G-Manicus

Never learned to skate. Used to play "street hockey" just about every day when I was a kid.

Mine: #1 Augustus #2 Cato Maior #3 Seneca #4 Iulius Caesar Um .... huh???

Happy birthday, MPC. I would have bought you a really nice expensive present, but I know how you Stoics are about material goods!

*pictures MPC racing downstairs in his feet pajamas this morning to see what the "Liberator Fairy" left under his Ides-mas tree for him*

Appears some of you haven't actually seen"Empire" yet! LOL!

Happy birthday, Mal!

... but I almost totally quit for the (OMG) 12+ years of my education and early career incarceration in prison. [/fixed for MPC]

No. But I coach lacrosse, baseball, and basketball.

Happy birthday, PP! (I have sacrificed an ox in your honor and the omens point to a joyous day for you filled with much beer)

I agree. Engineering an Empire is great. I've got practically the whole series saved on one of my Tivos upstairs. It's one of those shows where if I'm just flipping through the channels and I come across it ... that's it, I'm in for the duration. Also agree on Peter Weller. Reminds me of my Ancient Civilizations professor who for the last class before final exams would take us out to a local pub for an afternoon of "Beer and Byzantium" :-)

Maybe it was cold outside. Shrinkage?

Happy birthday, big guy dude!

Monday 2/25/08 What the Romans Did for Us History International - 9:30 am Next showing: Building Britain New farming methods; planning of towns; plumbing. Wednesday 3/12/08 The Mummies of Rome Science - 2:00 pm The discovery of mummies near Rome shocks the scientific community. Friday 3/14/08 Ancestors of Ancient Rome: The Etruscans ID - 6:00 am Finds in Northern Italy reveal the story of Europe's first superpower. The Battle for Rome Military Channel - 8:00 PM "Revolution" Tiberius Sempronius Gracchus introduces legislation that gives land to poor people and angers conservatives. The Battle for Rome Military Channel - 9:00 PM "Caesar" Military tactician and politician Gaius Julius Caesar takes control of the government and spawns a civil war. The Battle for Rome Military Channel - 10:00 PM "Nero" The burning of Rome signals the onset of Emperor Nero Claudius Caesar's descent into madness. The Battle for Rome Military Channel - 11:00 PM "Revolution" Tiberius Sempronius Gracchus introduces legislation that gives land to poor people and angers conservatives. Saturday 3/15/08 The Battle for Rome Military Channel - 12:00 AM "Caesar" Military tactician and politician Gaius Julius Caesar takes control of the government and spawns a civil war. The Battle for Rome Military Channel - 1:00 AM "Nero" The burning of Rome signals the onset of Emperor Nero Claudius Caesar's descent into madness. The Battle for Rome Military Channel - 8:00 PM "Rebellion" Gen. Titus Flavius Vespasian returns from banishment to rule the Roman Empire. The Battle for Rome Military Channel - 9:00 PM "Constantine" Constantine takes control of a divided Roman Empire. The Battle for Rome Military Channel - 10:00 PM "Fall of Rome" Former mercenaries, the Visigoths, besiege Rome. The Battle for Rome Military Channel - 11:00 PM "Rebellion" Gen. Titus Flavius Vespasian returns from banishment to rule the Roman Empire. Sunday 3/16/08 The Battle for Rome Military Channel - 12:00 AM "Constantine" Constantine takes control of a divided Roman Empire. The Battle for Rome Military Channel - 1:00 AM "Fall of Rome" Former mercenaries, the Visigoths, besiege Rome. Monday 3/17/08 Who Killed Julius Caesar? ID - 8:00 am Using current technology and profiling techniques, experts reveal the facts of the infamous crime. The Battle for Rome Military Channel - 11:00 AM "Fall of Rome" Former mercenaries, the Visigoths, besiege Rome. The Battle for Rome Military Channel - 12:00 PM "Revolution" Tiberius Sempronius Gracchus introduces legislation that gives land to poor people and angers conservatives. The Battle for Rome Military Channel - 6:00 PM "Fall of Rome" Former mercenaries, the Visigoths, besiege Rome. Tuesday 3/18/08 The Battle for Rome Military Channel - 5:00 AM "Fall of Rome" Former mercenaries, the Visigoths, besiege Rome. Ancient Almanac History International - 11:00 am Next showing: Masada: The Last Fortress More than 900 Jews make a last stand against the Romans in 73 A.D. at the mountain fortress of Masada The Battle for Rome Military Channel - 12:00 PM "Caesar" Military tactician and politician Gaius Julius Caesar takes control of the government and spawns a civil war. Wednesday 3/19/08 The Battle for Rome Military Channel - 12:00 PM "Nero" The burning of Rome signals the onset of Emperor Nero Claudius Caesar's descent into madness.

Thursday 2/21/08 Rick Steves' Europe HDNET - 8:30 am Next showing: Provence: Legendary Light, Wind and Wine Roman ruins in Nimes; Avignon's papal palace; Van Gogh's Arles; the Rhone. Monday 2/25/08 We Built This City HDT - 6:00 am Next showing: London From Roman settlement to the center of the British empire, London is a city steeped in history. Saturday 3/1/08 Julius Caesar (1970) Faith TV - 8:00 pm Shakespeare's Mark Antony avenges the Roman ruler's death at the hands of Brutus, Cassius and others. Sunday 3/2/08 Ben-Hur (1959) TCM - 9:00 am An enslaved Judean prince meets his Roman betrayer, a former friend, in a chariot race. Wednesday 3/5/08 The Robe (1953) AMC - 3:00 am The red robe worn by Christ links a Roman tribune, his Christian lover and a Greek slave. Friday 3/7/08 Rome: Power & Glory Military Channel - 12:00 pm "The Rise" The founding of Rome; Etruscan culture; the establishment of the Republic Saturday 3/8/08 Rome: Power & Glory Military Channel - 5:00 am "The Rise" The founding of Rome; Etruscan culture; the establishment of the Republic Monday 3/10/08 The Beverly Hillbillies TVLAND - 1:00 am Next showing: The Great Cook-Off Jethro acts like a Roman emperor to impress Maria. What the Romans Did for Us History International - 9:30 am Next showing: Edge of the Empire Good communication skills were the key to the Roman military's success. Rome: Power & Glory Military Channel - 10:00 AM "The Rise" The founding of Rome; Etruscan culture; the establishment of the Republic Rome: Power & Glory Military Channel - 11:00 AM "Legions of Conquest" An amateur army grows into a major force; Hannibal's elephants; Caesar's onslaught against Gaul; Persia defeats Valerian. Rome: Power & Glory Military Channel - 6:00 pm "The Rise" The founding of Rome; Etruscan culture; the establishment of the Republic Rome: Power & Glory Military Channel - 8:00 pm "The Rise" The founding of Rome; Etruscan culture; the establishment of the Republic Rome: Power & Glory Military Channel - 9:00 pm "Legions of Conquest" An amateur army grows into a major force; Hannibal's elephants; Caesar's onslaught against Gaul; Persia defeats Valerian. Rome: Power & Glory Military Channel - 10:00 pm "Seduction of Power" Politics; Caesar rises from soldier to dictator; Augustus seizes the throne; dynastic problems leave the Empire reeling. Rome: Power & Glory Military Channel - 11:00 pm "The Rise" The founding of Rome; Etruscan culture; the establishment of the Republic Tuesday 3/11/08 Rome: Power & Glory Military Channel - 12:00 am "Legions of Conquest" An amateur army grows into a major force; Hannibal's elephants; Caesar's onslaught against Gaul; Persia defeats Valerian. Rome: Power & Glory Military Channel - 1:00 AM "Seduction of Power" Politics; Caesar rises from soldier to dictator; Augustus seizes the throne; dynastic problems leave the Empire reeling. Rome: Power & Glory Military Channel - 5:00 am "Legions of Conquest" An amateur army grows into a major force; Hannibal's elephants; Caesar's onslaught against Gaul; Persia defeats Valerian. Rome: Power & Glory Military Channel - 12:00 pm "Seduction of Power" Politics; Caesar rises from soldier to dictator; Augustus seizes the throne; dynastic problems leave the Empire reeling. Rome: Power & Glory Military Channel - 8:00 pm Next showing: The Grasp of the Empire Roman colonization; slavery. Rome: Power & Glory Military Channel - 9:00 pm "The Cult of Order" The slow disintegration of Rome; the economy falters; citizens turn to religious cults; the Roman Empire becomes divided Rome: Power & Glory Military Channel - 10:00 pm "The Fall" Invasions weaken Rome's grasp; Christianity draws strength; Constantine moves the empire's capital. Rome: Power & Glory Military Channel - 11:00 pm Next showing: The Grasp of the Empire Roman colonization; slavery. Wednesday 3/12/08 Rome: Power & Glory Military Channel - 12:00 am "The Cult of Order" The slow disintegration of Rome; the economy falters; citizens turn to religious cults; the Roman Empire becomes divided Rome: Power & Glory Military Channel - 1:00 am "The Fall" Invasions weaken Rome's grasp; Christianity draws strength; Constantine moves the empire's capital. Rome: Power & Glory Military Channel - 5:00 am "Seduction of Power" Politics; Caesar rises from soldier to dictator; Augustus seizes the throne; dynastic problems leave the Empire reeling. Rome: Power & Glory Military Channel - 12:00 pm Next showing: The Grasp of the Empire Roman colonization; slavery. Thursday 3/13/08 Rome: Power & Glory Military Channel - 5:00 am Next showing: The Grasp of the Empire Roman colonization; slavery. Ancient Almanac History International - 11:00 am Next showing: Ancient Mysteries: The Sunken City The Roman city of Ostia dies a slow, painful death. Rome: Power & Glory Military Channel - 12:00 pm "The Cult of Order" The slow disintegration of Rome; the economy falters; citizens turn to religious cults; the Roman Empire becomes divided Friday 3/14/08 Rome: Power & Glory Military Channel - 5:00 am "The Cult of Order" The slow disintegration of Rome; the economy falters; citizens turn to religious cults; the Roman Empire becomes divided Rome: Power & Glory Military Channel - 12:00 pm "The Fall" Invasions weaken Rome's grasp; Christianity draws strength; Constantine moves the empire's capital. Monday 3/17/08 The First Christians National Geographic - 4:00 am Christianity attracts many followers in its infancy; the faithful triumph over the Roman Empire.

According to Wikipedia, the photograph is of a model of the siege of Avaricum at the museum of the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Agreed. And interestingly enough, he'll probably never top his childhood performance in "Empire of the Sun." The greatest child acting performance of all time IMO.

You're not far from the truth. Apparently after making their way over the wall during the middle of the night, the Romans encircled the town from atop the inside of the wall. The townspeople massed together in a defensive square to prepare for a Roman attack, but one never came. The Romans just stood there and did nothing. After awhile the townspeople began to panic and, well, ... it kinda went downhill for them from there.

Wednesday 2/13/08 The Battle for Rome Military Channel - 10:00 am "Nero" The burning of Rome signals the onset of Emperor Nero Claudius Caesar's descent into madness. Friday 2/15/08 The Battle for Rome Military Channel - 10:00 am "Constantine" Constantine takes control of a divided Roman Empire. Saturday 2/16/08 Rome: Power & Glory Military Channel - 6:00 AM "The Rise" The founding of Rome; Etruscan culture; the establishment of the Republic Rome: Power & Glory Military Channel - 7:00 AM "Legions of Conquest" An amateur army grows into a major force; Hannibal's elephants; Caesar's onslaught against Gaul; Persia defeats Valerian. Rome: Power & Glory Military Channel - 8:00 AM "Seduction of Power" Politics; Caesar rises from soldier to dictator; Augustus seizes the throne; dynastic problems leave the Empire reeling. Rome: Power & Glory Military Channel - 9:00 am Next showing: The Grasp of the Empire Roman colonization; slavery. Rome: Power & Glory Military Channel - 10:00 am "The Fall" Invasions weaken Rome's grasp; Christianity draws strength; Constantine moves the empire's capital. Rome: Power & Glory Military Channel - 11:00 am "The Cult of Order" The slow disintegration of Rome; the economy falters; citizens turn to religious cults; the Roman Empire becomes divided Sunday 2/17/08 The Battle for Rome Military Channel - 4:00 AM "Fall of Rome" Former mercenaries, the Visigoths, besiege Rome. Saturday 3/1/08 Spartacus (1960) Cinemax - 6:30 am A gladiator slave leads a revolt in decadent Rome and attempts to lead his followers to freedom. Monday 3/3/08 Naked Science National Geographic - 5:00 am Next showing: Roman Technology Roman-created technologies. Thursday 3/6/08 Moments in Time Military Channel - 12:00 pm Next showing: Letters From the Roman Front Artifacts help to re-create the life of Roman armies.

While reading about Caesar's campaign in Gaul, I came across this model that somebody had made of the siege apparatus the Romans built at the Gallic stronghold of Avaricum: A truly amazing feat of engineering. They constructed twin terraces stretching across the open area to the town walls with a connecting structure between them. They then rolled their siege towers forward on the terraces and took the city. It took the Romans 4 weeks to build. I'm guessing it took the guy who made the model a little longer. :-)

"Alvin and the Chipmunks" Three lovable, musical rodents invade the world of an aspiring song writer and mayhem ensues.

Hey Tiki ...

We'll be seeing that play forever where Eli broke free from a sure sack and then heaved it downfield to Tyree who made what I think will come to be viewed as the greatest catch in SB history.

That was easily the most thrilling moment of my entire life.

Holy crap! Tivo is now putting out 30 days worth of listings! Monday 2/4/08 Smart Travels: Europe With Rudy Maxa HDNET - 8:00 am Next showing: Croatia's Dalmatian Coast Croatian coast of Dalmatia; Roman emperor's palace; tips on boating, food and driving. Monday 2/11/08 The True Story of Gladiators History International - 8:00 pm Ancient Roman gladiators are the sports stars of their day. History's Mysteries History International - 9:00 pm Next showing: Roman Roads: Paths to Empire The Romans engineer a stone-paved highway system across three continents. Roman Vice History International - 10:00 pm Roman funeral practices; secret societies; palaces of Nero and Tiberius. Tuesday 2/12/08 The Battle for Rome Military Channel - 10:00 am Next showing: Caesar Military tactician and politician Gaius Julius Caesar takes control of the government and spawns a civil war. Caesar and Cleopatra (1946) Turner Classic Movies - 8:00 pm The aging Caesar finds himself intrigued by the young Egyptian queen. Adapted by George Bernard Shaw from his own play. Based on the play by George Bernard Shaw. Thursday 2/14/08 The Battle for Rome Military Channel - 10:00 am Next showing: Rebellion Gen. Titus Flavius Vespasian returns from banishment to rule the Roman Empire. Friday 2/15/08 The Beverly Hillbillies WGN - 8:00 am Next showing: The Great Cook-Off Jethro acts like a Roman emperor to impress Maria. Caligula: Reign of Madness History Channel - 10:00 pm The Roman emperor's reign is a legendary frenzy of lunacy, murder and perverse sexuality. Monday 2/18/08 Quo Vadis? (1951) Turner Classic Movies - 10:30 am Emperor Nero burns Rome and puts a Roman commander's Christian bride in the arena with a bull. The Fall of the Roman Empire (1964) Turner Classic Movies - 1:30 pm Decadent Commodus takes over and plays god after the poisoning of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. The True Story of Hannibal History International - 10:00 pm Carthaginian military leader Hannibal brings the mighty Roman Republic to the brink of ruin. Tuesday 2/19/08 Scariest Places on Earth SciFi - 9:00 pm Next showing: Curse of the Roman Gladiators Ancient gladiators, who died in battle at the Coliseum, haunt the city of Rome today. Friday 2/22/08 Unsolved History Military Channel - 5:00 pm Next showing: The Roman Colosseum The Roman Colosseum is the ultimate ancient venue for the display of bloodsport. Colosseum: A Gladiator's Story Military Channel - 6:00 pm Computer graphics and dramatic reconstructions portray the glory of ancient Rome. Emeril Live Food Network - 7:00 pm Next showing: A Taste of Rome Roman recipes. Saturday 2/23/08 Gladiator (2000) Cinemax - 7:15 pm Condemned to arena fights by corrupt Roman leader Commodus, Gen. Maximus seeks revenge for his family's deaths. Superweapons of the Ancient World Military Channel - 12:00 pm Next showing: The Claw Greek genius Archimedes creates a secret weapon that plucks Roman warships from the sea. Tuesday 2/26/08 Cleopatra (1963) Cinemax - 2:55 am The queen of Egypt seduces Julius Caesar, but when he is killed, she uses Mark Antony as her new protector. Wednesday 2/27/08 Skeletons of Roman Ashkelon HDT - 9:00 am Archaeologists excavating the ancient city of Ashkelon find skeletons of 100 newborns.