Archive for the ‘fun’ Category

100 Word Fan Fiction Part 3: Don’t Mention the War

Posted: May 27, 2026 by datechguy in fan fiction, fun
Tags:

Hogan smiled: “The Russians never got over the war, they held some German POW’s for decades they don’t pass on any chance for revenge.”

Kinch wasn’t convinced: “Colonal, even if we get a trial off the ground, there’s no guarantee the Soviets will let her out to testify.”

“Ah but if the case was failing & Marya was needed to secure a conviction, or extradition!”

The agent face lit up: “That’s true, they’d love to get their hands on any Nazi, the spectacle would play well with their public.”

“Justice for the victims of Stalag 13!” Hogan proclaimed.

Previously: The Still Faithful Short one Next Time: The Accused

100 Word Fan Fiction Part 2: The Still Faithful Short One

Posted: May 23, 2026 by datechguy in fan fiction, fun
Tags:

“She’s definitely on our side, I have no doubt” insisted Lebeau.

“Blimey 30 years later still singing the same tune” quipped Newkirk.

“Her house arrest could be staged”, noted Carter, and a brisk debate began.

“Wheather Marya is with us or not isn’t the issue, at least not yet”, said the intelligence agent, “The issue is how can we get her to West Germany without suspicion?”

“A Trial!” said Hogan with a gleem in her eye.

“A Trial sir?

“Yes Thomas A war crimes trial, to bring to justice that infamous Barbarian, Col Wilhelm Klink!”

Previously: A Reunion Interrupted, Next: Don’t Mention the War

Pintastic NE 2026 Videos of the Day The Last Day and Gabe

Posted: April 30, 2026 by datechguy in fun, pinball, special events
Tags: , , , ,

Well as the old saying goes all good things must come to an end and thus my run of Pintastic NE 2026 videos end on the final day of April with a pair of videos from Sunday morning.

In the old days of Pintastic I would generally stay till the very last pinball game was packed up and wrapped up and the main hall would usually be open till about twelve with a few paid people coming in to play some games on the cheep.

Not so much these days:

Of course in those days the machines from the extra ball lounge would be moved into the main room for the final day. Now they remain where they are and people go there to play while the woman’s tournament continues on.

But if there is one constant it’s that my interviews close with Gabe D’Annunzio the founder of the Pintastic feast.

This festival is the reason why there are now so many pinball options in the area that it’s no longer necessary to stay till the final game is packed up. A lot of people in New England have a lot of fun together because of this man and I hope folks remember this. I hope folks say a prayer or two for him in gratitude for all the joy he has brought so many.

And that concludes our Pintastic NE 2026 coverage. God willing and new job willing I’ll be back for Pintastic 2027.

The Pintastic NE 2026 Video roundup

Pintastic NE 2026 Videos of the Day: My Interview with Pinball Game Designer Steve Ritchie

Posted: April 29, 2026 by datechguy in business, entertainment, fun, pinball, special events
Tags: , , , , , ,

I was very fortunate that the great Steve Ritchie one of the greatest design minds in Pinball & Games and one of the most beloved members of the Pinball community was kind enough to give me time for a sit down interview on Saturday at Pintastic NE 2026.

Part 1

part 2

Some of you might be wondering why I break these into two parts. The primary reason is that my old Cannon Camera doesn’t record beyond 19 minutes at a time.

The logical question is why I don’t get a new one it’s because I like the thing and have been using it for over a decade and produces excellent video.

The 2nd logical question is why don’t I just edit the video into one, part of it is when I had the reputation as being “The hardest working man in the blogosphere” I would shoot so much video & attempt to get it up fast editing would take too much time but the other part is more basic. Back when I was reporting for money I made it a rule not to edit videos so that people who watched my material knew it was a true representation of what was said.

Given the choice of an edited interview or no interview the latter.is my choice. Given the choice of an edited video or no video give me no video.

Only broke the rule once for a catholic religious lady who let something slip for 2 seconds.

Bottom line, what you see is what was said.

Previously:

Older Entries
Newer Entries