There are a few geeky things that float around amongst my friends that I've enjoyed hearing about, but avoided getting sucked into: professional mathematics, World of Warcraft, nethack, database/network administrating, starcraft, chess, etc.
Either because they seem seductive, and would EAT MY LIFE (TM), or because they seem TOO SAD EVEN FOR ME (TM) :)
One of these is Magic: the Gathering, one of the original trading card games. I'm embarrassed there's something really fascinating about it, but there really are many fascinating ideas: a large ruleset you can enjoy hacking if you enjoy that sort of thing, both within and without the intent; pretty pictures cleverly welded to rules design; low effort open-ended socialising.
The point being, there is apparently a prerelease of the next set in Cambridge. So I'm inclined to start doing magic things for a bit, until I get it out of my system. And at a prerelease, obviously (I say with a carefully straight face), is the perfect environment to join, as no-one else knows what the new cards do either :) And with a few cards, I can go along to Alex's sometimes.
Does anyone know Inner Sanctum Collectables? Do I know anyone intending on going?
Either because they seem seductive, and would EAT MY LIFE (TM), or because they seem TOO SAD EVEN FOR ME (TM) :)
One of these is Magic: the Gathering, one of the original trading card games. I'm embarrassed there's something really fascinating about it, but there really are many fascinating ideas: a large ruleset you can enjoy hacking if you enjoy that sort of thing, both within and without the intent; pretty pictures cleverly welded to rules design; low effort open-ended socialising.
The point being, there is apparently a prerelease of the next set in Cambridge. So I'm inclined to start doing magic things for a bit, until I get it out of my system. And at a prerelease, obviously (I say with a carefully straight face), is the perfect environment to join, as no-one else knows what the new cards do either :) And with a few cards, I can go along to Alex's sometimes.
Does anyone know Inner Sanctum Collectables? Do I know anyone intending on going?