usenet newsgroup

i use thunderbird as my newsreader, though there are many other fine programs to use. you need to configure the software first, which is pretty easy to do if you use a non-web-based email client. or if you don't want to try, you can use google groups, though like other web-based email clients, the interface is pretty wasteful.

rec.games.dnd

the dungeons and dragons game, both the official content as well as campaigns and designs based on open game license.

rec.arts.comics.marvel.xbooks

the group of comics books from marvel comics that are within the X-Men family of comics, as well as characters that are considered mutants or subjects related to mutants. racmx was split from the other group below, racmu, due to the amount of traffic it has as being distinct enough.

rec.arts.comics.marvel.universe

these comics books from marvel comics that are not within the previous group, the "rest of them".

rec.arts.tv

for discussion of television shows. while some folks also talk about cable/satelite shows, I only discuss what is OTA, "Over The Air", as I don't want to pay for tv programming, and from what I do catch of the other shows, I can do without them or wait until they come out on DVD.

rec.autos.sports.nascar

i must confess, i am a fan of NASCAR racing, and watch all the race i can, usually only the ones that are broadcasted OTA, as i don't have cable/staellite.

soc.sexuality.moderated

while i do not claim to be an expert at sexuality, i do have some good opinions and arguemts. i enjoy the discussion and insight that the folks have. this is the only newsgroup that i frequent that has a moderator. normally i don't like moderated groups as they often time sseem stagnant or discussion is pissed on, but here, the moderators are pretty good at just keeping the immature/pedantic folks under wraps. i haven't posted that often.

comp.database.filemaker

the database that I run my personal and professional work on is filemaker pro. it's great. very easy to implement and design, but can be very complex. it cost about 80% cheaper to develop a database, as compared to others like access or oracle, but can do nearly 90% of what those big bloated data systems can do.

alt.harry-potter

i have been pretty fond of the harry potter books and movies. not so great as some other authors, but this group of folks here are good for conversation. the mix of ages and amature and seasoned readers here makes the talks pretty dynamic.

web forums

portableapps.com

john t haller designs and distributes open-source portable applications. these are apps that can be run solely on one usb key, and used at any other computer without leaving a trace on that computer. not that i want to do anything nefarious . i like how these programs can be kept on my 4 gb sandisk cruzer titanium usb key, so i can keep my thunderbird and firefox settings with me on any computer, but i've been also adding the other programs as well, the folks here are pretty canny.

order of the stick

the order of the stick is a great webcomic that i have been reading for quite a while. the discussion here is pretty fun, as many of the folks also play dungeons and dragons. you can read the webcomic as well, as new strips come out, two or three times a week or start at the very beginning. the strips are also collected in softcover books, which can be purchased online from the Giant or from other places.

redvsblue.com

red versus blue ... oh. my. goodness. this machina is based off of halo, the fps (first person shooter) game. machina uses the games system and environments, and with clever programmers modifying it, and adding their own dialogue, create mini-movies. it. is. hilarious. seriously, you should go there. the various seasons are also collected in dvd format and available for purchase at their website or from amazon.com where I got them. i am not a subscriber, so i have to wait for the low-res versions, until I buy the dvds.

dundjinni.com

one of the best mapping programs that i have seen in a really long time. inexpensive, but very versatile. the forum here has awesome folks who freely distribute their works, and the dunjinni teams are active participats as well, which is good for support questions.

This is for the newsgroups, discussion forums, and my sigs and improdis listing, if I can find it. If you were looking for my poetry, it is in the library.