Cuparius.com

On Saturday I saw O Brother, Where Art Thou? Daniel had been urging me to watch it for some time. I lack the time to write an extensive review, so I shall simply advise you to watch it. It was better than I predicted, although I ought to know better than to underestimate the Coen brothers. Clooney, I admit, was the dissuading factor, but he was actually good. I think I might even watch the DVD again before I have to return it to the library. Yes, it was that entertaining.

I attended Kelly's Oscar party Sunday night, not from any desire to watch the Academy Awards (of which I have always been an opponent), but actually just to be with friends, some of whom I haven't seen in six months, and also to have breakfast that morning at Angelo's. Like everyone else, I filled out an award prediction ballot despite not having seen any of the films that were nominated for the highest profile awards (except for Keira Knightley's nomination as Best Actress for Pride & Prejudice). I think I had the lowest score -- 5 correct out of 24 categories. I am proud to be out of touch with Hollywood. At any rate, the party was fun and it was nice to see old friends again. I need to visit Ann Arbor more frequently. Hm... Did I include that as a resolution?

Bad news seeks to provide a counterbalance, and in this case it means my discovery on Sunday that one of the best game & comic book stores I have ever patronized is no more. Underworld Comics had a tremendous selection of new and used role-playing games and board games. Going to Underworld was one of the highlights of being in Ann Arbor, and I was dismayed to find that the space it had inhabited near Pinball Pete's was vacant. There was no sign to indicate its move to a new location. The Web site still exists (for now), but it still lists the old address, and the e-mail I sent was returned unread. When a Favorite Local Game Shop (FLGS) disappears, it is a sad day for the hobby and the gaming community. I hope another shop (or two) fills the void, and I further hope that it wasn't the failure of the gaming community to support Underworld that led to its demise, but rather circumstances unrelated to the market. I hate to end an update on that note, but may Underworld rest in peace... unless reanimation is an option.