Gary Gygax dies

http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/03/04/obit.gygax.ap/index.html

Some history: As a child, I wasn't interested in school. Quite frankly, it was too slow and boring. As for reading, what's the point. TV is better.

Then, one summer (between my 3rd and 4th grade years), my cousin from Washington state came to stay with our grandparents for the summer. He introduced me to Dungeons and Dragons (D&D). I was 8 years old. The books were for ages "12 and up". A lot of that rating had to do with reading level. Because my older cousin was interested, I was hooked. I discovered a reason to read. And I read up a storm. In 3rd grade I was in the middle/low end of the reading group spectrum. (Funny, they tried not to tell kids where they rated by calling the groups different colors. However, it was obvious when you progressed from one group to another, what the ranking was.) By the 4th grade, I was in the top reading group and never looked back. I would regularly be at the top of the top reading group. I attribute this change entirely to D&D. I believe my entire academic career was impacted by that important change.

Back in 1974 (the year I was born), Gary Gygax created D&D. If it weren't for him and his creation, my life would be very different. This complete stranger had a profound, positive impact upon my life. I am sad to see him go.

Aloha.