I had all sorts of fun things to say today.

I wanted to talk about how cool our new car is, about how much I appreciate Gary, Ronja and Joel for taking us out for dinner and drinks last night, about how much we enjoyed 'The Grinch'.

But things have just conspired to piss me the hell off.

Anyone who's been around here for a while knows I play in several email role-playing games. I captain the Romulan ship S'task, and play the Ferengi ambassador on the starbase Horizon. Both of these games are part of a larger organization called the UFPI -- United Federation of Players International.

This organization has been through some rough times, and was run by the Command Board, which was made up of the CO and XO of each game in the system. These guys had the authority to make rulings, recruit members, change guidelines, etc.

There are a lot of benefits of being part of a large parent organization. It helps you get applicants, as new players are more attracted to places with a large existing player base. It also allows you to have a richer history and have crossovers and special interest groups. All of which appeal to geeks like me.

This morning, when I turned on my email, I found that the command board and the leadership board (an administrative group made up of one non-command member of each game) have been dissolved. In their place a new system has been installed where the XO's are part of a Command Group, the CO's are part of a 'Top Command Group' and three individuals form the 'Supreme Command Group'.

These three people include the ones who control the website, domain name and the original mailing lists. It was the email equivalent of a military coup. All say was taken away from the membership and those that they trust to run the UFPI for them.

According to the new bylaws, the 'Supreme Command Group' must ratify every decision made at every level, from changes to the membership handbook to promotions and recruitment. There is no recourse for complaint, and no way for anyone else to get a seat on the SCG.

And it was made quite clear that if we don't like it, we can get the hell out.

I'm sure there are some of you reading this who are saying to yourselves, 'It's just a game!'

You're absolutely right.

Did you know that today in Calgary, a high school student was repeatedly stabbed in the throat and died? By reports, it was in a dispute over $30 he owed a friend. A friend.

People need to get their goddamn priorities straight. It's a GAME people! There is no power there! It's like kids in a playground pushing other kids off the swings.

I think we're all just going to go find another playground.

One fun thing did happen today. At least three people at the paper today sent me this picture and caption:

The film crew and extras from Exit Wounds watch as an El Camino blows up Sunday afternoon on the Centre Street Bridge during retakes of scenes from the Steven Seagal movie. Traffic on the bridge was shut down on the weekend to accommodate filming.

No, it's not our El Camino. They could be brothers though...

You weren't grumpy yesterday.

How's the move coming along?

Take me home, big fella