This War of Mine is the hardest PC game I've ever played. I do not mean that it's difficult, although it is. I mean that some of the most heart-wrenching moments I've ever experienced in gaming occurred while I was playing it. This War of Mine is a fairly simple premise: you control a group…
OneNote search problems and how to fix them
With Kevin posting about video games, I figured I would post about computers, in a hilarious role reversal that may last as long as one post. As many of you may know, I am working on my dissertation. I use Microsoft OneNote to organize my digital notes for a few reasons. First, it saves everything…
The triumphant return (?) to UD, or Ten Years Later
While Kevin is in Louisville, I have been in Dayton. I was invited to give a lecture on Russia's fleet performance in World War I, and I enjoyed the experience. I also got to stick around for the Phi Alpha Theta induction; it was gratifying to see they had a ceremony and food and everything…
Putin or Hitler? The definitive primer
Many, many news outlets have broadcasted stories comparing President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin with Chancellor of the Third Reich Adolf Hitler. It strikes me that it might be useful to help people figure out the difference! The primer is simple: start from the top and work your way down. -- Is the person…
Theory of gaming: Twilight Struggle
When I originally set this up, I had this vision of taking you (virtually) through my games closet, introducing you to the various and sundry games within. It would culminate with Twilight Struggle. Then, I realized a virtual tour of a games closet is very difficult when you don't have the actual games closet. I…
An early contender for game of 2014 (for me)
Papers, Please, is a magnificent game. The premise is incredibly simple -- you are a border guard between two fictional countries during 1982. These countries are almost certainly Communist. Your job is to process passports and get people into the country or keep them out. If it sounds dull and repetitive, you're a foolish fool…
Hot off the presses: four hundred years is a long time
Today is the День народного единство (Day of National Unification) here in Russia. It celebrates the end of the "Time of Troubles." By the way, that phrase is one of the greatest understatements of all time. The Time of Troubles was a period lasting from 1598 to 1613 in which Russia basically coupled a civil…
Great game or… the greatest game?
This must be a thing. And soon!
Chechens are helping the Syrians in their Civil War
Hat tip to RFERL. Before you question the evaluation of the Chechens as the most effective Islamic insurgents, consider this: Russia first began war with them in 1994, under Yeltsin, and Russia actually borders on Chechnya, Ingushetia, and Dagestan, which makes it much easier to ferry troops, supplies, and equipment. According to the article, there are…
Ugly turn in the Syrian Civil War
A friend sent me this link. Okay, if Syria is using chemical weapons, that pretty much requires intervention, right? I get that the USA doesn't want to look like the bad guys, but we got involved in Libya for a hell of a lot less. I definitely think a no-fly zone is appropriate, if not something…
36 Chambers - The Legendary Journeys: Execution to the max! 