| Chris's Battle Imp is |
 Irord |
Backstabbing: 1 Dodgin': 3 Guts: 3 Magic Mojo: 10 Smackdown: 4 |
Sunday, November 06, 2005
1976 Marvel Fun Book (Flickr)
You might be too young to remember the Marvel Fun Books, I barely remember this one myself. But this Flickr set shows some of the fun that were in the books. Enjoy.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/apelad/sets/1302533/ [via Boing Boing]
http://www.flickr.com/photos/apelad/sets/1302533/ [via Boing Boing]
Saturday, November 05, 2005
Energy Fiend: Death By Caffeine
How much of your favorite caffinated beverage will kill you? Take Death by Caffeine and find out. Share your results with us, if you dare!
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Juxtapoz Magazine
This is a follow-up to my posting about the Lowbrow/Pop Surrealism posting of yesterday. Mostly because I was asked about the art style and some of its proponents.
Let's start with Juxtapoz Magazine.
If you check out the Links Page, you can find some interesting links to artists of these particular styles.
And, last but not least....Robert Williams, the "founder" of Lowbrow art.
Let's start with Juxtapoz Magazine.
If you check out the Links Page, you can find some interesting links to artists of these particular styles.
And, last but not least....Robert Williams, the "founder" of Lowbrow art.
Welcome to Science Fiction and Fantasy Writing
Here’s an interesting resource for GMs, a good “how-to” writing resource is always a good thing. Online is also a plus for many. Just click here for the page, and leave some comments on how useful/interesting that you find it, so that other may be able to better judge this as a resource.
“Have you always harbored a secret (or not so secret) yearning to write? This course is designed to help you learn many of the skills you need to write successful science fiction and fantasy stories. You can use the skills you'll learn here in other kinds of storytelling, as well.
Whether you're trying to write for the first time, or have been at it for a while, you'll probably find some useful tips here. The course is intended mainly for younger (high school and middle school) writers, but it covers fundamentals you can build on no matter what your age.
You can choose between two approaches:
• Quick Launch – Grab a few suggestions and get started writing.
• Hyperspace – Learn in depth about the elements of successful story writing.
Switch between approaches anytime you want. You can follow the navigation bar on the left to any Hyperspace section that looks interesting.* However, the sections build upon each other, so there's a benefit to following them in sequence.
There are no rules, exactly. But we do have what you might call guidelines. And that's to have fun writing!”
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Testing Blogger For Word
So, now I can post to my blog by writing the post up in Word first, and then publishing it to Blogger. This, of course, would be my test post to see if it will in fact work.
Dorky, huh?
Dorky, huh?
Seattlest Interview: Kirsten Anderson, founder and owner of Roq La Rue Gallery
"In 1996, Kirsten Anderson opened an issue of Juxtapoz and fell for an art movement. Two years later, she founded Roq La Rue, Seattle’s first art gallery devoted to Lowbrow and Pop Surrealism. Last year Anderson literally wrote (and edited) the book on Pop Surrealism, sensically titled Pop Surrealism. And last month Roq La Rue moved into its fourth space -- the largest yet -- just in time for its annual Halloween group exhibit and a book signing by Robert "godfather of Lowbrow" Williams. (You're invited. This Friday evening. We'll remind you.) Seattlest has enjoyed every show we’ve seen at Roq La Rue -- and Anderson's blog, Thumbmonkey -- so we were very pleased when she agreed to let us interview her."
Why did I blog this entry (particularly after my extended family emergency related "vacation" from updating the blog)? Probably because I found the concept of Pop Surrealism interesting. And I am sure that somebody else out there might too.
From the interview: "The Pop Surrealism/Lowbrow movement was spawned in the 60's, with the rise of the underground comix scene as well as the outlaw biker/hotrod scene. Robert Williams was an artist working within both genres as well as doing 'fine art' -- paintings that were shown in galleries and being taken seriously as "art". A generation of mainly southern california artists became inspired by him and started painting things that were in their personal experience -- usually relating to subcultural lifestyles such as hot rod, tattoo, tiki,lounge and kitsch nostalgia. A magazine called Juxtapoz (founded by Williams) was started and showcased the work of these artists and the mantle of 'Lowbrow' was adopted."
Enjoy.
Why did I blog this entry (particularly after my extended family emergency related "vacation" from updating the blog)? Probably because I found the concept of Pop Surrealism interesting. And I am sure that somebody else out there might too.
From the interview: "The Pop Surrealism/Lowbrow movement was spawned in the 60's, with the rise of the underground comix scene as well as the outlaw biker/hotrod scene. Robert Williams was an artist working within both genres as well as doing 'fine art' -- paintings that were shown in galleries and being taken seriously as "art". A generation of mainly southern california artists became inspired by him and started painting things that were in their personal experience -- usually relating to subcultural lifestyles such as hot rod, tattoo, tiki,lounge and kitsch nostalgia. A magazine called Juxtapoz (founded by Williams) was started and showcased the work of these artists and the mantle of 'Lowbrow' was adopted."
Enjoy.
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Boing Boing: Anti-MMORPG ads from D&D
I think I have to agree with Boing Boingers on this one. Never thought that I would see an ad like this. Go to the Boing Boing site for the direct link to the jpg file.
Boing Boing: Anti-MMORPG ads from D&D
"This anti-MMORPG ad from Dungeons and Dragons is STONE BRILLIANT. It reads 'If you're going to sit in your basement pretending to be an elf, you should at least have some friends over to help. Dungeons and Dragons: Get together. Roll some Dice. Have Fun.' Way to play to your core strength."
Boing Boing: Anti-MMORPG ads from D&D
"This anti-MMORPG ad from Dungeons and Dragons is STONE BRILLIANT. It reads 'If you're going to sit in your basement pretending to be an elf, you should at least have some friends over to help. Dungeons and Dragons: Get together. Roll some Dice. Have Fun.' Way to play to your core strength."
Welcome to Dime Novels
It's been a while, but I am back with an update of some new Dorkiness for all of you. Nothing has really gotten by attention for a while, but this was pretty good:
Welcome To Dime Novels
"Stanford's Dime Novel and Story Paper Collection consists of over 8,000 individual items, and includes long runs of the major dime novel series (Frank Leslie's Boys of America, Happy Days, Beadle's New York Dime Library, etc.) and equally strong holdings of story papers like the New York Ledger and Saturday Night.
"Both genres flourished from the middle to the close of the 19th century in America and England (where the novels were known as "penny dreadfuls"), and benefited from three mutually reinforcing trends: the vastly increased mechanization of printing, the growth of efficient rail and canal shipping, and ever-growing rates of literacy.
"The dime novels were aimed at youthful, working-class audiences and distributed in massive editions at newsstands and dry goods stores. Though the phrase conjures up stereotyped yarns of Wild West adventure, complete with lurid cover illustration, many other genres were represented: tales of urban outlaws, detective stories, working-girl narratives of virtue defended, and costume romances.
"Story papers, weekly eight-page tabloids, covered much the same ground, but often combined material and themes to appeal to the whole family. The chief among them had national circulations greater than any other newspaper or magazine, some reaching 400,000 copies sold per issue. Unlike the dime novels, which generally confine illustration to the cover, the story papers integrate text and illustration (in the form of wood engravings) throughout.
"You might wish to begin your exploration of Dime Novels by taking one of our guided tours, by browsing the collection's images, or by reading one of the Dime Novel texts
Welcome To Dime Novels
"Stanford's Dime Novel and Story Paper Collection consists of over 8,000 individual items, and includes long runs of the major dime novel series (Frank Leslie's Boys of America, Happy Days, Beadle's New York Dime Library, etc.) and equally strong holdings of story papers like the New York Ledger and Saturday Night.
"Both genres flourished from the middle to the close of the 19th century in America and England (where the novels were known as "penny dreadfuls"), and benefited from three mutually reinforcing trends: the vastly increased mechanization of printing, the growth of efficient rail and canal shipping, and ever-growing rates of literacy.
"The dime novels were aimed at youthful, working-class audiences and distributed in massive editions at newsstands and dry goods stores. Though the phrase conjures up stereotyped yarns of Wild West adventure, complete with lurid cover illustration, many other genres were represented: tales of urban outlaws, detective stories, working-girl narratives of virtue defended, and costume romances.
"Story papers, weekly eight-page tabloids, covered much the same ground, but often combined material and themes to appeal to the whole family. The chief among them had national circulations greater than any other newspaper or magazine, some reaching 400,000 copies sold per issue. Unlike the dime novels, which generally confine illustration to the cover, the story papers integrate text and illustration (in the form of wood engravings) throughout.
"You might wish to begin your exploration of Dime Novels by taking one of our guided tours, by browsing the collection's images, or by reading one of the Dime Novel texts
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Coolest eBay Auction Evar!
"1950s SOVIET SPACE MONKEY'S FLIGHT PANTS
"It's offered to your attention the 'space pants' for macaque small monkey to wear it during the experimental space flight. This pants has been used for animals (monkeys) experiments in 1950s - 1960s in the USSR Institute of Biomedical Problems (IMBP, Moscow). The monkey's 'space pants' are designed with many clasps to fit bigger or smaller monkey."
1950s Soviet Space Monkey's Flight Pants
I have no idea why this didn't sell. Its a bargain at half the price.
"It's offered to your attention the 'space pants' for macaque small monkey to wear it during the experimental space flight. This pants has been used for animals (monkeys) experiments in 1950s - 1960s in the USSR Institute of Biomedical Problems (IMBP, Moscow). The monkey's 'space pants' are designed with many clasps to fit bigger or smaller monkey."
1950s Soviet Space Monkey's Flight Pants
I have no idea why this didn't sell. Its a bargain at half the price.
Friday, September 09, 2005
The Library of Halexandriah
The Library of Halexandriah
"Halexandriah is a Synthesis of new physics, sacred geometry, ancient and modern history, multiple universes & realities, consciousness, the Ha Qabala and ORME, extraterrestrials, corporate rule and politics, law, order and entropy, trial by jury, astronomy, monetary policy, scientific anomalies, and a whole host of other subjects ranging from astrology and astrophysics to superstrings and sonoluminesence to biblical and geologic histories to numerology, the Tarot, and creating your own reality. It is an attempt at bridging of the Age of Pisces and the Age of Aquarius."
Click on the link...you know that you want to.
"Halexandriah is a Synthesis of new physics, sacred geometry, ancient and modern history, multiple universes & realities, consciousness, the Ha Qabala and ORME, extraterrestrials, corporate rule and politics, law, order and entropy, trial by jury, astronomy, monetary policy, scientific anomalies, and a whole host of other subjects ranging from astrology and astrophysics to superstrings and sonoluminesence to biblical and geologic histories to numerology, the Tarot, and creating your own reality. It is an attempt at bridging of the Age of Pisces and the Age of Aquarius."
Click on the link...you know that you want to.
Boing Boing: My Barbarian
Ok, I am back and I have a special treat of Dorkiness for all of you. Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you My Barbarian.
"If Gwar was a children's show, it might look something like Los Angeles performance troupe My Barbarian. Imagine a pagan musical theater production of a fantasy novel and you'll be ready to behold the magick. Of their video 'Unicorns L.A.,' my twisted pastel artist pal Barnaby Whitfield says, 'I'm in LOVE!' From an LA Weekly article:
My Barbarian call their brand of entertainment 'showcore,' which means a preoccupation with exhibitionism, masks, unicorns, choreography, flare and sass. New material like 'Tropical Vacation' and 'Unicorns L.A.' are equal parts softcore porn, Solid Gold dancers and junior high school dance team — a Kids Incorporated episode held hostage by queens. As such, My Barbarian are a revolution, so far ahead of anyone else on the scene right now in terms of humor and guts that many an audience member may be put off by their retarded/brilliant rock operatic fiasco."
The My Barbarian website.
"If Gwar was a children's show, it might look something like Los Angeles performance troupe My Barbarian. Imagine a pagan musical theater production of a fantasy novel and you'll be ready to behold the magick. Of their video 'Unicorns L.A.,' my twisted pastel artist pal Barnaby Whitfield says, 'I'm in LOVE!' From an LA Weekly article:
My Barbarian call their brand of entertainment 'showcore,' which means a preoccupation with exhibitionism, masks, unicorns, choreography, flare and sass. New material like 'Tropical Vacation' and 'Unicorns L.A.' are equal parts softcore porn, Solid Gold dancers and junior high school dance team — a Kids Incorporated episode held hostage by queens. As such, My Barbarian are a revolution, so far ahead of anyone else on the scene right now in terms of humor and guts that many an audience member may be put off by their retarded/brilliant rock operatic fiasco."
The My Barbarian website.
Sunday, August 21, 2005
Oxford to turn away child prodigies
Oxford to turn away child prodigies
"Yinan Wang, the 14-year-old Chinese boy who clinched a place at Oxford University last week, will be the last child prodigy to study there under reforms being considered by admissions tutors.
Despite an almost perennial flurry of headlines on children barely in their teens being offered places, the university is considering an unprecedented blanket rule on minimum ages for undergraduates.
"'The admissions executive is in discussions around whether we should introduction a minimum age of 17 for undergraduates,' confirmed Ruth Collier, a spokesperson for admissions to Oxford. 'We have been pushed to consider it, not because of concerns about whether it is psychologically healthy for children to study here, but because of child protection laws which have come into play this year for the first time.'
"Oxford is the only university in Britain that currently accepts undergraduates who are under the age of 17. Individual colleges decide which candidates they will accept as undergraduates, but Collier confirms that age is rarely, if ever, a factor.
"'It's up to each college who they accept, but if you're the best student for the place and are 14 years old, then the general attitude is "so be it",' said Collier. 'We have always said our policy is entirely non-discriminatory and we are proud of that openness, which we consider crucial to Oxford's ethos, but we have discovered this year that there are heavy costs in having that policy.'"
"Yinan Wang, the 14-year-old Chinese boy who clinched a place at Oxford University last week, will be the last child prodigy to study there under reforms being considered by admissions tutors.
Despite an almost perennial flurry of headlines on children barely in their teens being offered places, the university is considering an unprecedented blanket rule on minimum ages for undergraduates.
"'The admissions executive is in discussions around whether we should introduction a minimum age of 17 for undergraduates,' confirmed Ruth Collier, a spokesperson for admissions to Oxford. 'We have been pushed to consider it, not because of concerns about whether it is psychologically healthy for children to study here, but because of child protection laws which have come into play this year for the first time.'
"Oxford is the only university in Britain that currently accepts undergraduates who are under the age of 17. Individual colleges decide which candidates they will accept as undergraduates, but Collier confirms that age is rarely, if ever, a factor.
"'It's up to each college who they accept, but if you're the best student for the place and are 14 years old, then the general attitude is "so be it",' said Collier. 'We have always said our policy is entirely non-discriminatory and we are proud of that openness, which we consider crucial to Oxford's ethos, but we have discovered this year that there are heavy costs in having that policy.'"
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Star Frontiers dot com
This, my friends is old school gaming at its finest. Star Frontiers was one of the early SF games (after the Metamorphosis Alpha/Gamma World stuff...if you consider that to be SF). And now, thanks to the wonders of the internet most of the books are available in PDF and/or HTML. Download and enjoy.
Star Frontiers dot com
Star Frontiers dot com
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
You Got Your Domibia Games In My Seraphim Guard!
PRESS RELEASE
DATE: August 15, 2005
CONTACT:
Tim Huntley - Seraphim Guard, LLC. | tim@seraphim-guard.com | http://www.seraphim-guard.com
YOU GOT YOUR DOMIBIA GAMES IN MY SERAPHIM GUARD!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LA HABRA, CA - Domibia Games today announced that they have purchased the assets of Seraphim Guard, Inc., and are continuing business as Seraphim Guard, LLC. In addition, Seraphim Guard, LLC. has re-acquired the rights to the popular HeartQuest: Romantic Role Playing in the Worlds of Shoujo Manga line of role playing games.
As a result of this merger, Seraphim Guard, LLC. now holds sway over two of the first commercially published role playing games for the Fudge System: Gatecrasher, from Domibia Games, and HeartQuest, from Seraphim Guard, Inc.
Tim Huntley, of Seraphim Guard, LLC., could not be more pleased: "I'm so excited to have been able to pull this together. It took a lot of work, but the results were certainly worth it. With both Gatecrasher and HeartQuest under our belt, we've got an excellent starting lineup for the new Seraphim Guard." Seraphim Guard, LLC. plans to continue publishing the anime role playing games that Seraphim Guard fans know and love, and will also branch out into non-anime role playing games with continued support for Gatecrasher and other games. "The remainder of 2005 will see a huge re-release of the HeartQuest line," said Tim Huntley, "and 2006 should see the publication of Gatecrasher 2371, our completely rewritten and updated vision of that enduring setting."
For more information, please contact Tim Huntley via e-mail to tim@seraphim-guard.com, or see the Seraphim Guard, LLC. website at http://www.seraphim-guard.com.
##########
Seraphim Guard, LLC., is an Oregon company founded in 2005 via the merger of Domibia Games and Seraphim Guard, Inc. Seraphim Guard, LLC. is the publisher of the popular HeartQuest line of shoujo manga role playing games and the enduring Gatecrasher line of science fantasy role playing games.
DATE: August 15, 2005
CONTACT:
Tim Huntley - Seraphim Guard, LLC. | tim@seraphim-guard.com | http://www.seraphim-guard.com
YOU GOT YOUR DOMIBIA GAMES IN MY SERAPHIM GUARD!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LA HABRA, CA - Domibia Games today announced that they have purchased the assets of Seraphim Guard, Inc., and are continuing business as Seraphim Guard, LLC. In addition, Seraphim Guard, LLC. has re-acquired the rights to the popular HeartQuest: Romantic Role Playing in the Worlds of Shoujo Manga line of role playing games.
As a result of this merger, Seraphim Guard, LLC. now holds sway over two of the first commercially published role playing games for the Fudge System: Gatecrasher, from Domibia Games, and HeartQuest, from Seraphim Guard, Inc.
Tim Huntley, of Seraphim Guard, LLC., could not be more pleased: "I'm so excited to have been able to pull this together. It took a lot of work, but the results were certainly worth it. With both Gatecrasher and HeartQuest under our belt, we've got an excellent starting lineup for the new Seraphim Guard." Seraphim Guard, LLC. plans to continue publishing the anime role playing games that Seraphim Guard fans know and love, and will also branch out into non-anime role playing games with continued support for Gatecrasher and other games. "The remainder of 2005 will see a huge re-release of the HeartQuest line," said Tim Huntley, "and 2006 should see the publication of Gatecrasher 2371, our completely rewritten and updated vision of that enduring setting."
For more information, please contact Tim Huntley via e-mail to tim@seraphim-guard.com, or see the Seraphim Guard, LLC. website at http://www.seraphim-guard.com.
##########
Seraphim Guard, LLC., is an Oregon company founded in 2005 via the merger of Domibia Games and Seraphim Guard, Inc. Seraphim Guard, LLC. is the publisher of the popular HeartQuest line of shoujo manga role playing games and the enduring Gatecrasher line of science fantasy role playing games.
Wizards Of The Coast To Open Art Vaults To Public For First Time
AUGUST 15, 2005 (Renton, Wash.) - The eyes of the art world will be on Seattle this fall as a portion of one of the largest privately held collections of fantasy-themed art in existence is made available to the public for the first time in a Limited Edition art collection. Wizards of the Coast, a subsidiary of Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE: HAS) and publisher of the famed MAGIC: THE GATHERING Trading Card Game (TCG) and DUNGEONS & DRAGONS roleplaying game (RPG), announced today that it will sell Limited Edition art pieces from its expansive archives in the fall of 2005.
"The acclaimed work of some of the world’s top fantasy artists has long been available for public enjoyment in the form of 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 inch trading cards and as ancillary illustrations in game manuals. The debut of the Limited Edition Collection will provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for connoisseurs of fantasy art to acquire several celebrated pieces in full-size, collection quality format.
"'For over thirty years the fantastical, otherworldly art of DUNGEONS & DRAGONS and MAGIC: THE GATHERING has inspired the creative energies of millions,' said Laura Tommervik, Brand Manager for the Limited Edition Collection at Wizards of the Coast. 'Our archives are filled with more than 15,000 pieces of completely original, fantasy art commissioned for our games and novel lines during the last three decades. This limited sale of ten iconic pieces is a first of its kind for Wizards.'
"Ten select pieces of MAGIC: THE GATHERING and DUNGEONS & DRAGONS art will go on sale in early fall of 2005 with 250 artist signed and numbered canvases and 1,000 artist signed and numbered prints for each selection. Available exclusively via online sale through wizards.com, prices will range from approximately fifty to three hundred dollars each."
"The acclaimed work of some of the world’s top fantasy artists has long been available for public enjoyment in the form of 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 inch trading cards and as ancillary illustrations in game manuals. The debut of the Limited Edition Collection will provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for connoisseurs of fantasy art to acquire several celebrated pieces in full-size, collection quality format.
"'For over thirty years the fantastical, otherworldly art of DUNGEONS & DRAGONS and MAGIC: THE GATHERING has inspired the creative energies of millions,' said Laura Tommervik, Brand Manager for the Limited Edition Collection at Wizards of the Coast. 'Our archives are filled with more than 15,000 pieces of completely original, fantasy art commissioned for our games and novel lines during the last three decades. This limited sale of ten iconic pieces is a first of its kind for Wizards.'
"Ten select pieces of MAGIC: THE GATHERING and DUNGEONS & DRAGONS art will go on sale in early fall of 2005 with 250 artist signed and numbered canvases and 1,000 artist signed and numbered prints for each selection. Available exclusively via online sale through wizards.com, prices will range from approximately fifty to three hundred dollars each."
Old Comics Reborn
I remember Saint Germaine from the good old days of Caliber Comics (which would be from before the crappy later days of the company). The company put out some really good stuff once upon a time, and it is good to see that some of that stuff hasn't disappeared along with the company.
Sunday, August 07, 2005
Hugo Awards for 2005 Announced
Hugo Awards for 2005 Announced
"The winners of the 2005 Hugo Awards were announced tonight at Interaction, the 2005 World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon). Around 2000 people including many of the nominees attended this major event. Full voting figures for both the nominating and final ballots were released simultaneously and are available from Interaction's Web Site."
Best Novel: Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke
Best Novella: "The Concrete Jungle" by Charles Stross
Best Novelette: "The Faery Handbag" by Kelly Link
Best Short Story: "Travels with My Cats" by Mike Resnick
Best Related Book: The Cambridge Companion to Science Fiction
Edited by Edward James and Farah Mendlesohn
Best Dramatic Presentation, Long Form: The Incredibles
Written & Directed by Brad Bird
Best Dramatic Presentation, Short Form: "33" - Battlestar Galactica
Written by Ronald D. Moore and Directed by Michael Rymer.
Best Professional Editor: Ellen Datlow
Best Professional Artist: Jim Burns
Best Semiprozine: Ansible
Edited by David Langford
Best Fanzine: Plokta
Edited by Alison Scott, Steve Davies and Mike Scott
Best Fan Writer: David Langford
Best Fan Artist: Sue Mason
Best Web Site: SciFiction (www.scifi.com/scifiction)
Edited by Ellen Datlow. Craig Engler, general manager
John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer (not a Hugo Award): Elizabeth Bear
Special Interaction Committee Award (not a Hugo Award): David Pringle
"The winners of the 2005 Hugo Awards were announced tonight at Interaction, the 2005 World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon). Around 2000 people including many of the nominees attended this major event. Full voting figures for both the nominating and final ballots were released simultaneously and are available from Interaction's Web Site."
Best Novel: Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke
Best Novella: "The Concrete Jungle" by Charles Stross
Best Novelette: "The Faery Handbag" by Kelly Link
Best Short Story: "Travels with My Cats" by Mike Resnick
Best Related Book: The Cambridge Companion to Science Fiction
Edited by Edward James and Farah Mendlesohn
Best Dramatic Presentation, Long Form: The Incredibles
Written & Directed by Brad Bird
Best Dramatic Presentation, Short Form: "33" - Battlestar Galactica
Written by Ronald D. Moore and Directed by Michael Rymer.
Best Professional Editor: Ellen Datlow
Best Professional Artist: Jim Burns
Best Semiprozine: Ansible
Edited by David Langford
Best Fanzine: Plokta
Edited by Alison Scott, Steve Davies and Mike Scott
Best Fan Writer: David Langford
Best Fan Artist: Sue Mason
Best Web Site: SciFiction (www.scifi.com/scifiction)
Edited by Ellen Datlow. Craig Engler, general manager
John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer (not a Hugo Award): Elizabeth Bear
Special Interaction Committee Award (not a Hugo Award): David Pringle
Saturday, July 30, 2005
Things to do in SF when you're dead: Zombie Flashmob today
Things to do in SF when you're dead: Zombie Flashmob today
From the Boing Boing site:
"I received a message from the brain eating master today: 'We're trying to create a self perpetuating Zombie Mob in the streets of San Francisco on Saturday (Saturday, July 30th). A seed group of zombies will start at St. Mary's square, and as we march up Market St. we'll attack Willing bystanders, converting them and giving them ingredients to make more zombies.'"
see the linked site for more information, if you happen to be in the San Fransico area.
I challenge anyone to tell me that isn't geeky.
From the Boing Boing site:
"I received a message from the brain eating master today: 'We're trying to create a self perpetuating Zombie Mob in the streets of San Francisco on Saturday (Saturday, July 30th). A seed group of zombies will start at St. Mary's square, and as we march up Market St. we'll attack Willing bystanders, converting them and giving them ingredients to make more zombies.'"
see the linked site for more information, if you happen to be in the San Fransico area.
I challenge anyone to tell me that isn't geeky.
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Voltron Zooms To Theaters
Voltron Zooms To Theaters
"Producer Mark Gordon (The Day After Tomorrow) is developing a big-budget feature based on Voltron: Defender of the Universe, a 1980s Japanese animated series about a team of pilots whose individual ships combine to form a giant robot, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
"The film will follow the team as they travel to the planet Arus to learn how to operate Voltron, the last hope against the evil Drule Empire that has subjugated Earth and taken control of the universe, the trade paper reported. The film will be produced by New Line Cinema's Mark Costa and Ford Oelman, who secured the rights from Voltron owner World Events. Pharrell Williams, a partner in the producing duo the Neptunes, will score the film and produce the soundtrack.
"The Voltron series debuted in 1984, about the same time as Hasbro's Transformers toy line, igniting a morphing robot phenomenon. Voltron has generated $750 million in worldwide licensing and nearly $200 million in toys and merchandising since 1984, the trade paper reported. A Transformers film is also in development at DreamWorks."
"Producer Mark Gordon (The Day After Tomorrow) is developing a big-budget feature based on Voltron: Defender of the Universe, a 1980s Japanese animated series about a team of pilots whose individual ships combine to form a giant robot, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
"The film will follow the team as they travel to the planet Arus to learn how to operate Voltron, the last hope against the evil Drule Empire that has subjugated Earth and taken control of the universe, the trade paper reported. The film will be produced by New Line Cinema's Mark Costa and Ford Oelman, who secured the rights from Voltron owner World Events. Pharrell Williams, a partner in the producing duo the Neptunes, will score the film and produce the soundtrack.
"The Voltron series debuted in 1984, about the same time as Hasbro's Transformers toy line, igniting a morphing robot phenomenon. Voltron has generated $750 million in worldwide licensing and nearly $200 million in toys and merchandising since 1984, the trade paper reported. A Transformers film is also in development at DreamWorks."
Uproar grows over GTA sex scenes
Uproar grows over GTA sex scenes
"US politicians have stepped into the storm over secret sex scenes in the best-selling Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas game."
"US politicians have stepped into the storm over secret sex scenes in the best-selling Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas game."
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
Jim Aparo, 1932-2005
Jim Aparo also had the distinction of having been the longest running artist to ever work on the character of Batman. He brought a very distinct style and identity to the characters of the Batman Family.
Jim Aparo, 1932-2005
"Jim Aparo, a respected Silver Age artist perhaps best known for his work on the Batman character, has passed away, according to a press release offered to reporters on the family's behalf. In addition to work with the big-name character that made his dramatic style one of the most recognizable of the 1970s and 1980s, Aparo enjoyed significant runs with the Aquaman and Phantom Stranger characters, was the co-creator of the Batman and the Outsiders title, and was the penciler on the infamous 'Death in the Family' storyline. He worked at Charlton before heading to DC in the late 1960s."
Jim Aparo, 1932-2005
"Jim Aparo, a respected Silver Age artist perhaps best known for his work on the Batman character, has passed away, according to a press release offered to reporters on the family's behalf. In addition to work with the big-name character that made his dramatic style one of the most recognizable of the 1970s and 1980s, Aparo enjoyed significant runs with the Aquaman and Phantom Stranger characters, was the co-creator of the Batman and the Outsiders title, and was the penciler on the infamous 'Death in the Family' storyline. He worked at Charlton before heading to DC in the late 1960s."
James Doohan, 'Star Trek's' Scotty, dead - Jul 20, 2005
James Doohan, 'Star Trek's' Scotty, dead - Jul 20, 2005
"James Doohan, the burly chief engineer of the Starship Enterprise in the original 'Star Trek' TV series and motion pictures who responded to the apocryphal command 'Beam me up, Scotty,' died early Wednesday. He was 85.
"Doohan died at 5:30 a.m. (1330 GMT) at his Redmond, Washington, home with his wife of 28 years, Wende, at his side, Los Angeles agent and longtime friend Steve Stevens said. The cause of death was pneumonia and Alzheimer's disease, he said."
"James Doohan, the burly chief engineer of the Starship Enterprise in the original 'Star Trek' TV series and motion pictures who responded to the apocryphal command 'Beam me up, Scotty,' died early Wednesday. He was 85.
"Doohan died at 5:30 a.m. (1330 GMT) at his Redmond, Washington, home with his wife of 28 years, Wende, at his side, Los Angeles agent and longtime friend Steve Stevens said. The cause of death was pneumonia and Alzheimer's disease, he said."
Sunday, July 17, 2005
Creative Commons Humbug
An interesting take on the Creative Commons license.
Creative Commons Humbug
"Will someone explain to me the benefits of a trendy system developed by Professor Lawrence Lessig of Stanford? Dubbed Creative Commons, this system is some sort of secondary copyright license that, as far as I can tell, does absolutely nothing but threaten the already tenuous "fair use" provisos of existing copyright law. This is one of the dumbest initiatives ever put forth by the tech community. I mean seriously dumb. Eye-rolling dumb on the same scale as believing the Emperor is wearing fabulous new clothes.
"If you are unfamiliar with this thing, be sure to go to the Web site and see if you can figure it out. Creative Commons actually seems to be a dangerous system with almost zero benefits to the public, copyright holders, or those of us who would like a return to a shorter-length copyright law.
"I have sent notes to this operation and never received a reply, in case you're wondering. Meanwhile, according to its Web site, the Creative Commons organization has money from the Hewlett Foundation and the MacArthur Foundation. For what?"
Creative Commons Humbug
"Will someone explain to me the benefits of a trendy system developed by Professor Lawrence Lessig of Stanford? Dubbed Creative Commons, this system is some sort of secondary copyright license that, as far as I can tell, does absolutely nothing but threaten the already tenuous "fair use" provisos of existing copyright law. This is one of the dumbest initiatives ever put forth by the tech community. I mean seriously dumb. Eye-rolling dumb on the same scale as believing the Emperor is wearing fabulous new clothes.
"If you are unfamiliar with this thing, be sure to go to the Web site and see if you can figure it out. Creative Commons actually seems to be a dangerous system with almost zero benefits to the public, copyright holders, or those of us who would like a return to a shorter-length copyright law.
"I have sent notes to this operation and never received a reply, in case you're wondering. Meanwhile, according to its Web site, the Creative Commons organization has money from the Hewlett Foundation and the MacArthur Foundation. For what?"
Jeff's Gameblog: The Wraeththu Report
Well, Jeff bite the bullet and wrote a review. Enjoy....and hope that the man survived his encounter.
Jeff's Gameblog: The Wraeththu Report
"Colin Chapman started it. It's all his fault.Way back in August 2003 he posted a little item to the RPGnet forums entitled Most Pretentious and Artsy RPG Ever Created?: Wraeththu, starting a thread that exceeded 500 posts. Quickly on the heels of that thread, Wraeththu author Gabriel Strange (posting as gabby2600) ineptly responded with a thread of his own called Wraeththu: Bring on the Clowns. This was also a 500-response monster of a thread. Initially I joined in the guffawing dogpile upon Gabby and his antics, but somewhere along the way I became obsessed with finding out more about the actual game hidden under all the internet gibbering. I started routinely checking up on the official Wraeththu rpg website, stopping by the official messageboards occasionally, sometimes reading the blog of the primary author, and scouring Google for more information. I used the Illinois interlibrary loan system to get a copy of the novels upon which the game is based. (I only made it about 75 pages in before I had to return the book.) Eventually I was so fascinated with the development of the Wraeththu rpg that I started several RPGnet threads of my own: A Wreaththu Thread, Wraeththu: more sample pages (featuring Andy Kitowski's Spulturatorah! rpg), A Brief Wraeththu Update, and Wraeththu RPG on eBay. Once I even edited the Wraeththu entry at Wikipedia to include a missing piece of information.
"Worst of all, I just couldn't stop blogging about this game."
Jeff's Gameblog: The Wraeththu Report
"Colin Chapman started it. It's all his fault.Way back in August 2003 he posted a little item to the RPGnet forums entitled Most Pretentious and Artsy RPG Ever Created?: Wraeththu, starting a thread that exceeded 500 posts. Quickly on the heels of that thread, Wraeththu author Gabriel Strange (posting as gabby2600) ineptly responded with a thread of his own called Wraeththu: Bring on the Clowns. This was also a 500-response monster of a thread. Initially I joined in the guffawing dogpile upon Gabby and his antics, but somewhere along the way I became obsessed with finding out more about the actual game hidden under all the internet gibbering. I started routinely checking up on the official Wraeththu rpg website, stopping by the official messageboards occasionally, sometimes reading the blog of the primary author, and scouring Google for more information. I used the Illinois interlibrary loan system to get a copy of the novels upon which the game is based. (I only made it about 75 pages in before I had to return the book.) Eventually I was so fascinated with the development of the Wraeththu rpg that I started several RPGnet threads of my own: A Wreaththu Thread, Wraeththu: more sample pages (featuring Andy Kitowski's Spulturatorah! rpg), A Brief Wraeththu Update, and Wraeththu RPG on eBay. Once I even edited the Wraeththu entry at Wikipedia to include a missing piece of information.
"Worst of all, I just couldn't stop blogging about this game."
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