VillainTech » Anna Daugherty

Glorious, Glorious “Basterds”

Anna Daugherty — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 19:40:26 +0000

Perhaps my opinion stems from my love of Tarantino’s work so far, but Inglourious Basterds was easily the best film I’ve seen this year.

Inglourious Basterds

Starring: Brad Pitt, Diane Kruger, B.J. Novak, Sam Levine (“Freaks and Geeks” represent!), Christoph Waltz, and many more.

Rated: R (for violence, language, a brief (but hilarious) sex scene, and lots of Nazi-killin’.

IMDb Rating: 8.3
RottenTomatoes: 82%

The film is told in the standard five chapter plot that viewers have come to expect from Tarantino (see: Kill Bill). It begins in the Nazi-occupied French countryside, where a dairy farmer must choose between the safety of his family and revealing the whereabouts of a missing Jewish family.

From there, the film flash-forwards four years to 1944, to the last struggles of the war. Aldo Raine, played by the continually surprising Brad Pitt, gathers a team of very angry Jewish Americans to show the Nazis just how angry they are. There is some excellent violence, and, of course, the by turns funny and grave dialogue that audiences have come to love.

The film definitely kept me guessing. Just when I was busting a gut laughing, someone would be killed off, or a tense scene would be cut with something funny and I couldn’t help but laugh. I loved that I was never really settled into the movie. Another thing that I loved was that this film featured two very strong female characters.

The movie’s greatest strength was the acting. I mentioned that Brad Pitt was great, but Diane Kruger, who played a turncoat actress named Bridget Von Hammersmark, surprised me as well. She spoke German through much of the film, and when she switched to English she maintained a beautifully subtle accent. Not only is she stunning, her acting was remarkable. Even director Eli Roth, who plays the vengeful “Bear Jew,” was not as awful as I predicted!

But the actor who stole the show was Christoph Waltz as the “Jew Hunter” Hans Lander. He is the lead villain, not Hilter as I initially thought. He played the role brilliantly: frightening, perceptive, ironic, sardonic, and even humorous. He toyed with almost everyone in the movie, but in the end got what was coming to him. He won the best actor award at Cannes Film Festival this year. Expect him to earn a nomination, if not win, for Best Supporting Actor at the Oscars.

A great film, and one that I will surely be adding to my collection when it is released on DVD. I may even go to the theater to watch it again. It’s well worth the price of admission and then some.

You Too Can Cthulhu! – “A Time of Crisis”

Anna Daugherty — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 19:26:03 +0000

Once again, the good people at You Too Can Cthulhu! allowed me to sit in on a few of their events. An awesome time was had by all.

The first event I attended was a brand new campaign this year entitled, “A Time of Crisis.” It takes place in Revolutionary France, where the head of the Committee for Public Safety has collected a team of individuals to track down a formerly well-respected doctor and philosopher. The team travels to a picturesque village, chasing the now mad doctor to arrest him, but find unspeakable horrors instead.

Six players participated in the campaign, including an actual medical doctor and his bookish companion, a coquettish spy, a ladykilling (allegedly) actor, a former soldier, and a no-nonsense inspector. Everyone did a fabulous job, and I was entertained the entire time.

Listen to some of the audio from the event here*:

1.) Introduction
2.) Thomas
3.) Afflictions
4.) Thomas (Again)
5.) Inspector
6.) Mysterious Boils
7.) Identifying Gustav
8.) Back at the Inn
9.) Climax/Big Finish!
10.) Black Letter Winner

*You may need to turn your speakers up or down accordingly. Pictures to follow.

Stay tuned for audio and character interviews from Sunday’s “Black Letter Game.” Trust me, you don’t want to miss it.

Day One of Gen Con ’09

Anna Daugherty — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 23:08:11 +0000

Had a fun-filled day full of interviews, booth-scoping, talking with authors and artists, and participating in writing seminars. Listen to some of my thoughts after the jump!

1.) An introduction to Day One of Gen Con Indiana.

2.) My thoughts on the population of the convention.

3.) Interview with Atari games about their upcoming release Champions Online and soon to be announced Star Trek Online.

GenCon ’09 – Day One!

Anna Daugherty — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 14:20:11 +0000

I’ve brought you full pre-convention coverage of new events, interviews with event holders and booth dwellers, and breaking news. Now it’s time to experience GenCon ’09! I’m currently traveling to Indianapolis, Indiana for five days (well, four and a half) of gaming goodness.

Throughout the weekend, I’ll be bringing you interviews, opinions, and reviews of games and those who play them. Stick around for the juicy scoop!

Tim Burton’s “Alice In Wonderland” Teaser Trailer!

Anna Daugherty — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 15:43:03 +0000

The teaser trailer for Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland” has just found its way online. Catch it here, after the jump!

There are quite a few really cool things about this trailer. One is that most of the CG looks amazing and completely in keeping with the overall theme and look of the story. For the most part it doesn’t look too overdone (except for the Cheshire Cat. I have my reservations about him.) Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum look awesomely weird, as does the Red Queen with her gigantic forehead.

Johnny Depp, as always, will be brilliant. But I’m more interested in a dream pairing that I’ve had forever: Tim Burton has finally hooked up with my main man, Crispin Glover, and the results look to be nothing less than epic. Check out some screencaps of Crispin as the Knave of Hearts below:

Comic Con ’09 – Exclusive “Boondock Saints II” Press Junket

Anna Daugherty — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 17:24:42 +0000

The original Boondock Saints is something of a cult classic. It bombed in theaters, but has since gained a considerable following, mostly for its dark comedy. The sequel has long been in the works, and finally some information will be made available to the fans at Comic Con this year.

In addition to the film’s stars, CC will be premiering the trailer. The film’s promoters issued this press release about the film:

The following talent will be available at Comic-Con for press junket
style interviews from 10am to 1pm on Saturday, July 25th at the Westin
Hotel.

Talent in attendance:

* Troy Duffy (writer/director)
* Billy Connolly (Noah ‘Il Duce’ McManus)
* Norman Reedus (Murphy McManus)
* Sean Patrick Flannery (Connor McManus)
* Julie Benz (Eunice Bloom)
* Clifton Collins, Jr. (Romeo)
* David Della Rocco (Rocco)

Additionally, at 3:30 pm, they will be holding a panel discussion which
will feature the world premiere of the film’s trailer.

More “Game of Thrones” Casting News!

Anna Daugherty — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 17:38:21 +0000

The eagerly anticipated television adaptation of “A Game of Thrones” has added several faces to the cast, including some great actors. Find out which parts have been cast after the jump!

Sean Bean (Boromir from “Lord of the Rings”) will be portraying Eddard “Ned” Stark, the stalwart patriarch of the Stark clan. This is fairly exciting news, as Sean is a classic choice for the role. He is a good actor, ruggedly handsome, fatherly, and I feel he will do a fantastic job.

The hilarious Mark Addy (of “The Full Monty” and “A Knight’s Tale”) has been cast as King Robert Baratheon, the portly jerk who rules Westeros. Great casting.

Two relative unknowns have been cast in the roles of Rob Stark and Prince Joffrey Baratheon, but they each look like their respective characters.

As more updates become available, I’ll bring them to you!

Comic Con ’09 – USA Network Panels

Anna Daugherty — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 17:25:42 +0000

Two great shows on the USA Network, “Burn Notice” and “Psych,” will be having interactive panels at Comic Con this year. None other than Bruce “The Man” Campbell will be present!

USA issued this press release for more information about their panels:

WHAT:

USA Network, the #1 cable network, will participate in Comic-Con with talent and creators from two of its critically acclaimed and top rated shows – BURN NOTICE and PSYCH.

WHO:

Bruce Campbell, star of BURN NOTICE, the #1 scripted show on cable, will be on the panel along with notable guest cast members Seth Peterson; Ben Shenkman; Jay Karnes; along with creator/writer/ executive producer Matt Nix and co-executive producer/writer Alfredo Barrios Jr. The panel will give an insider’s look at the writing process and share behind-the-scenes anecdotes. Fans of BURN NOTICE will be also treated to an exclusive sneak peek at an upcoming episode from season three. Michael Shanks, who starred in “Stargate SG-1,” and who guest starred as “Victor” last season, will moderate.

Making its Comic-Con debut is the hit original series PSYCH, which will have the entire cast present including James Roday; Dulé Hill; Corbin Bernsen; Maggie Lawson; Timothy Omundson, along with creator/writer/executive producer Steve Franks. Executive producers Chris Henze and Kelly Kulchak will also be on the panel. The panel will be moderated by E! Entertainment’s Jennifer Godwin. PSYCH fans will have their chance to ask the panelists what it really takes to put together a show about a fake psychic, with never-before-seen footage.

WHEN/WHERE:

Thursday, July 23, 2009

San Diego Convention Center

111 W. Harbor Drive, San Diego

* The panels will take place in Ballroom # 20

* The press interviews will take place in Press Room # 33B

BURN NOTICE Panel – 2:30-3:30

BURN NOTICE PRESS ROOM – 3:30-4:30

PSYCH PRESS ROOM – 2:30-3:15

PSYCH Panel – 3:45-4:45

Harry Potter and the Half-Baked Plot

Anna Daugherty — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 13:13:42 +0000

I tried to see this film at the midnight showing, but a score of nerds beat me to it. The line wrapped around my local cinema, and many kids and young adults were wearing Potter-esque costumes. So, I had to wait until the evening to see the movie, and people were still dressed up. While some aspects of the movie were disappointing, on the whole I really enjoyed it.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Rated: PG (I strongly suggest that young children not be taken to this film because of a scene described below…Spoilers Ahead!)

Starring: The usual cast of Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, (the lovely) Emily Watson, (the brilliant) Alan Rickman, (the acceptable) Michael Gambon, and an assortment of various British actors in lesser roles.

IMDb Rating: 8.2

There are three intertwining plotlines in the book: Harry and Dumbledore’s journey through various memories involving Tom Riddle and their search for the Horcruxes, Draco and Snape’s missions, and the mystery surrounding the moniker, “The Half-Blood Prince.” While I felt that the first two plots were sufficiently portrayed in the film, the final one, from which the film derived its name, seemed as though it was merely an afterthought. There was no mystery, no build-up, and it didn’t even really fit into the film very well, especially the big reveal at the end.

That said, I did enjoy this movie. The acting, especially, was great. Tom Felton, who played Draco Malfoy, really impressed me this time around. Before, he was simply the school bully, a brat with no real reason to be the jerk that he was. Here, there is plenty of motivation for him to be moody and withdrawn, and he portrays Draco with such burden and doubt that it can even be seen in his eyes. This is the first time I’ve really noticed Felton’s acting as anything other than annoying. He did a terrific job.

Another delight was Alan Rickman as Severus Snape. Not since the first film has he really been given a chance to shine as the character, and here, while he doesn’t say a whole lot, his face is simply stricken with grief over what he must do in order to save the Muggle and Wizarding worlds. And, of course, the rest of the cast was good, with notable turns by Evanna Lynch as the brilliant Luna Lovegood, and the appearance of my favorite characters Lupin and Tonks.

While there were some strange pauses in the movie (which I can only attribute to poor editing or direction), this is quite a funny film. But the film is also an emotional roller coaster, dragging the audience down into the darkest depths of Harry’s life. I mentioned in the film outline that this film is rated PG, and I sincerely believe that was a mistake, an attempt by the industry to lure in more ticket sales through unsuspecting parents bringing their younger children.

One scene in particular shows Harry forcing Dumbledore to drink an obviously painful potion to the last drop, while Dumbledore begs him to stop, almost to the point of death. It was an incredibly emotional and traumatizing scene, and the young children in the audience could be heard gasping and crying. I might have shed a few tears myself…

On the whole, if you can forgive the wonky plot and the strange pacing of the film, this is a great addition to the series. It really paves the way for the film, The Deathly Hallows, which has been split into two parts. Since The Deathly Hallows was my least favorite book, I imagine I won’t like the films much either. But hopefully they suprise me.

GenCon ’09 – SkitSkat

Anna Daugherty — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:33:06 +0000

Tom of Peryton Publishing was kind enough to answer some questions about his Cthulhu roleplaying event, “SkitSkat.”

1.) Tell me about your event. How, why, and by whom was it started?

It’s the sequel to last year’s “Cthulhu at the Sands” where the Rat Pack battled to save humanity from the evil schemes of Liberace. No one wanted to play Jerry Lewis for some reason. Teamsters saved the day.

2.) What makes it different from other Cthulhu Mythos games?

I could be sued for using real persons as player-characters and NPC’s? I don’t really have an answer to this, except to say that I am trying to
stay apart of the CoC tradition of running interesting games in unique
settings. I try to be as well researched as most other CoC scenario
designers that I read, if prone to a little exaggeration here and there.

3.) How can other gamers join, and when/where does your event take place?

Too late. Already full. Even the after-game event in Dayton. The where and when? Sunday at GenCon, check the listings. And then a private spin-off game in Dayton for friends unable to make it the
convention.

4.) Any additional information you’d like to add, such as contact info or a website?

Tom K. Loney
Chief Flunky
Peryton Gamers
www.perytonpublishing.com

GenCon ’09 – Queen of Geeks Pageant

Anna Daugherty — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 15:05:42 +0000

One of the more exciting events from last year, The Queen of Geeks Pageant, is returning to GenCon! I had the pleasure of interviewing Kennetha, the coordinator of this awesome event.

1.) Tell me a little about your event and its history. By whom was it started, and who can participate?

When I started the event a couple of years ago I wanted to create a pageant that I would be comfortable entering myself. I don’t sing, dance, or act, but I’m told I’ve got a lot of great qualities and a brain full of useless knowledge. I don’t think pageants should be about whom looks best in a bikini and can walk in high heels without tripping. So I gave my show a little meat. Challengers have to show their knowledge of all things Geek by answering trivia question.

For the talent portion it’s ok if contestants sing or dance, but we’re really looking for something original. Last year our winner was Deodorant Dame. For her talent she sang an original song entitled “Why Don’t You Just Bath.” I also personally think that anyone can look good if they are comfortable in their own skin. So contestants are encouraged to dress in costumes that reflect their personalities.

I originally tried running the event at Gen Con 2007, but there was a lot of confusion about what I was trying to do. The event is set-up in two parts one listing is for the audience. The other portion is for contenders. As a result the contestant portion never got listed and very few people signed up to be in the audience, so the event was canceled. Last year was really our first year running the event. I personally didn’t think it went well and was really nervous about ever running again. But I’ve received a lot of encouragement, and several contestants from last year plan on entering again this year.

I’ve never really limited who can enter, but since it is called the Queen of Geeks, I haven’t had any men show serious interest. Last year Tracy Hickman threatened to enter because he gets mistaken for a female writer.

2.) Where is the event held? Do attendees need tickets to participate?

The event this year will be in the Westin Grand Ballroom IV. I try to hold it in the same room as the Killer Breakfast and Costume contest. Which is why we hold the even on Friday rather then Saturday. Everyone needs a ticket. Although it is a free event for audience members GenCon likes to keep track of who attends. The more people we have tickets for the more likely they are to let us hold the event again next year. For contestants the ticket price is eight dollars. Last year we were sponsored by J!NX t-shirts. So all the contestants got a shirt just for entering. I’m hoping to have something similar this year.

3.) What are the criteria to be in the pageant?
Ideally I want real Geeks for this pageant. That means no swimsuit portion, canned answers, or Vaseline on contender’s teeth. Aside from that all entrees need is two costumes and a talent.

4.) Any memorable stories from past contests?

Last year I made my husband one of the judges. I think he had too much fun. Before the event even started he had contestants running through the hotel looking for diabetically friendly snacks. We had some pretty interesting talents too. One contestant did a Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy monologue with an accompanying PowerPoint presentation. We also had an entrée challenge one of the judges to a round of “Dance Dance Revolution.” One of my favorites though was from a contender who didn’t know about the events requirements and decided to stay regardless. She had to send her husband out for a costume and did a Fan Kata as her talent.

5.) Anything else you’d like to say, and is there a contact number or email that interested people can reach you at?

Keep it simple. Last year one of the challengers wanted to use an open flame. The look on the event staffs faces’ when I mentioned it was priceless.

Comic Con ’09 – Shout! Factory Itinerary

Anna Daugherty — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 14:54:17 +0000

We’ve just received a Press Release for the exciting events being produced by Shout! Factory at Comic Con 2009 this year.

At this year’s Comic-Con 2009, Shout! Factory will rollout in full force with a slate of popular and memorable television properties on DVD, special panel presentation and signings. Below, please find the outline of activities for your coverage planning.

The Middleman – Special Panel presentation follow by signing on Thursday, July 23, 2009

The Transformers: 25th Anniversary “Matrix of Leadership” Edition Collector’s Set Featuring Limited-Edition Gift-with-Purchase Comic Con Exclusive Lithograph (More in-depth info to come…)

G.I. Joe A Real American Hero: The Complete Series Collector’s Set
Featuring Limited-Edition Gift-with-Purchase Comic Con Exclusive Lithograph for the collector’s set (More in-depth info to come…)

Following talent available for interviews:

The Middleman cast (Natalie Morales, Matt Keeslar) and show creator Javier Grillo-Marxuach – Thursday, July 23

The Transformers and G.I. Joe (original animated) – Gregg Berger (Grimlock in TF) – Friday, July 24 and Saturday, July 25

THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2009

THE MIDDLEMAN Panel

When: 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM

Where: Room 6A

Talent: Show creator Javier Grillo-Marxuach and cast (Natalie Morales, Matt Keeslar, Mary Gleason, Brit Morgan and Jake Smollett)

The panel will feature exclusive table read of the lost 13th episode The Doomsday Armageddon Apocalypse, which was never produced for television but will be available as a graphic novel from Viper Comics.

This July 28, Shout! Factory will release The Middleman: The Complete Series box set. Available for the first time, THE MIDDLEMAN: THE COMPLETE SERIES DVD box set contains all 12 one-hour episodes that aired on ABC Family in 2008 and a payload of DVD bonus content featuring commentaries with the cast and crew, alternate scenes, web featurettes, gag reel, audition footage, The Complete “The Palindrome Reversal Palindrome” table read, a gallery of The Middleman photography by Ralph King and much more!

Based on the series of graphic novels by acclaimed writer Javier Grillo-Marxuach (“Lost,” “Medium”), the popular ABC Family live-action television series “The Middleman” star Matt Keeslar (“Snowglobe”), Natalie Morales (“CSI: Miami”), Mary Pat Gleason (“I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry”), Brit Morgan (“Buried Alive”) and Jake Smollett (“Eve’s Bayou”).

When: 12: 30 PM

Where: Shout! Factory Booth #3749

The Cast & Show creator signing for “The Middleman”

Show creator and graphic novelist Javier Grillo-Marxuach and actors Natalie Morales, Matt Keeslar, Mary Gleason, Brit Morgan, Jake Smollett

SATURDAY, JULY 25, 2009

When: 1:00 PM

Where: Shout! Factory Booth #3749

THE TRANSFORMERS (original animated) and G.I. Joe (Original animated)

Special rare appearance signing by Gregg Berger (“Grimlock” in The Transformers and “Spirit” in G.I. Joe) as well as artist Andrew Griffith.

SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2009

When: 1:00 PM

Where: Shout! Factory Booth #3749

THE TRANSFORMERS (original animated) and G.I. Joe (Original animated)

Special rare appearance signing by Gregg Berger (“Grimlock” in The Transformers and “Spirit” in G.I. Joe)

Nerd Heroes – Sarah Haskins

Anna Daugherty — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:41:38 +0000

InfoMania is a program that airs on Current TV, and it is where Sarah Haskins quests to ridicule and expose ridiculous marketing trends aimed at women in her segment entitled, “Target: Women.”

The segments are usually 3-4 minutes long, and subjects have ranged from beauty products, plastic surgery, television programming, advertisements, and politicians. Sarah, through her awkward humor and willingness to make fun of herself, focuses on the insulting trends of today’s media as they prey upon gender stereotypes.

“What women want,” seems to be a frequent theme, all too readily answered with a WetJet, some Botox, and a piece of chocolate. This week, Sarah tackles the marketing trend surrounding womens’ hair. Enjoy:

GenCon ’09 – Fat Dragon Games

Anna Daugherty — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:29:07 +0000

I had the pleasure of a quick interview with Tom of Fat Dragon Games. They will be hosting a booth at Gen Con this year.

1.) Tell me about Fat Dragon Games.

Fat Dragon Games is well known for creating best-selling cardstock
terrain for RPGs and wargames. We have won the silver ENnie Award for Best Miniature Product two years in a row and are consistently a best seller at RPGNow. We will be expanding this year into RPG supplements and some new genres for terrain offerings.

2.) How did you decide to start this business? How long do pieces take to create?
The business was originally started as a ‘fun little side business’
and in four years has grown into my full time job.

3.) Can you tell me more about your RPG materials?
We have supplements coming later this year for 4E, Pathfinder and some old-school fantasy releases.

4.) What’s your booth at GenCon like?
We always have two full tables crammed full of built up model sets,
lots of display images showing other sets not on display, and lots of
goodies that are exclusive to the con.

5.) What is the image you’re using as the header on the site?

Our Fat Dragon Logo (but Cthulhulian!).

6.) Is there any additional information you’d like to give,
including contact information and website?

www.fatdragongames.com

Lucy Lawless Returns to Comic Con

Anna Daugherty — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:44:08 +0000

Lucy Lawless, the butt-kicking feminist icon Xena, will be returning to Comic Con this year as part of Starz Entertainment’s panel on their upcoming series, “Spartacus: Blood and Sand.”

The series is produced by Sam Raimi, and is inspired by comic books and graphic novels such as 300. Starz issued a press release about this event, and you can read all about it here:

ON JULY 24th, STARZ PUTS THE SPOTLIGHT ON

HIGHLY-ANTICIPATED ORIGINAL DRAMA

‘SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND’ AT COMIC CON

Cast And Crew Including Lucy Lawless, Rob Tapert and Steven DeKnight Host Exclusive First Look of Action Series Premiering January 2010

PANELISTS INCLUDE LUCY LAWLESS (“XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS”), PETER MENSAH, ROB TAPERT (EVIL DEAD 1-2, DRAG ME TO HELL), STEVEN S. DEKNIGHT (“BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER,” “ANGEL”) AND INTRODUCING ANDY WHITFIELD AS SPARTACUS

DEVIL’S DUE PUBLISHING & STARZ ALSO TO UNVEIL EXCLUSIVE COMIC BOOK MINI-SERIES INSPIRED BY “SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND”

WHO: Lucy Lawless (Lucretia), Andy Whitfield (Spartacus), Peter Mensah (Doctore), Rob Tapert (Executive Producer), Steven S. DeKnight (Executive Producer and Show-runner)

WHAT: Exclusive ‘First Look’ at the anticipated original drama “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” PLUS interview opportunities with cast and production team AND Unveiling of the Exclusive First Edition of series-inspired comic w/ special Comic Con cover.

The world of gladiators comes to life as the Roman Republic’s most brutal fighters clash in the ultimate arena. “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” is an entirely new vision of the ancient legend and will utilize virtual environments giving it a unique graphic novel look and style, along with a fresh narrative approach. Debuting exclusively on Starz, “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” in January 2010 is produced by Starz Media with Executive Producers Rob Tapert, Sam Raimi and Joshua Donen. Starz’s new “Spartacus” series was inspired by the actual slave of the Roman Republic who in 73 BC led a slave revolt that grew to more than 120,000 fighters. Defying the Roman Republic’s legions of soldiers, they campaigned for two years through much of what is now Italy before succumbing to a much larger army. The new series will tell a new set of stories rich in character, action, sex and combat.

This series, including 13 one-hour episodes, is executive produced by heavy-hitters Sam Raimi (Spider-Man and Evil Dead), Rob Tapert (The Grudge, “Xena: Warrior Princess” and “Hercules: The Legendary Journeys”) and Steven DeKnight (“Smallville,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”). Production, based in New Zealand, runs through the end of October.

WHERE: San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, CA

WHEN: Friday, July 24th

Informercial Giant Billy Mays Dead at 50

Anna Daugherty — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:16:55 +0000

Another icon, this time of late-night informercials, has fallen to June’s celebrity death rampage. Billy Mays, the very loud pitchman who attempted to sell useless products to America such as OxyClean, Zorbees, and that slider burger maker tray thing, has died at 50. Cause of death? Reported to be an aneurysm. Ouch.

One group that I know will be mourning Billy are the Kentucky Fried Gamers at GenCon. They had an event planned this year called “Mustache or Consequences: A Tribute to Billy Mays,” which involved lots of fake mustaches and plotting against ShamWoW weirdo Vince Schlomi. Perhaps now that tribute will mean a bit more to them.

The King of Pop and The 70s’ Biggest Sex Symbol

Anna Daugherty — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 01:41:57 +0000

Bad week for showbiz, eh? First Ed McMahon passed away at 86, and today we get the tragic news that Farrah Fawcet passed away after a long battle with cancer. She was best known as the California blond from the show “Charlie’s Angels,” and long-time love of Ryan O’Neil.

But the big shocker was the death of pop superstar Michael Jackson. He was, at one time, the biggest star in the world, with hit after hit such with both his childhood band The Jackson Five, and as a solo artist. After a series of bizarre scandals and an even more bizarre existance, his life was cut short at 50.

GenCon ’09 – Zombie Walk!

Anna Daugherty — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:52:34 +0000

Do you hear that shuffling? The low moans and dragging feet? It’s time again for GenCon’s Zombie Walk, one of the most popular and hilarious events at the convention.

Last year’s walk was a lot of fun. I chronicled my adventures and posted them to YouTube. There were lots of imaginative zombie costumes, including Zombie Elvis, the Head Crab from the Half-Life games, and a family of zombie activists. I was really impressed.

Robin was kind enough to answer some questions about the event. Enjoy:

1.) Tell me about the Zombie Walk. How, why, and by whom was it started?

The originator of the GenCon Zombie Walk was a friend of mine, Paul Cooper. He had been to other conventions that featured a zombie walk and had a dream that the GenCon Zombie Walk could be the biggest walk he attended.. Paul came to me with the idea in 2007, about three months before GenCon and asked if I would help make it happen. We started talking it up on the GenCon boards before the convention. Matt McMillan from Canada got on board and offered to help us promote the walk at the convention. He walked around a hot Indy in a complete zombie Hockey player outfit to promote out first walk!! We had about 60 people show up at our first “unofficial” walk in 2007 complete with our own Shaun and Ed. (from Shaun of the Dead)

We registered as an official event in 2008 and Shaun and Ed again lead the group in their shambling. Surprisingly we had almost 200 zombies!! Due to a job loss Paul wasn’t able to attend but thankfully Matt was back this time as Undead Elvis (his girlfriend was also along for the ride as an undead 50′s chick) and the Peryton Gamers stepped up to help the newly formed Z.I.T. (Zombie Institute of Technology) wrangle the zombies last year. This year members of the GenCon Un are join us in the zombie Wangling.

2.) What about Twilight Creations?

TC is Todd and Kerry Breitenstein. The company is probably best know for their game Zombies! So you can see why we went to them when we were looking for someone to help promote and sponsor the game! They have graciously sponsored us all three years of our existence by giving us booth space to promote the Walk as well as providing awesome prizes for the costume contest.

3.) How can other gamers join, and when/where does your event take place?

Sign up for GenCon and get a ticket. The event is free and is open to everyone, though we encourage everyone to sign up for the con! The walk proper begins at 9pm but the pre walk festivities begin around 8:30. The zombies begin to mingle and try not to eat anyone *G*, we have mobile makeup people to help those last minute walkers who want to fit in and thanks to our generous sponsors we have a costume contest where the best dressed zombies get cool prizes!

4.) Can you tell me a little about the header image on the site?
http://perytonpublishing.com/zombie/index.htm The monsters in the drawing were on our promo poster for last year… I will see if I can obtain a copy of this years…

5.) Any additional information you’d like to add, such as contact info or a website?
If anyone is interested in help out or just joining us in the walk they can contact me at noirnevara@yahoo.com, through the GenCon boards where my handle is noirnevara

GenCon ’09 – Different Drummer Belly Dance Troupe

Anna Daugherty — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:49:04 +0000

I had the pleasure of interviewing Margaret Lion, founder and leader of the Different Drum Belly Dance Troupe, who will once again be performing at GenCon this year!

In addition to performing, these lovely and talented ladies will be hosting classes for beginning belly dancers, as well as incorporating the art into LARPing.

1.) What is your role in the group? I am the director and founder of the troupe Different Drummer Belly Dancers. Web site: www.ddbd.org. My primary reason for creating the troupe was so that I could dance to rock’n'roll with like-minded dancers.

2.) What’s your schedule like at GenCon this year?
This year will mark the 6th year we have performed at Gen Con!! Our big performance is before the Costume Contest of Saturday. (This happens usually at 3:45 pm or 15 minutes before the Contest begins.)
We also do roving performances on Thursday, Friday, and Sunday.

I will be teaching classes on Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. There will be two classes on Thursday and Friday which will be beginner/introduction classes. One is listed under SPA activities and one is listed under LARP (as I love to LARP and often incorporate my dancing in to my LARPing).

On Sunday there will be an advanced class that any one who has had any belly dance, including people to took a class with me during the week, can attend. There I will teach a simple choreograhy and everyone has a good time!! In fact, everyone always has a good time because belly dance is fun!!

We also have a booth in the Exhibit Hall and are usually found next to the entertainers – big names included. Come on down to our booth too as it will be active for the entire event.

3.) Are there videos available of your performances?
We have a YouTube channel and we are always interested in watching our performances.

4.) What about the other members?
Also, don’t let Melissa fool you! She is a woman of many talents and she belly dances!! She is a member of my student troupe, Calypso’s Pearls. Check out her bio here: http://www.ddbd.org/pearls/bios/melissa.html.

GenCon – Uncle D’s Airbrushing

Anna Daugherty — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:35:39 +0000

Uncle D. is a fantastic airbrushing artist who will be showcasing his work at GenCon, as well as helping to promote the Zombie Walk with his posters for the second year in a row!

I had the chance to exchange some interview questions with Uncle D., also known as Dale, about his artwork, his business, and his involvement with the convention. Stay tuned for coverage on Zombie Walk ’09!

1.) Can you tell me more about your bike? How long did it take to finish?

It’s a 2005 ultima, fat bastard with 100 cubic inch engine. Fabrication was done by Cycleboyz of Brandon, Manitoba, Canada which is all welding on frame. Fenders and tank. it took me 3 years to complete but total time 2 months to paint. It has a Revelations theme because I have painted many bikes with that theme and always had the bad guys winning so I decided to do a proper interpetation.

I researched Revelations from the Bible, picked my passages I wanted to illustrate, and drew up all the designs fitting it to the diferent locations on the bike then painted. Every symbol, design on armour or clothing all has meaning.

2.) I see that it’s a family affair at your house. Can you tell me more about how your family gets involved with your work?

My wife runs the business end of it but all my 3 kids are talented artists in other areas including, dance, music and film. Everybody poses for pics when dad needs them for references for my bike.

3.) What about this book that you were featured in? What is it about and where can interested people find it?

The book is Extreme Motorcycle Art by Merrel Publishers, and they pick the top 50 artists in the motorcycle biz (according to them). We were #1, which featured an orange chopper made by Cycleboyz and owned by my friend Rod Synder, painted by me, of course. It had monsters all over it and candied over in orange. The book can be found at Airbrush Action, Amazon, and most book store outlets.

4.) Where can people go to view your artwork at GenCon?

Me and my bike will be at the GenCon artshow along with prints and t-shirts of my art, all based around the bike theme and the Zombie Walk poster. Thanks for the interest.

You can view more of Dale’s work at Uncle D’s Airbrushing.