His dress appeared an Edwardian approximation of high Egyptian dress and he cared a crosium or crook bound in fragrant flowers. Even in this dead season they appeared vibrant and fresh picked as if taken from the veil of spring.

The issues discussed presented much more detail of the story.  Yeats is but a front for the pair and kept upon an ever shortening leash.  I am too be taken to plow as also befits Mathers will. All of the divine and infernal happenings have been Mathers work.  True Yeats does bear Crowley a bone of contention it is Mathers that writhe with hatred. The two were close bound as a masters and novice in days past.  Now the student seeks to retire the master. 

A constant thorn in this Mathers side was a novel published by Crowley entitled MoonChild.  Therein a character is described woefully which is a caricature of Mathers.  A childish slight for one who would control forces as I have described, though these Magus seem as trumped up children.

Much of the evening informative and instructed me to the inquires I am to make of Crowley when I visit next.  Some small incantations were made most claimed to be balms of protection or other talismans, I can not say.  I feel unaffected but I proceed with this course which surely strives down an unsure path.

Your very truly
J.L. Reichl

Toy Review: Gi Joe Mobile Missle System

www.yojoe.com/

I am not sure when I got this one.  I was a fan of the smaller GI Joe stuff that came out in the early 80's.   I guess the change in size made them seem like they were my own.   They were not like Micronauts which my older cousin was into first, or even the big version of the Gi Joe.  It was something that was brand new for me and I was getting into it on the ground floor.  I don't know why that appealed to me so much.  Star War I had gotten into late but being the first on the block to get Gi Joe made me feel like these were the toys I should be into.  I guess I was being sort of like Cartman I got to have the toys first, well for a week then everyone had them and often better ones.  I got the mortor soilder first which was cool but not the best of the group.

This was one of the vehicle toys that came out a few months later after the figures were established.  It was sort of a trailer with missiles that could be pulled by the tank or jeep.  I guess it was cool I mean what is going to sand up to freaking missile but it seemed like a bit of overkill considering Cobra only had three guys at the time.

I think I was most impress that the figure Hawk it came with was the commander.  I somehow decided he was the top guy in charge of Gi Joe.  I don't know if that was wrong or right but I had to have this because of it.  I am sure I make my parents lives hell because of it.

Toy Review Aurora Screechers: Spider-Man Meets The Fly Race Set

http://www.planetdiecast.com

I can't remember if this came for my birthday or Christmas.   They are only a month apart so they sort of workout to pretty much be the same.  I sort of liked Spider-Man because my older cousin was into him and comics.  I really had no other interest in superheroes other then when my cousin had the mego dolls.  I personally only can related to Daredevil because he is handicapped and after that terrible movie not even then.

I remember getting a bunch of slot cars stuff over the years, not that I was really into them.  I have since learned that my Dad was a big fan of slot cars as a teenager and was reliving his youth through picking up slot car toys for me.  I can remember this one being on that I liked.  It was a fixed track that sat in a box you just took off the cover, plugged in the controllers and raced.  That was nice and easy for me.  It was pretty cool there were weird bits of fly paper on the track and points where you could bump.  The game lost its luster as the card board bits wore out.  I clearly remember the lizard bending and early on, and being forced to remove him.  The spider tunnel went next.

All in all I would say it was a great introductory slot car toy.  I still think the cars look cool though I have never heard of Spider Man having an enemy called the fly.  Maybe that was just too easy.  Aurora is still around though a much smaller player.  They seem to focus on retro copies of their models.  Sort of a shame they were pretty cool and Toy's R Us wasn't as cool when I wandered through over the weekend.

Toy Review: Star Wars: Death Star Space Station

http://www.rebelscum.com/Kenner-PS-DeathStar1.asp

Continuing my lead up to Christmas, here is another present I got back when I was a kid.  I was spoiled being a sickly only child.  This one was from my Gramma.  Its the Death Star Space Station from the good folks at Kenner.  It was cool if a pain to get out and put away.

It gives you the option to play several scenes from the movie all crammed into a kid friend play space.  You have the trash compactor, retracting bridge, tower that Obi Wan shut off the power and so much more.  No figures included those you have to provide on your own.

I remember there being two problems with this thing. The middle two sections have you inserting a cardboard wall which quickly got into bad shape and was eventually unusable.  The trash compactor was another bit of poor design. You have foam bits that constantly were getting lost so the compression of figures never would force the doors open after a point.

All in all it was pretty fun but sort of wanting when compared to the space ships or land speeders that everyone had.  It was better than the early cardboard only playsets like the Gi Joe cobra missile command base but still a little lacking considering the price.  I remember this thing costing a bit but I don't remember the exact number

Lame!

Crescent Progressive Rock Score Card 12

I guess i have gotten away from using song titles and lyrics while doing all the Krampus rewriting.  But here is a half years of titles and lyrics revealed.

The Living Years: This is a Mike and the Mechanics song.  I don't think they did anything beyond that one record.  My friend Mark was talking about this and worked it into a poem.

The Light Shall Shatter: This comes from the Rush song Available light which is off the Presto record

Great gig in the sky: This is a songs of Pink Floyds Dark side of the moon and is probably pretty recognizable to everyone.
 
A family snapshot: This a Peter Gabriel song i want to say its off what we call Melt.

Thursday afternoon: This is an instrumental track by Brian Eno I don't know the record.
 
I still believe: This song is by The Call off of the reconciled recording.
 
blood on the rooftops: This is a Genesis track from the wind & wuthering record.
 
Everything is A-ok, Growing on me and I am no messenger:  This all come from The Darkness.  Everything is A-ok comes from I believe in a thing called love.  Growing on me is a song from that same Permission to Land record.  I am no messenger is actually from Hawk the Slayer a movie but they used it on a song from their Hot Cakes record. 

I Palindrome I: This is a they might be Giants song. It is on the Apollo 18 record.

Cirrus Minor:Yet another Pink Floyd song this one from the More soundtrack. 

Video Game Review: Masteronic Action Biker

 I guess the coming Christmas has me thinking of toys and games I got in Christmas past.  This is one of my favorite cheap games from my favorite cheap game company back in the Commodore 64 days.  Here in the US it was known as Action Biker out in the UK it's KP Skips Action Biker with Clumsy Colins.  I guess that is a potato chip manufacturer in Britain that sponsored the game.  I have never heard of a video game chip tie in but I guess there was Kool Aid Man for the 2600.

This game was probably Masteronic's best.  I had three or four of them including, Knight Moves and Ninja.  This one certainly had the most depth.  You were driving around and collecting 50 items for you motorcycle.  The thing is you only had a single item present on the screen at any given time.  This required a large amount of driving around.  You were basically all over the map all the time.  Some items required you to ride up the roller coaster or go up girders in the construction site.  It was really fun and required a bunch of control.  

The items you collected generally had no power up for your motor cycle but a couple did help.  There was an extra fuel tank that allowed you to drive more before going back to the gas station.  There was a gear box that allowed you to go into fast gear.   Finally you got skis that allowed you to go on water to get the last items when was located on an island.  This was a cheap game at the time 9.99 compared to 35 or more so really a good buy.  If you are not paying it may seem like a cheap crappy game but its worth your time, its fun a challenging in its own little way.

Toy Review; Micronauts Star Searcher

http://www.finalfrontiertoys.com/other/micronauts/star-searcher-mib-c-7.html

One of my favorite toys of yesteryear was the Micronauts Star Searcher.  Micronauts were sort of weird toys as they came from Japan and felt like several lines of toys all thrown together.  This one fit in with the see through Time Traveller Micronauts and their little vehicles.  They all had parts that could connect together in some fashion and work to build new never through of toys.  I always liked that, it allowed you to use your imagination and was cool for those of us without legos.  This one was great as it was almost more of a building platform than a vehicle itself.  It has all sorts of components from a gun to a crane to a cockpit.

These toys really provided hours of fun with all you could do with them.  I wish they would redo the micronauts and make sure to keep in the building aspects of the toys.  But with Mego gone I really don't see that happening.  Any way a great toy from my youth.  The image comes from the good folks at Final Frontier Toys.

De Profundis: My meeting with Crowley

My Fellow Gentlemen


The man is evilness incarnate, or proposes to be.  My evening with Crowley was not what one would have presupposed.  He and his consorts have determined themselves to commit acts of vileness.  I know nothing of their desired outcome but oft I was left to wonder if this was some pantomime for my benefit.   Perhaps even their own is my wonder after the dinner. 

Much of the meal itself was not fit for civilized description.  It was best described as wholly undercooked and primarily organ meats.  The sources were not named as such though I heard some of the cuts described as primate on more than one occasion.

Mr. Crowley described he confrontation with Mr. Yeats in the lucid moments between heroine jags. As incredulous as it seems the mater is over ill reviewed poems.  Or the core of the mater resides there.  I believe that only originated the conflict and it has waxed over years, now festering into open conflict of arms.  It is not mine to resolve and so I shall leave it at that. 

The spectral forces arrayed at Mr. Yeats abode were certainly Crowleys work.  I still am confounded as to whom drew me into this argument.  I only with to extricate myself, but I find myself diving ever further deep.  Crowley wishes me to bear witness to some rite of the season before he is to address the topic more.  I hope I am to witness alone and not participate as a some sacrificial lamb.  I am to again meet with this Beast, as he names himself, in some nights hence.

Yours very truly
J.L. Reichl

South Bay HD Radio Woahs

Well it seems like the Kfog 10 at 10 HD2 station is now dead.  I have heard nothing for several days from the station and sent and email with no response.  That is sort of sad as I liked the station, even if it had a too shallow rotation of programs.  They played full programs of the 10 at 10 radio program.  These are about a half hour to forty five minutes in duration.  They included various sound bites and whatnot.  The 70's and 80's ten at ten programs were my favorite but they were all good.

On a positive note the KOIT HD 2 station has switched over into its holiday mode.  That is pretty fun if you need getting into the mood.  They should be playing more of the fun right now and get more serious as the season wears on.  They will switch back sometime around the 16th when their standard station takes on the Christmas tunes.  Krampus would be happy with the music.  My one quibble here is they have a huge Christmas library and you often here some odd ball versions of songs.  At least for now I would prefer the definitive versions of each song.  Peggy Lee is always going to be my preference over Amy Grant. for Rocking around the Christmas Tree.