The second and final part of Asharae’s story has been posted.

Asharae - Part II

In case you’re living under a geek rock, let me sell this to you. Dr. Horrible’s Sing-a-long Blog. Neil Patrick Harris is a second rate super villain, Nathan Fillion is an egomaniac super hero named Captain Hammer (his fists are NOT his hammer, baby), and Felicia Day is the cute laundromat girl out to save the homelss that Neil Patrick Harris’s Dr. Horrible is in love with.

It is hilarious.

http://doctorhorrible.net/

If you need to be sold on it further, here’s the trailer:

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1004572358576&ref=share

So all the programming is out, and I’m overwhelmed. Once again, showing what I am interested in (though obviously since a lot of it overlaps, I won’t go to everything), and honestly, I’ve even not included things that in the past I might have been curious to go to. These are strictly the things I am eager for.

I was also surprised to see we (SOE) have some panels. Go SOE! There seem to be a lot more video game panels in general this year, though.

Friday

10:30-11:30 Spotlight on Max Brooks— America’s favorite zombie expert is a Comic-Con special guest for the first time! Author Max Brooks, whose groundbreaking work in the walking dead genre could possibly save your life some day (see his The Zombie Survival Guide), talks about his work and what’s up next for him. Room 5AB

11:55-1:00 Warner Bros.: Watchmen— A complex, multi-layered mystery adventure, Watchmen is set in an alternate 1985 America in which costumed superheroes are part of the fabric of everyday society, and the “Doomsday Clock”— which charts the USA’s tension with the Soviet Union—is permanently set at five minutes to midnight. When one of his former colleagues is murdered, the washed-up —- but no less determined —- masked vigilante Rorschach sets out to uncover a plot to kill and discredit all past and present superheroes. As he reconnects with his former crime-fighting legion—a ragtag group of retired superheroes, only one of whom has true powers —- Rorschach glimpses a wide-ranging and disturbing conspiracy with links to their shared past and catastrophic consequences for the future. Their mission is to watch over humanity…but who watches the Watchmen? Guest appearances TBA. Hall H

12:30-1:15 Spaced— Actor/creator Jessica Hynes (Shaun of the Dead), actor/creator Simon Pegg (Shaun of the Dead), and director Edgar Wright (Hot Fuzz) recall Spaced, the clever and edgy comedy series that started it all for the award-winning team behind Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz. Plus: Q&A session. (Look for the Spaced screening tonight in the same room at 10:15PM!) Room 6A

1:30-2:30 Joss Whedon— Joss Whedon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and the writers and cast of his new short film, Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog, will show never-before-seen clips while Joss also discusses Buffy Season Eight, the Fray crossover, and the upcoming Serenity comic focusing on Shepherd Book. Ballroom 20

2:45-3:45 Lionsgate and Odd Lot Entertainment: The Spirit— Writer/director Frank Miller and producer Deborah Del Prete are joined by film stars Gabriel Macht, Samuel L. Jackson, and Eva Mendes in unveiling an exclusive preview of the new film based on the classic comic by Will Eisner. Hall H

4:30-5:30 Vertigo: View of the Future— Vertigo is a more than a name. It’s the imprint that delivers smart, provocative, and edgy books. Be here to find out what’s in store for your favorite Vertigo titles as well as some major new projects that will be announced here for the first time! Hosted by senior VP—executive editor, Vertigo, Karen Berger, group editor Shelly Bond, and senior editor Will Dennis, this panel is not to be missed, especially considering the talent in tow: Brian Azzarello (100 Bullets, Joker), Mark Buckingham (Fables), David Lapham (Young Liars), Grant Morrison (Seaguy),—Matt Sturges (House of Mystery), Matt Wagner (Madame Xanadu), Bill Willingham (Fables, House of Mystery), G. Willow Wilson (Air), Brian Wood (DMZ, Northlanders), and others! Room 5AB

5:00-6:00 Mythology, Secret Societies and Lost Civilizations— A discussion of authors incorporating Atlantis, Angels, and Abel’s murder weapon into their fiction. Panelists include Alex Archer (Rogue Angel), Thomas Greanias (Raising Atlantis, The Atlantis Prophecy), Christopher Moore (Lamb, A Dirty Job), Thomas Sniegoski (A Kiss Before the Apocalypse), and Michael Spradlin (The Youngest Templar: Keeper of the Grail). Moderated by Maryelizabeth Hart of Mysterious Galaxy. Room 2

5:15-6:15 Entertainment Weekly’s The Visionaries: Filmmakers— Kevin Smith (Zack and Miri Make a Porno), Frank Miller (The Spirit), Zack Snyder (Watchmen), and Judd Apatow (Knocked Up) are the filmmakers who are redefining what it means to have power in Hollywood. Because their power is derived from delivering high-profile entertainment to a hungry mainstream audience and from cultivating a rabid, pseudo-religious fan following. Listen as they engage in a free-wheeling conversation on the movie business, their upcoming projects, and what it means—to them—to be a geek. Moderated by Entertainment Weekly and EW.com senior editor Marc Bernardin. Hall H

10:15-11:45 Spaced Screening— Actor/creator Jessica Hynes (Shaun of the Dead), actor/creator Simon Pegg (Shaun of the Dead), and director Edgar Wright (Hot Fuzz) introduce a special late-night screening of their favorite episodes from the edgy British comedy series that started it all for the award-winning team behind Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz. Room 6A

10:45-12:00 Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog— The story of a low-rent supervillain (Neil Patrick Harris as Dr. Horrible), the hero who keeps beating him up (Nathan Fillion as Captain Hammer), and the cute girl from the laundromat he’s too shy to talk to (Felicia Day as Penny). This musical in three parts, created for the Internet and written by Joss Whedon, Jed Whedon, Zack Whedon, and Maurissa Tancharoen, premieres in its entirety on the big screen at Comic-Con. Room 6B

Saturday

10:45-11:45 Heroes: Exclusive First Look at “Villains” and Q&A with the Entire Cast, Tim Kring, and Tim Sale— Heroes chronicles the lives of ordinary people who discover they possess extraordinary abilities. Watch an exclusive first look at “Chapter 3: Villains.” Moderated by co-executive producer/comic book writer Jeph Loeb, participating in a Q&A session with creator Tim Kring, comic book artist Tim Sale (Batman: The Long Halloween), and the cast: Jack Coleman (H.R.G.), Greg Grunberg (Matt Parkman), Ali Larter (Niki Sanders), James Kyson Lee (Ando Masahashi), Masi Oka (Hiro Nakamura), Hayden Panettiere (Claire Bennet), Adrian Pasdar (Nathan Petrelli), Zachary Quinto (Sylar), Sendhil Ramamurthy (Mohinder Suresh), Dania Ramirez (Maya Herrera), Cristine Rose (Angela Petrelli), and Milo Ventimiglia (Peter Petrelli). Hall H

11:00-12:00 IDW Publishing: Ideas and Dreams 2008— DW publisher Chris Ryall presides over a superstar panel including writer Joe Hill; artists Gabriel Rodriguez (Locke & Key), Ben Templesmith (Welcome to Hoxford), and Darwyn Cooke (announcing a surprise new project and offering up an exclusive signature card available only at this panel); writers Brian Lynch (Angel: After the Fall), Steve Niles (Epilogue), Rick Remender (Legion of the Supernatural), and David Lapham; actors Shawnee Smith and Ken Foree; IDW special projects editor Scott Dunbier, and others. And they all guarantee at least a few surprise announcements of things to come! Room 3

11:00-12:00 Watching the Watchmen— Author and artist Dave Gibbons (Watchmen) and Entertainment Weekly writer Jeff Jenson discuss the hugely anticipated Watching the Watchmen with the book’s designers Chip Kidd (Mythology, Jurassic Park, Batman Collected) and Mike Essl. Hear Dave Gibbons’ account of the genesis of Watchmen in this exclusive interview and Q&A session! Includes a presentation of rare material from the upcoming book. Room 7AB

11:00-12:00 Hellboy— Mike Mignola (Hellboy) and his long-suffering editor Scott Allie are joined by Josh Dysart (BPRD 1946) to talk and answer questions about recent events in the Hellboy books, the future direction of the series, and the first new comic Mike’s drawn in three years. Also, an announcement about the newest artists to join the team. Room 8

11:30-12:30 Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles Screening and Q&A— Back for a second year at Comic-Con, the producers and stars of this hit action-adventure drama will debut the trailer for season two and answer questions from fans during this one-hour session. Executive producers Josh Friedman (War of the Worlds), John Wirth (The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr.) and James Middleton (Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines) will be joined by returning series stars Lena Headey (300), Thomas Dekker (Heroes), Summer Glau (Serenity), Brian Austin Green (Beverly Hills, 90210) and Richard T. Jones (Event Horizon), as well as new series regulars Garret Dillahunt (No Country for Old Men) and musician Shirley Manson (Garbage). Produced by C2 Pictures in association with Warner Bros. Television, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles returns for a second season September 8 and airs Mondays at 8:00 PM ET/PT on FOX. Room 6A

12:00-1:00 Dark Horse Comics— Dark Horse director of publicity Jeremy Atkins and a host of Dark Horse editors and creators present a firsthand look at the future of comics. You will be given insight into the next chapter of the breakout hit series The Umbrella Academy, as well as a look at what the future holds for all of your other favorite series and characters. With exciting announcements and surprise guests, you won’t want to be anywhere else. Room 2

12:45-1:45 Exclusive Q&A with the writers of The Office— Meet the writers of the EmmyAward–winning comedy The Office and hear them talk about their favorite episodes, characters, and fun behind-the-scenes stories. Moderated by cast member Rainn Wilson (Dwight Schrute), panelists include executive producer/showrunner Greg Daniels (The Simpsons) and writers Jennifer Celotta (Andy Richter Controls the Universe), Michael Schur (Saturday Night Live), B.J. Novak, Lester Lewis (The Larry Sanders Show), Gene Stupnitsky (Year One), Lee Eisenberg (Year One), Mindy Kaling (Matt and Ben), Justin Spitzer (Scrubs), Ryan Koh (various commercials), and Anthony Ferrell (The Audacity). Room 6A

1:00-2:00 Dollhouse— When news broke that Joss Whedon was returning to television with a vehicle for “Buffy” alum Eliza Dushku, legions of fans around the world rejoiced. Although most will have to wait until January to learn more about the exciting new project, Comic-Con fans will hear it straight from Joss and Eliza in person! Ballroom 20

2:00-3:00 Warhammer Online— How do you take an entire universe with years of rich storytelling behind it and transfer it seamlessly—and in a compelling way!—to a new medium? EA Mythic’s Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning is giving the online gaming treatment to the celebrated Warhammer universe, and creative director Paul Barnett will talk about the challenges involved with satisfying the legion of Warhammer die-hards while also providing a solid and unique experience to MMORPG veterans. Room 2

3:00-4:00 Vertigo Voices Fables Forum— It’s the Fables forum with extras: Featuring the creators behind Fables, Jack of Fables, and House of Mystery: Vertigo group editor Shelly Bond is joined by Bill Willingham, Mark Buckingham, and Matthew Sturges. It’s a Q&A unlike any other, where you’d better come armed with your best questions, because all of the panelists are sure to be feeling giddy and very candid by day three of the big show. Room 7AB

3:30-4:30 Chuck Screening and Q&A— Chuck executive producer Josh Schwartz (Gossip Girl), co-creator Chris Fedak, and stars Zachary Levi (Less Than Perfect), Yvonne Strahovski (Gone), Joshua Gomez (Invasion), Sarah Lancaster (Everwood), Ryan McPartlin (Super Capers), and Adam Baldwin (Serenity) return to Comic-Con for a Q&A to discuss the People’s Choice Award–nominated action-comedy, and to screen an exclusive series highlight reel debuting new footage from the upcoming second season. Produced by College Hill Pictures, Wonderland Sound and Vision in association with Warner Bros. Television, Chuck airs Mondays at 8:00 PM on NBC. Ballroom 20

5:00-6:00 Oni Press Panelmonium 2008!— The most fun you’ll ever have at a panel! See what all the hubbub is about at indy comics powerhouse Oni Press. Get sneak peeks at upcoming projects, news on new Oni Press initiatives, and Q&A with some of your favorite Oni Press creators. Oh, and did we mention prizes? There’s going to be prizes and free comics, so come one, come all! It’s panda—er, Panelmonium! Room 3

6:00-7:00 Marvel: The Ultimate Universe Must Die!— The end of the Ultimate Universe is coming, and only these guys know how it’s going down. Join the men behind Ultimatum—writers Jeph Loeb (Ultimates and TV’s Heroes), Aron Coleite (Ultimate X-Men), Joe Pokaski (TV’s Heroes) and Joe Quesada (editor-in-chief)—as they reveal why this is the end. And you’ll never guess who’s returning! Room 6CDEF

10:00-12:00 World Premiere! Mutant Chronicles— Special “work-in-progress” feature film screening hosted by stars Thomas Jane (The Mist), Ron Perlman (Hellboy II), and Devon Aoki (Sin City). This is the first public showing in our hemisphere of this steampunk action-adventure. A disparate squad of former enemy soldiers undertakes a suicide mission deep into the seething heart of the otherworldly mutant scourge bent on human extinction. Unrated, uncut, unreal. Q&A with cast, director Simon Hunter (Lighthouse), and producer Edward R. Pressman (The Crow). Room 6CDEF

Tom and Steve stocked the house with burgers and hot dogs and chili for their B-movie-marathon this past weekend, so I cooked only for me and left me to cook lighter than I normally do when I am trying to feed both Tom and I (yeah, trying to feed a 6′5″ man and myself is an interesting balance). I put together this dish:

Garlic Lemon Shrimp and Brocolli

Ingredients

1. Lemon juice - fresh squeezed or from a bottle
2. Chopped garlic
3. Uncooked shrimp - fresh or frozen
4. Head of broccoli, chopped up to the size you’d like your clumps
5. Salt, pepper, and bay leaves.
6. Shredded Parmesan cheese.

1. Start steaming the broccoli. Sprinkle salt and pepper on the broccoli and splash a little olive oil on it, rub everything together.

2. Spill just enough olive oil into a small pan to cover the bottom, add chopped garlic, let simmer. Add enough water to give about 2 inches of depth, and then salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil. Add the shrimp. I used frozen, so I cooked it until the water boiled again and then for about 2 minutes after.

3. Once broccoli is steamed, squeeze lemon juice over it. Spread on plate, add shrimp to the mix and then squeeze more lemon juice on top. Finally, sprinkle Parmesan over the whole mix of it.

So far Thursday and Sunday have been posted, and I am very impressed. I think that the programming on what was usually more peripheral days has been getting better recently, probably due to a combintion of the increased desire to be there (resulting in more people on more days) and that Saturday programming has generally degressed into the biggest, most expensive displays. Obviously I haven’t seen this year’s yet, but there was very little I wanted to see last year on Saturday and what there was I didn’t feel like waiting in two hour lines for. So far, the things I am interested in:

Thursday

10:45-11:45 Reinventing the Page: Stan Lee and Grant Morrison Talk Virgin Comics— Two of the most important creators in the history of comic books team up to discuss the bold new frontiers being explored in the art of storytelling. Legendary creator Stan Lee (Spider-Man, Hulk, Iron Man, X-Men) shares his insights on the world of comics and presents never-before-revealed hints of his new superhero universe with Virgin Comics. Joining Stan is prolific creator Grant Morrison (New X-Men, All Star Superman, Final Crisis), contemporary comics’ most active mind, who will discuss his new Virgin Comics animated online series MBX while offering his own insights on comics and engaging with Stan in a once-in-a-lifetime conversation about the long history and boundless future of their beloved medium. Ballroom 20

11:00-12:00 Professional Writing: Threat or Menace?— Let’s talk writing, creativity, and selling (and selling out), and what the world of professional writing is like. Questions that you’ve always wanted to ask? Creative blocks bugging you? Wondered what the H*O*L*L*Y*W*O*O*D life is really like? Show up and get answers to those questions. This no-holds-barred talk is moderated by J. Michael Straczynski. Room 5AB

11:30-12:30 SPORE: One-on-One with Will Wright— Will Wright is best known for creating the SimCity and The Sims video game franchises, the latter of which has sold more than 100 million games to date. In 2007, he was given the Vanguard Award from the Producer’s Guild of America, making him the first person in the videogame industry to receive such an honor. Wright’s next video game, SPORE, is scheduled for release on September 7. Join Will Wright for his first-ever appearance at Comic-Con! Room 6CDEF

12:00-1:00 How Not to Break into Comics— There have been countless articles and panels on how to break into comics, but very few on how not to. Randal C. Jarrell (managing editor at Oni Press), Jennifer de Guzman (editor-in-chief of SLG Publishing), and other industry insiders discuss the common and often-hilarious mistakes people make when trying to pitch or get work in the comics industry. This unique inside perspective will help any prospective creator learn how to navigate the potential pitfalls that doom far too many in their attempts to break into comics. If you want to work in comics, you do not want to miss this panel! Room 10

2:00-3:00 Red Sonja: One-on-One— Robert Rodriguez (Sin City), Rose McGowan (Grindhouse), Doug Aarniokoski (2nd unit director, Resident Evil 3) and David White (Undisputed 2) are teaming up to bring back the red-headed warrior woman known as Red Sonja. Join Robert, Rose, Doug, and David for this one-on-one interview and Q&A session! Room 6CDEF

3:00-4:00 Spotlight on Bill Willingham— Both a master storyteller and an incredible artist, Bill Willingham has created a huge following for his books. His credits range from DCU’s Salvation Run and Shadowpact to the already classic Vertigo Fables and Jack of Fables and the new House of Mystery. Hosted by superstar Fables artist Mark Buckingham, this panel is sure to thrill! Room 2

3:00-4:00 Wizard’s First Rule— A first look at the upcoming action-adventure series Wizard’s First Rule with book author Terry Goodkind and show executive producers Robert Tapert (Xena: Warrior Princess), Kenneth Biller (Star Trek: Voyager) and Sam Raimi (Spider-Man). The one-hour weekly television show premiering late fall is inspired by Terry Goodkind’s bestselling epic fantasy series: The Sword of Truth. The story follows the journey of Richard Cypher, a simple woodsman, as he discovers the magical powers he holds within. With the help of a mysterious woman and a powerful wizard, he must use his newfound abilities to stop a ruthless tyrant from unleashing an ancient evil and enslaving the world. Join Terry, Rob, Ken and Sam for a moderated interview and audience Q&A session! Room 6B

3:30-4:30 Entertainment Weekly’s The Visionaries: Comic Creators— Jim Lee (All-Star Batman & Robin), John Cassaday (The Astonishing X-Men), Matt Fraction (Casanova), Mike Mignola (Hellboy), Robert Kirkman (The Walking Dead), Colleen Doran (A Distant Soil), and Grant Morrison (Final Crisis) are the writers and artists blazing a path into the future of comics. Coming from both the mainstream and the independent worlds, these men and women can provide unique insights into the comics landscape. Moderated by Entertainment Weekly staff editor Nisha Gopalan. Room 6A

5:00-6:00 Comics Experience: How to Write a Pitch!— Hosted by Andy Schmidt (IDW senior editor, GI Joe, Star Trek), panelists Mark Waid (BOOM! Studios editor-in-chief, Flash, Kingdom Come), James Lucas Jones (Oni Press editor-in-chief), Rob Levin (Top Cow Entertainment editor-in-chief), Chris Gage (The Authority, Invincible Iron Man), C. B. Cebulski (Drain, Wonderlost, X-Men: Divided We Stand) and Nick Lowe (Marvel X-Men editor) offer tips on writing pitches, pitching verbally, and getting your pitch read! Want to write a comic? Don’t miss this panel! Questions from the audience welcome. Room 30CDE

5:00-6:00 Looking at Our World: Eye on the Past— Authors discuss how they use and abuse history to inform their fictional stories. Panelists include Connie Willis (Passage), Jacqueline Carey (Kushiel’s Legacy), Max Allan Collins (Deadly Beloved), Peter David (Tigerheart), Naomi Novik (Victory of Eagles), and Jess Winfield (My Name Is Will: A Novel of Sex, Drugs, and Shakespeare). Moderated by Maryelizabeth Hart of Mysterious Galaxy. Room 8

6:00-7:00 Spotlight on Frank Beddor— Comic-Con special guest Frank Beddor, author of the best-selling “Looking Glass Wars” series, and creator of the Hatter M graphic novel, talks about the creation of his books, gives the story behind the story, and presents concept art from a wide array of artists who have visualized his text: Ben Templesmith (30 Day of Night), Doug Chiang (Star Wars), and Stephan Martiniere (I, Robot). He’ll reveal the new online game The Card Soldier Wars, show a special effects trailer for The Looking Glass Wars movie, and discuss how each of these mediums connect and extend The Looking Glass Wars universe. Room 5AB

6:30-7:30 Adventures in Game Development— Have you ever dreamed of making your own video game? Are you a writer with a great story? Is there a place in video games for a traditional artist? Or do you just want to get into the industry? Veteran designer Alex Jimenez (Battletanxs, Darkstalkers), artist David DeVries (The Monster Engine), and author Blake Hutchins (The Sword from the Sea) answer all your questions and take you inside the video game industry. Find out what it takes to break into this competitive but rewarding field. Attendees will also get a special sneak peek at the upcoming title Blueshift. Room 30AB

(Just to see what they say)

Sunday

10:30-11:30 Marvel: Women in Marvel— She-Hulk and Ms. Marvel are powerhouses in the Marvel U, now meet the real women powerhouses who work in Marvel Comics today! Writers Robin Furth (Dark Tower), Marjorie Liu (NYX), Sherrilyn Kenyon (Lords of Avalon), Jen Grunwald (editor), colorist Christina Strain (Runaways), and Occasional Superheroine’s Valerie D’Orazio are here to answer your question about their titles, announ

12:00-12:45 Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay— Comedy legends Harold, Kumar, and NPH (Kal Penn, John Cho, and Neil Patrick Harris) appear live and in-person ato talk about the creation of their latest masterpiece—Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay—available on DVD on July 29. Don’t miss the stars of this cult classic comedy franchise as they talk about their experiences making the films and the plethora of extras features on the DVD including “Dude, Change the Movie!” where the viewer decides what Harold and Kumar do next.

1:30-2:30 Rogue Pictures— Rogue Pictures presents select footage, key cast members, and filmmakers from its upcoming 2009 slate. Scheduled appearances include writer/director Wes Craven, discussing his suspense thriller 25/8, and writer/director David Goyer, discussing his supernatural thriller The Unborn. Ballroom 20

2:45-3:45 Virgin Comics: Grant Morrison and Deepak Chopra: The Spirit of the Superhero— The tradition continues! As Virgin Comics gears up to launch the new animated on-line series MBX, series writer Grant Morrison (New X-Men, Superman, Final Crisis) once again teams with best-selling author and Virgin Comics co-founder Deepak Chopra (The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, Buddha: A Story of Enlightenment) to talk…superheroes! Join the ongoing conversation investigating the id, ego, superego, and spirituality of the superhero—we’re talking social theory with sound effects, four colors fused with existentialism. Two of the greatest minds of comics and culture talking comics and culture—this is not to be missed!

2:45-4:15 Fraggle Rock— Help celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Fraggle Rock and learn more about this fall’s newest DVD release! Join Red—making a personal appearance—as she sneak peeks the DVD special features and some other DVD surprises!

3:30-4:30 Dave Gibbons— He’s the artist behind the cult classic Watchmen, one of the writers behind Green Lantern: The Sinestro Corps War, and the hidden genius behind countless other titles. We’re talking about Dave Gibbons. Be front and center when Dave talks about his art, his writing, and his love for comics. Moderated by DC VP–sales Bob Wayne, this program is not to be missed!

The first part of the June lore story, Asharae, is up on EQ2 players!
Asharae - Part I

Part II of “A Storm of Sorrow”, the newest Ethernaut tale, is up on EQ2 players!

A Storm of Sorrow - Part II

I started a topic to gather data from our player community about what sort of quests they actually like playing. As I anticipated, for the most part, people have said they like variety, but there has been some good discussion so far. I was also mostly interested to see if the perception that people really only want kill quests is true, as if that response were winning behind “variety”, I might up the amount of kill quests I put in. Similarly, there are certain types of quests I strongly prefer and like to implement that I am not sure if players actually enjoy doing, and so if those sort of quests got at least some votes, I’d feel justified in continuing to put them in. For example, “story/diplomatic quests”. Quests, in short, that mostly involve talking to NPCs and don’t involve killing. I am pleased to see that’s gotten a decent number of votes (far more than kill quests, though there are not enough responses yet to make a good case either way).

Anyway, if you want to chime in, the discussion is happening below.

http://forums.station.sony.com/eq2/posts/list.m?topic_id=421305

Got my Fan Faire room situation settled! Yay!

I came up with two dishes to have during a wine drinking getting together I hosted last night (that I am still feeling this morning…) that I thought I would share.

For our Cabarnet, I wanted to do something with gorgonzola and french baguette. So I took the baguette and sliced it up into about 1 inch think rounds. I then crumbled the gorgonzola on top and cut up a bunch of blackberries, mixing those up with the gorgonzola crumbles. I then took a blackberry syrup and drizzled it over the top. The result was pretty tasty and complimented the Cab well.

My second dish I didn’t actually get to eat myself because I’m a vegetarian, but for our Tempranillo I started with the recommendations that both olives and spicy sausage would go well with it. So I simmered some garlic and crushed red pepper in a very liberal amount of olive oil and then diced red and green peppers, and white onion, into very small pieces and added them to the garlic, red pepper, and olive oil mix. I then cut up the sausage (Portuguese Linguica) into small rounds and added that to the concoction and sprinkled some salt over the top. Letting that all cook together, I diced Spanish green olives and black olives and finally added those. It ended up cooking together for quite a long time because we had to go through Viognier (paired with hummus), Gurtzweiner (paired with fetuccini alfredo), and Fume Blanc (paired with brie cheese) before we moved onto it.

Once we got through all the wines and were thoroughly drunk we played Apples to Apples and Shout About Movies long into the night. It was a good time.