Openers: The Hobbit: There and Back Again, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring – Trick-Taking Game Although it's true that episode #250 is a milestone, this podcast passed that some time ago. Between all of the extra episodes for BGGcons and Mark Madnesses, plus the occasional double-episodes in the old days, I don't know how many podcasts have actually been released. (My podcast host Libsyn says it's almost 400.) So this isn't an anniversary episode, just another "regular" one where I share some thoughts about games & the hobby overall. Although I missed EsCon in January (and Gulf Games last summer) due to illness, I still managed to play a bunch of games last month, including several at SoCal Games Day. I've described this event before. This was the 94th one of those, and I have a special fondness for them…maybe more than they even deserve! In the podcast I forgot to mention how they offer me the chance to play with my regular friends, and also other gamer friends that I don't see as often. Besides the games, part of the day was going out to lunch at an Italian deli and just talking. Can't believe I forgot to mention that! Closer: More comments & griping from me about how there aren't enough boardgames that are really about their subject matter. I think of this most of all when I'm visiting somewhere, and I wish there was a game I could play & learn/appreciate my vacation more. -Mark