Issue 6: May 2012 | Summer Preview 2012

DayOldStubble the Magazine

NEWS & REVIEWS FOR THE REFINED GEEK

ISSUE 6 / $10.80 | www.dayoldstubble.com

SUMMER MOVIE PREVIEW

THE AVENGERS Review The Summer's First Blockbuster

Our Blockbuster Picks Just For You

Duke Guillaume And The SCA Interview We Find Out What the SCA Really Is

GEEK'S GUIDE TO Grilling High Tech Grilling Makes It Easy

R 2 E 01 2 M M US HIGHLIGHTS:

D12 Academy, Bugger Off, Dave's Toy Chest, Summer TV Guide, The Booby Hatch, Movie Reviews and more...

STAR WARS 35 Years Later The Force Is Still Going Strong

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DayOldStubble

from the Editor...

Ahh summer time! This month got off to a bang and then quickly went into a tail spin. Due to unforeseen life challenges things went from only having a few bumps during the production of DayOldStubble to a major roadblock thrown up in our face.

Luckily we have persevered and everyone affected are doing well.

DayOldStubble 1122 21st Street, Manistee, MI, 49660 T: (978) 432-9653 www.DayOldStubble.com MAGAZINE TEAM Editor / Jason Carrick Deputy Editor / James Detzler Game Editor / Aaron DeKuiper Comic Editor / Dave Norton Indie Editor / Shea Kimbrough Managing & Web Editor / Jason Carrick Copy Editor / Studio6: Diana Six & Wayne Bialik Copy Editor / Laura Moore Staff Photographer / James Detzler Production Assistants / Gretchen Carrick & Linda Detzler

Since we are getting our May issue of DayOldStubble the Magazine out so late we have decided to hold off on implementing our subscriptions and are continuing our FREE issues until August when we will be out in force covering Wizard World Chicago Comic Con. This month we take a look at all the great summer movies and help pick some of the better ones to make sure you add to your must watch list. We also cover the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) with an interview of Duke Guillaume de la Belgique. With backyard barbecuing in full swing we give you a few pointers on how to take grilling high tech.

CONTRIBUTORS Aaron Dekuiper/ Dave Norton / Shea Kimbrough THE ANALYTICAL COUCH POTATO Guest Writer / Jonah Comstock All rights reserved www.theanalyticalcouchpotato.com ADVERTISING Advertising Director / James Detzler T: (978) 432-9653 E: ads@dayoldstubble.com PRESS & MARKETING Marketing Director / James Detzler T: (978) 432-9653 E: press@dayoldstubble.com

Check out all our great regular features and be sure to check out the details on page 2 showing all the goodies you get with each upcoming subscription level so your prepared for August. If you have any comments or questions, contact me personally at komodojay@dayoldstubble.com.

LETTERS & QUESTIONS PR Director / Jason Carrick T: (978) 432-9653 E: info@dayoldstubble.com

Jason Carrick Editor in Chief

INTERNATIONAL DayOldStubble is available for licensing.

Contact the international department to discuss partnership opportunities.

Head of International Licensing / Jason Carrick T: (978) 432-9653 E: info@dayoldstubble.com SUBSCRIPTIONS For subscription enquiries email: info@dayoldstubble.com Head of Subscriptions / Jason Carrick T (978) 432-9653 12 Issue Subscription US / $72.00 12 Issue Digital Subscription / $15.00 CIRCULATION Head of Circulation / Jason Carrick T: (978) 432-9653 PRODUCTION Production Director / James Detzler T: (978) 432-9653 PRINTING & DISTRIBUTION Printed by / HP MagCloud, W: MagCloud.com Distributed by / DayOldStubble, W: www.dayoldstubble.com DISCLAIMER The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any unsolicited material lost or damaged in the post. All text and layout is the copyright of DayOldStubble. Nothing in this magazine may be reproduced in whole or part without the written permission of the publisher. All copyrights are recognised and used specifically for the purpose of critic and review. Although the magazine has endeavoured to ensure all information is correct at time of print, prices and availability may change.

This magazine is fully independent and not affiliated in any way with the companies mentioned herein.

Copyright Š 2012 DayOldStubble ISSN 1234-5678

meet the TEAM...

James Detzler

Aaron DeKuiper Dave Norton

Shea Kimbrough

Co-Editor/Founder James, aka The Great Detzby, is a man shrouded in mystery.The one thing people do know is..... in the event of a zombie apocalypse, find him.

Game Reviews Aaron knows what cell block Princess Leia's is in, why Chapel is the single most powerful Dominion card, and where to find the hatch from Lost in World of Warcraft.

Ah, geekiness...

Indie Insider "As the selfproclaimed "sexiest geek alive," Shea studied Archaeology and Film at The University of North Alabama. Now a proud father, Lion King is currently his favorite film."

Comic Fanatic Dinner Sooong....

Dinner Sooonnggg... bean, potatoes, carrots and Broccoli, Buns and salad and potatoes and chickeeennnn Needs a lickin'...

Dinner Song!

>>Have your say about anything geek @ www.dayoldstubble.com and you could be featured in the magazine << May 2012 | DayOldStubble | 3

Contents >> 6

INBOX

26

IT’S TIME FOR OUR READERS TO HAVE THEIR SAY...

10 TECHNOLOGY 10

Cloud Burst

11

8 Tips For Windows 8

12 14

Cloud Computing Gains A Drive 8 Handy Tips For The New OS

Protect Yourself Online

40

28

Summer Movie Preview

32

Star Wars at 35

34

Community 101

36

SpaceX Launch Ushers In New Era

37

Flashback

IDT WinChip and Captain America and The Avengers Remembered

Our Top Picks For 2012

The Force Is Still Strong Themed Episodes Make The Show

A Guide To Recognizing Your Saints

Indie DVD Review

38

The Avengers

Blockbuster Movie Review

22

42

Mac N Cheese Break

43

The Booby Hatch

24

Duke Guillaume Interview

8

NEWS

Dave takes a look at Mattel's Masters of the Universe Toy Line.

Summer TV Preview

41

The Middle Ages As It Should Be

16 DAVE'S TOY CHEST

Our Top Picks For Summer TV

22 Geek Life

Just What Exactly Is The SCA

16 FEATURES

28 ENTERTAINMENT

Six Steps To Keep Your Info Safe

The Dragon Takes Flight

Geek's Guide To Grilling

Take Summer BBQs High Tech

DayOldStubble | Issue 6 | May 2012

We Get Answers About The SCA

Wrestling Geek

Breaking Kayfabe

18 BUGGER OFF

DC Comics Glance Into the Future of Super Heroes and Their Dark Outcomes

In Defense Of Remakes

Exclusive Comic

INDUSTRY GOSSIP, OPINION AND RUMORS

20 D12 ACADEMY

The D12 Academy is back with the game Agricola. Learn how to play and dominate your friends.

9

RETALIATION DELAYED

'G. I. Joe: Retaliation' delayed until 2013 to convert into 3D.

8

FACEBOOKS IPO

Facebook's IPO Breaks Records Then Draws The Ire Of Many.

4 | DayOldStubble | May 2012

9

$99 XBox 360

The rumored $99 Xbox 360 with twoyear $15 a month contract is official.

7

GOTTA HAVE

THE GUIDE TO ALL THE GEEK STUFF YOU’LL EVER NEED

28

Summer movie preview 2012 WE PICK THE BEST MOVIES TO SEE THIS SUMMER

24

Duke Guillaume de la Belgique INTERVIEW

38 The Avengers REVIEW DOES THE BLOCKBUSTER PREVAIL May 2012 | DayOldStubble | 5

>>HAVE YOUR SAY@ Www.dayoldstubble.com AND GET YOURSELF ONTO THESE PAGES <<

INBOX>>

ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S TIME FOR OUR READERS TO HAVE THEIR SAY...

Which headphone should I choose?

Charles Braganza

Get In Touch We really want to hear from you. Email your questions, comments, tips, or complaints to us at:

info@ dayoldstubble.com Also contact us on

@DayOldStubble

www.facebook.com/ TheDayOldStubble

I want to buy a pair of headphones.

Should I go for a Bose or Skullcandy?

I need a headphone that can give me clear sound and clear bass. I also need a unit that will rest on my ears without causing any discomfort.

Headphone are very personal devices, so don't go by the brand. Try each one out in your short list and decide which one is the best for you. If you are luck, you might be happy with the result of a headphone which is not too costly. Also see which one feels best on your ears. The best headphones come from JBL, SkullCandy, Sennheiser and, or course, Bose. In our books the best out there is the Bose OE2.

Is the Nikon D800 good for amateurs?

Bobby Joseph Do you think the new Nikon D800 is a good option for amature photographers?

Please try to review the product soon.

The Nikon D800 is undoubtedly one of the best DSLRs available. Amatures are likely to be a bit intimidated by the complexities of the camera but it should only take a week to master it. We will work on getting a full review soon.

6 | DayOldStubble | May 2012

Help with DDR3 RAM choices Peter Smith I have an laptop which has an Intel i5processor, 2GB RAM and Intel HD graphics. I want to upgrade the RAM to 4GB, but I don't know which DDR3 RAM to buy. Are all DDR3 laptop RAMs the same? How do I know the clock speed of my RAM? I have zeroed in on the Trascend DDR3 4GB laptop RAM. Is it worth buying?

The RAM you have selected seems good enough. But you will need to see if it is compatible with your laptop and its processor.

So you should probabaly show it to an expert. You should be able to get a good RAM test at www.primatelabs.ca/geekbench/

Can I use my Galaxy Note for notes?

Ashton Sheets I have a Samsung Galaxy Note smart phone. Can I use it to store a few of my Word files view them occasionally? I want this facility for very light work.

For documentation, you need to download a documentation application like Quick Office. Also check and see if your phone came installed with Polaris Office as it can also handle documents.

$23.9

Million is the investment Microsoft and Nokia are making in a mobile application development program called AppCampus at Helsinki's Aalto University in a bid to catch up with Apple and Android.

680 Million

The number of monthly average users of Facebook in March 2012, including 188 million in the US, 241 million in Europe and 230 million in Asia. The number of daily average users is 526 million.

GOTTAHAVE>> THE GUIDE TO ALL THE GEEK STUFF YOUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;LL EVER NEED

Violet Karotz Smart Rabbit The Karotz Smart Rabbit from Karotz can record and post status updates as an audio file, text or photo directly onto social media platforms. A built in web camera and microphone allow you to upload content whenever and wherever you are.

Originally called the Nabaztag when it made its debut in 2006, the Karotz isn't exactly brand-new. Its design has remained the same. The oblong, dome-shaped body with magnetically attachable ears, a cartoon-style face and a multicolor blinking light is quite modern.

The rabbit won't take up too much space on your desk; it's 5.25 inches in diameter and 6.5 inches tall (9.5 inches when its ears are up). Around back you'll find the power button, along with mini-USB port and a USB 1.1 port for connecting the rabbit to your computer or power supply. A webcam sits right at the rabbit's belly. www.karotz.com PRICE: $129

RATING:

Pig Helmet Speaker Dock

Belkin LiveAction Camera Remote

Looking for a nice iPod/iPhone dock and love the Angry Birds game?

Then get yourself the Pig Helmet 2.1 speaker. With an iPod dock on top it connects to smartphones and tablets using a 3.5mm auxiliary cable while offering superb sound.

Never get left out of a group shot with the Belkin LiveAction Camera Remote. This Device lets you snap photographs completely wirelessly using your iphone from a distance of up to 30 feet.

http://www.gear4.com

PRICE: $79.99

RATING:

www.belkin.org PRICE: $32

RATING: May 2012 | DayOldStubble | 7

NEWS

In what was one of the most highly anticipated initial public offerings in history, Facebook (Nasdaq: FB) finally made its debut among much fanfare and frenzy Friday May 18th. Despite all this fanfare Facebook's IPO may go down in financial infamy as being the biggest and most high profile IPO flop of the century.

While it didn’t go as smoothly as many had hoped, the offering was still the largest of its kind. Facebook stock began trading at $42 before closing just above $38, the IPO price set by bankers the night before. The $16 billion Facebook raised on May 18th smashed Google’s earlier record by more than eight times and made Facebook’s offering the biggest in Internet IPO history.

Despite setting the record for the largest Internet IPO things quickly went sour as reports of suits alleging that

>> INDUSTRY GOSSIP >> OPINIONS & RUMORS

FACEBOOK'S HISTORIC IPO

>> Facebook's IPO Breaks Records Then Draws The Ire Of Many Facebook provided false and misleading statements in documents that were filed with the Securities Exchange Commission and made available to the public prior to the stock offering. In addition, according to the lawsuits, the company allegedly gave a private headsup to lead underwriters, including Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs, who then decreased their revenue projections.

The lawsuits allege that the underwriters told a handful of select investors about the change, but not the public.

As of Friday (May 25) Facebook's stock continued to decline as news of the lawsuits circulated, to $31.75 per share, after opening on May 18 at $42.05 on NASDAQ.

FLIPBOAD LEAKS

RELEASE PREVIEW

The Flipboard app was supposed to be exclusive to the new Galaxy S III for the first few months. Yet the Flipboard APK has been posted to the xda-developers forums, allowing any handset to grab the social newsreader.

Microsoft is set to release the Windows 8 Release Preview the first part of June. With a more responsive Metro interface and stable environment this version is set to give the most realistic preview of the new OS.

8 | DayOldStubble | May 2012

>>for Geek news as it happens visit www.dayoldstubble.com // 24 hours a day

RETALIATION DELAYED

$99 XBOX 360 AVAILABLE

'G.I.JOE: RETALIATION' DELAYED TO 2013

Requires 2 year contract to XBOX Live

Fans excited to see Channing Tatum team up with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Bruce Willis in the next installment of the "G.I. Joe" films will have to wait quite a bit longer. Just short of its planned June 29 release, Paramount Pictures has pushed back the second film, "G.I. Joe: Retaliation," to March 2013.

The rumored $99 Xbox 360 with two-year $15 a month contract is official. It includes a Kinect, Xbox Live Gold service and a two-year warranty. The offer is now available on the Microsoft Store site.

The decision to delay the film was the studio's desire to release the movie in 3-D. Director Jon M. Chu told the Hollywood Reporter that Paramount initially didn't give him enough time for the added presentation, so he shot on standard film.

INSIDEINDUSTRY

The math works out to roughly $460 for the bundle over the next two years. Currently the 4GB Xbox 360 Kinect bundle has a suggested retail price of $299 (although it can be found for less), with Xbox Live Gold subscriptions costing about $50 a year, for a grand upfront total of $399 (or less) if you bought today.

what the experts say...

How do mobile users protect their phones?

A recent survey found more than 85 percent of users had no way of tracking a lost or stolen phone, 60 percent don't use a PIN or passcode to lock their phone and 74 percent don't regularly back up their contacts and information.

Samsung Galaxy S3 Samsung Electronics launched its top-of-the-range Galaxy S3 smartphone in Europe on May 29th.

Launching in 28 European and Middle East countries, Samsung aims to increase its lead over Apple.

What is 4.5 billion?

The number of text messages received by Americans in 2011 that they identified as spam. Richi Jennings, an independant market analyst, said that number had risen from 2.2 billion in 2009.

There are now 2.1 billion people on the Internet.

That is over one third of the total population. There are 555M websites and because many of us have registered with several sites there are 2.4bn social networking accounts. The number of email accounts in the world is 3.146bn.

REAL LIFE POKER How about getting a real poke when some one gives a virtual on on Facebook.

With the Poking Machine by Jasper van Loenen and Bartholom채us Traubeck this could soon become a reality.

May 2012| DayOldStubble | 9

>> Technology

CLOUD BURST

Cloud Computing Gets A Boost With The Launch Of Google Drive.

The Cloud, one of the most repeated buzz words in the world of computing is finally coming down to earth. We are all using some sort of cloud computing in our daily lives, but we will be doing more so now that the technology has gotten the big Google stamp of approval.

To start using Google Drive, you will need to request an activation.

Once requested the drive starts working in less than 24 hours. Once you get the go ahead it will appear as a tag on your Google page in place of "Documents". From the start, your Google Drive will have all the files from Gmail which you chose to open using Google Docs.

GOOGLE DRIVE

The next step is to download the Google Drive application to all computers that you use. Once installed you have a Google Drive folder in My Documents, where you can copy any file you care to sync with the cloud. The folder will also sync anything that you have on the cloud to it.

So if you saved a file using the Android app from your phone to the drive, it will appear on all your computers where you have installed the drive.

The other great feature is Google Drive's ability to open different file types, for which you may not have the proper software installed. For instance, it can open a PDF file even if you don't have Acrobat on the machine. You can do most of your basic editing on the drive itself and also collaborate on the file with multiple partners by sharing the same through mail. The Optical Characer Recognition (OCR) technology used by Google also lets you search within the contents of your files, even if they are scanned documents.

Like most other cloud services, Google Drive too comes with 5 GB of free space. You can upgrade to a 25 GB account for $2.49/month, 100GB for $4.99/month or even 1TB for $49.99/month. Upgrades mean your Gmail storage will also expand to 25GB. By: Jason Carrick

Adobe Creative Cloud

The new Adobe Creative Suite 6 is undoubtedly one of the best tool kits for the design, web and video professionals, with 14 feature application coming packed with hundreds of upgrades. However, what really gives the software an edge is the launch of the Adobe Creative Cloud, which allows people who have the new CS6 access to all the software in their package on the cloud. For instance, if you wanted to edit a photo from a public computer, you just have to log into your account from any computer to use the require Photoshop tools. This cloud will also let users be creative on devices like the tablet, even letting them check how their content will work on these new formats.

Cumulus Effect

You could also find these cloud services useful for your work

10 | DayOldStubble | May 2012

nivio You might know nivio as a cloud desktop service that made news a few years ago. The company has now launched services that let you open and edit most Microsoft Office files from Google Drive. With a nivio account you can also have a Windows desktop in the cloud, to which you have access from any computer anywhere. The beauty of this system is that while it gives free storage and softwarem you will also be able to rent software on a monthly basis depending on the projects you are working on. Initially, all software is free for 30 days.

Technology <<

8 Handy Tips for Windows 8 With Windows 8 Release Preview Coming In June, We Wanted To Help Give You A Head Start

With the release of Windows inching closer I think its time we started taking a look at some Tips and Tricks that will help users who are new to the OS adjust to the new UI changes and features in Windows 8. So here it comes 8 Handy Tips for Windows 8 ( there are basic stuff so if you are a expert user you might not really find anything new in here )

screen, touch your finger on the top-center of the screen and drag it all the way to the bottom. You see the app shrink and move to the center and then go down to the bottom-center. Move your mouse to the top of the app and a small hand appears.

Drag the top of the window down, and the app shrinks. Keep dragging it to the bottom of the screen and the app closes.

1) Quick App Search

4) Quick Screenshots

When you are in the Windows 8 Metro UI and want to quickly find or launch an app what do you do? Just start typing , no keyboard shortcuts or Windows Key + F or anything … Just Start Typing the name of the app and let Windows 8 find it as you type.

In Windows 8 there is no need to click on Print Screen then open up paint, then paste it and save the image to get a screenshot. Hit Windows + Print Screen and a .PNG file called Screenshot is saved in to your Pictures folder!

2) Keyboard Shortcuts

To add new App Groups to windows 8 Metro simply drag any tile you want to place into a group into an empty space on the Metro Start screen. Pinch and zoom in ( for Touch Screen ) click the small icon on the bottom right corner of the Metro Start screen ( using Mouse ) all of your tiles will minimize to small thumbnails.

Right-click a group and a Name Group icon appears at the bottom of the screen. ( for Touch screen , click and drag down the group of icons , you get a menu which says Name Group ) Click the icon, type in the desired name for the group.

Not sporting a touch screen? Love to get stuff done via the keyboard shortcuts?

Then give these handy shortcuts a go: • • •

• • • • •

Windows Key + C – Brings out the Charms Bar / Date Time Windows Key + I – Fire up the Settings Menu Windows Key + T – Go to Desktop Mode and cycles through your open windows on the taskbar.

Windows Key + M – Go to Desktop Mode and minimizes all applications Windows Key + F – File Search Windows Key + Q – Application Search Windows Key + W – Settings Search Windows Key + O – Orientation lock

3) Close Metro Apps

Hey where is my “x” button in the top right to close the app? Well it does not exist on the Windows 8 Metro Apps. But there is way to close the app. If you have a touch

5) Create app groups in Metro

6) Hidden start menu

Here’s a great hidden tidbit of Windows 8: Move your mouse cursor the lower-left corner of Windows 8’s Metro or Desktop mode until it pops up the live thumbnail of the to-be-switched-to environment.

But don’t left-click; Right-click. You’ll pull up a menu that gives you a shortcut to a bunch of handy power user options,

including Command Prompts, your Disk Management window, and your System menu, among other options.

7) Work with out Metro

Here’s a fun one. Fire up Windows Explorer and navigate over to your Windows directory. Do a search for “shows desktop,” and copy the shortcut that you find into the following location: C:\Users\ username\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\ Windows\Start Menu\Programs\ Startup. By doing so, you’ll ensure that Windows 8 always boots to the “Classic Desktop” instead of its Metro UI.

8) Change the default apps

Some of the new apps built directly into Windows 8’s Metro UI are less than pleasing when it comes to actual usability – here’s looking at you, Video app. But it’s equally frustrating to have to use an “open with this app” command whenever you want to pull up a new file format.

Our solution? Edit your file-opening preferences in one big batch. Type “default programs” within Windows 8’s Metro UI and click on the corresponding link that appears. Select “Set your default programs” and have at it – each program will tell you how many extensions it can open versus how many it is opening, just to give you a sense of your batch-processing power.

By: Jason Carrick

May 2012 | DayOldStubble | 11

REVIEW VIDEO GAME TITLE PLATFORM

How To Protect Yourself Online Six Simple Steps To Keep Your Information Safe

In todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s modern, always connected world, the idea of keeping something secret is a thing of the past. Now that strange illness you frantically looked up, the research you did for for a new job, or those hours of online videos you watched late at night, are all being gathered to paint very vivid picture of you. While not always one hundred percent correct they are at least factually accurate.

Companies have been criticized for keeping tabs on user's browsing activity, and many of us are weary of just how much information companies know. That information can then be stored, analyzed, indexed and sold as a commodity to data brokers who in turn might sell it to advertisers, employers, health insurers or credit rating agencies.

While there is no way to hide all your online activity there are at least a few options available to help mask your everyday adventures into the World Wide Web. Most options are easy and free and work well to cloud your digital footprints but like everything else the more effort and money you expend, the more concealed you can become.

12 | DayOldStubble | May 2012

Use OpenDNS to Boost Internet Browsing Speed and Security

OpenDNS is a service that swaps out and upgrades current DNS (Domain Name System) service to something that’s not only faster, but more secure as well. It increases browsing speed by employing various web-cache servers that decrease the virtual distance between a site’s content and your browser. OpenDNS also allows you to set criteria that will filter out content that is either inappropriate or malicious. OpenDNS basic is ad-supported but free, or you can pay just $10 per year for the ad-free OpenDNS VIP package.

Signing Out Can Be A Life Saver

Remaining signed in to online sites or services does keep you from having to enter your login information again, but it’s not the best practice. Nowadays, sites like Facebook, Gmail, and more give you the option to remain signed in once you begin a session. This is okay if you are on your personal computer at home, but you don’t want to make a habit of remaining signed in on public computers, at work, or other situations where you lack complete control.

Try to avoid using websites that use integrated login data. For instance, some sites allow you to log in to their services with your Facebook credentials. This could give them the ability to track your usage, so you are better off avoiding the option.

Tweak Your Browser’s Settings to Clear Browsing History

One good thing about keeping your browser history, cache, and first-person cookies intact is that you can easily see the recent paths you have taken online.

It also lets sites offer personalized suggestions based on your browsing behavior, plus you can load past-visited pages more quickly. While those reasons are certainly advantageous to the overall browsing experience, it does leave you exposed to tracking by others. Thus, you are better off simply bookmarking the pages you love to visit and losing some of the convenience that comes with retaining your browsing history.

Setting your browser to delete browsing history on exit is a solid way to cover your tracks on the web. No matter which browser you choose, the process is quick and painless. Simply go to the tools or options section in Firefox, Chrome, or Internet Explorer, and select the option that clears or deletes the browsing history when the browser closes.

If this seems too drastic of a move for you and are only looking to conceal the occasional online activity then try using the Private Browsing mode available on most upto date browsers. This setting, while often referred to as “porn-mode”, automatically removes history, cache, and first-person cookies from any session.

Use Add-ons to Block Ads and Super Cookies

Users of the popular Firefox or Google Chrome browsers have plenty of add-ons at their disposal to make the most out of your browsing experience. There are several add-ons that tackle the growing problem of internet privacy by preventing the tracking files and items such as long-lasting Flash cookies, otherwise known as local shared objects (LSOs), from downloading.

One such add-on for Firefox users is NoScript. Created by Giorgio Maone, NoScript lets you be selective as to how you block Flash and JavaScript. You won’t have to worry about completely blocking yourself off from those technologies, as the add-on gives you the power to block downloading according to specific sites our sources. The flexibility and core functionality of NoScript makes it a must-have for Firefox fans.

Another worthy add-on for Firefox users is BetterPrivacy. Developed by NettiCat, this add-on also gives you selectivity by letting you choose which Flash cookies you want to delete or allow. Its default setting eliminates all Flash cookies each time you shut down Firefox, but you can tweak the settings to fit your needs. Additional perks provided by BetterPrivacy include LSOerasing keyboard shortcuts, notifications when new LSOs are stored, and more.

ability to customize filters for specific domains known to host malware. Wladimir Palant offers AdBlock Plus for free, but you can donate $5 to show your appreciation.

You’re not out in the cold if you use Internet Explorer. As long as you are running Flash version 10.3 or later, you can delete LSOs each time you delete cookies in Internet Explorer 8 or 9.

Use a More Secure Email

Sure using an online service like Gmail, or Hotmail may seem like a smart idea, it really leaves you out in the open. The mere fact that all your personal information is being collected on large servers owned by these major search engines, means that they are constantly searching each message to get the best targeted ads or search results for you, only adding to the piles of data they have on you.

If you do not want the content of your e-mail messages examined or analyzed at all, you may want to consider lesserknown free services like HushMail, RiseUp and Zoho, which promote no-snooping policies. You may also consider registering a personal domain with and associated email address giving you a stronger chance at privacy and an unique address all your own.

Switch Search Engines

Just going out an Googling it may get you the search result you desired it also opens a whole nother can of worms. Try using the search engine DuckDuckGo, which distinguishes itself with a “We do not track or bubble you!” policy. By removing the bubbling, the filtering of search results based on your search history, you may may have to search more as opposing points views and new, fresh sites tend to be buried.

Of course, there are other methods and practices you can employ to increase your online privacy, but these offer a good place to start to ensure that your virtual tracks are at least smudged when venture out alone..

By: Jason Carrick

Both Firefox and Chrome users can enjoy the functionality provided by the AdBlock Plus add-on. It not only keeps pesky ads out of your way, but it also gives you the

May 2012 | DayOldStubble | 13

Science

Spacex Falcon 9

Space

SpaceX Rocket Launch Ushers In A New Era In Space Exploration Elon Musk's Great Space Adventure Launches In A Mission To Dock With The Internationl Space Station

Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) successfully launched its Falcon 9 rocket carrying a Dragon spacecraft to orbit in an exciting start to the mission that will make SpaceX the first commercial company in history to attempt to send a spacecraft to the International Space Station.

On May 22nd at 3:44 a.m. Eastern, the Falcon 9 carrying Dragon launched from SpaceX’s launch pad at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Now Dragon heads toward the International Space Station. On that journey it will be subjected to a series of tests to determine if the vehicle is ready to berth with the station.

The vehicle’s first stage performed nominally before separating from the second stage. The second stage successfully delivered the Dragon spacecraft into its intended orbit. This marks the third consecutive successful Falcon 9 launch and the fifth straight launch success for SpaceX. At a press conference held after the successful launch NASA Administrator Charles Bolden said. “Today marks the beginning of a new era in exploration; a private company has launched a spacecraft to the International Space Station that will attempt to dock there for the first time. And while there is a lot of work ahead to successfully complete this mission, we are certainly off to good start. Under President Obama’s leadership, the nation is embarking upon an ambitious exploration program that will take us farther into space than we have ever traveled before, while helping create good-paying jobs right here in the United States of America.”

The Dragon capsule conducted a series of checkout procedures to test and prove its systems, including the capability to rendezvous and berth with the International Space Station. On Thursday, May 24, Dragon performed a flyby of the space station at a distance of approximately 1.5 miles to validate the operation of sensors and flight systems necessary for a safe rendezvous and approach.

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After careful analysis of the flyby by NASA and SpaceX managers, the Dragon capsule will be cleared to rendezvous and berth with the space station on Friday, May 25, marking the first time a commercial company has attempted this feat. The Expedition 31 crew on board the station will use the orbiting complex’s robotic arm to capture Dragon and install it on the bottom side of the Harmony node.

At a press conference held after the launch, SpaceX CEO and Chief Designer Elon Musk stated, “This mission heralds the dawn of a new era of space exploration, one in which there is a significant commercial space element. It is like the advent of the Internet in the mid-1990s when commercial companies entered what was originally a government endeavor. That move dramatically accelerated the pace of advancement and made the Internet accessible to the mass market. I think we’re at a similar inflection point for space. I hope and I believe that this mission will be historic in marking that turning point towards a rapid advancement in space transportation technology.”

This was SpaceX’s second demonstration flight with NASA to develop the capability to carry cargo to and from the International Space Station. Demonstration launches are conducted to determine potential issues so that they might be addressed; by their very nature, they carry a significant risk. Working under NASA’s COTS program, a program that provides investments to stimulate the commercial space industry in America, SpaceX and Orbital Sciences, who is set to perform its own test flight later this year, are aiming to deliver regular cargo shipments to the International Space Station.

By: Jason Carrick

May 2012 | DayOldStubble | 15

>> COLLECTIBLES

DAVE'S TOY CHEST

MATTEL'S HE-MAN AND THE MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE COLLECTABLE INFO Company: Mattel Original Release: 1982-1992 Re-released 2002-2012 THE KNOWLEDGE It has been rumored that Conan the Barbarian was a source of inspiration for the He-Man character.

According to this rumor, Mattel had a licensing agreement to make the Conan action figures associated with the 1982 film of the same name starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Okay guys, I know. I know ALL of you out there at one time has played with dolls.

Barbie dolls mainly…..that’s okay. It was something we were always told NOT to do! Hell, my father used to always yell at me every time that I would start playing with all of my figures. “Put down those dolls! Are you the daughter that I never had!” Any of that sound familiar? (To this day I want to punch my father for that!)

Anyway, when I was a boy the only toy that resembled a doll that you could play with without catching any grief from the other fellas were from one of the greatest toy lines ever. HE-MAN AND THE MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE! Now that was a toy line that I NEVER got tired of playing with. Let’s take a trip down memory lane shall we?

(Cue sad music) Back in 1982 I was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. A type of cancer that 90% of the people it affected didn’t survive much longer. However there were some perks to having it. While laying in a hospital rotting away my mother and father would come in with some toys that they thought would make me feel better.

I’ll never forget it. 4 figures. A beautiful package. Larger than life. He-Man, Skeletor, Beast-Man, and Man-At-Arms. Each one looked like God himself chiseled and made it for my sickly little butt to play with. Another bonus to these figures were that they came

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with removable armor, a sleek weapon, and a mini comic book that showed a world that I could only imagine from my hospital bed….. Eternia. I was HOOKED! After that it seemed like every time my parents showed up in my hospital room they would have a new Masters Of The Universe figure with them. Stratos, Teela, Mer-Man, and Zodac were the newest addition to my collection along with He-Man’s trusted animal companion Battle-Cat and 2 vehicles for my beloved figures…..Battle-Ram and the Wind Raider! It wasn’t until Christmas that I received the first playset of the line.

Castle Grayskull. NOW FELLOW GEEKS THAT WAS AN AMAZING PLAYSET for it’s time. Everything was complete. Nothing could make my life any better. I was free of the cancer and was having the time of my life playing with these FANTASTIC toys.

What more could anyone ask for? Well…..

A couple of months later while making one of the several trips that I would have to make back to the hospital for further testing my mother decided to stop at a K-Mart and buy me a toy for me being a big boy at the doctor’s office. I definitely felt better when I saw several new figures in the MOTU line: Man-E-Faces, Ram-Man, Evil-Lyn, Faker, Trap-Jaw, and Tri-Klops!

(All of which soon became mine!) To make matters better more vehicles were made

Above: The original packaging still intact, showing the detail put into each card and highlighting the mini comic.

Above: Modulok one of the most sought after MOTU Figures from The Horde series.

for the figures (Attack Trak and Point Dread and Talon Fighter that attached itself to Castle Grayskull!) along with Zoar and Screech --- the Bird Warriors! Tying all of this together was an AMAZING cartoon to go along with the figures. The awesome thing about the cartoon He-Man and the Masters of the Universe is that it would introduce new characters, vehicles, and playsets that you knew one day would be made. Things were looking up.

In 1983 Mattel released the following figures to compliment the first 2 waves: Battle-Armor He-Man, BuzzOff, Fisto, Mekaneck, Orko, Prince Adam, Battle-Armor Skeletor, Clawful, Jitsu, Kobra Khan, Webstor, Whiplash…..each one more amazing than the last one! Each one of these figures had it’s own special feature, which at the time made He-Man figures very unique. More vehicles were released as well: Stridor the Armored Warhorse, Panthor, the Dragon Walker, the Road Ripper, and Roton. The best part of this particular wave of toys was the new playset released……Snake Mountain! This thing had it all. It looked creepy and scary and it had that microphone that could change your voice. Lord knows my parents would BEG me to stop using it. Now your HeMan set was complete. You had a base of operations for both the good guys and the bad guys. There’s no way that anything else would be coming out right? Wrong.

By 1985 more and more secondary figures started to hit the market along with a brand new addition to the line: The Evil Horde! OMG now Skeletor and He-Man both need to worry about this new threat. Thunder-Punch He-Man, Moss-Man, Roboto, Sy-Klone, Dragon Blaster Skeletor, Spikor, Stinkor (a personal favorite. I would chase my older sister around with him! Hee-hee!) Two-Bad, Hordak, Grizzlor, Leech, Mantenna, and Modulok were released along with a carrying case (Battle-Bones), and several vehicles, Night Stalker, Bashasaurus, the Land Shark, Spydor, and a new playset for The Evil Horde…..The Fright Zone! MAN IT DIDN’T GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS!

Unfortunately by 1986 we started to see the Masters Of The Universe line was starting to dwindle down. Most boys started to get older and weren’t buying

What really made these toys fun is that you had to use your imagination.

Above: An impressive collection of the original MOTU figures including Castle Greyskull, Snake Mountain, and The Fright Zone.

the figures. However, several new figures were released including the Dreaded Snake Men! Flying-Fist He-Man, Extendar, Rio Blast (who kinda looked like Chuck Norris if you ask me), Rokkon, Snout Spout, Stonedar, Terror-Claws Skeletor, Hurricane Hordak, Dragstor, a Horde Trooper, Multi-Bot, King Hiss, Rattlor, Tung Lashor, Mantisaur, and Monsteroid were the newest recruits. With these figures new vehicles and another playset were released: the Blaster Hawk, the Laser Bolt, the Fight Frighter, the Jet Sled, the Megalaser, and the Stilt Stalkers to go along with the messiest playset the Slime Pit Vat. I can honestly say that these figures for this wave were pretty cool but the vehicles left a little something to be desired. It was almost like Mattel was really reaching at this point.

By 1987 Mattel released its’ final wave of figures and THE MOST AWESOME PLAYSET EVER TO BE RELEASED TO DATE! This particular wave is the most collectible (next to the initial first wave): Clamp Champ, Gwildor (eww!), King Randor, Rotar, The Sorceress, Blade (double eww!), BlastAttack, Ninjor, Saurod (and here’s the hat trick --- triple eww!), Scare Glow, Twistoid, Buzz-Saw Hordak, Mosquitor, Snake Face, Sssqueeze, Bionatops, Turbodactyl, Tyrantisaurus Rex, Tytus, Megator, and the Meteorbs! Which brings us to the most sought after piece in the entire line: Eternia! I never had this as a child and from what I understand they were pretty hard to come by. (A side note I actually purchased an Eternia playset around a year ago. It took me about $200.00 to complete it and let me tell you --- IT WAS MASSIVE!) This playset was amazing! It had so

many parts to it but for it being 1987 the people that designed this thing really knew what kids liked. It had a moving ship that would follow a track all the way around the playset. It had a tower that kinda looked like Castle Grayskull on one side and a tower that looked like it belonged to Snake Mountain --- tying in the world of Eternia in a single playset. I would tell you if you have the means YOU NEED THIS PLAYSET!

There you have it. One of the greatest toy lines ever. I can tell you that I had sooooooooo much fun playing with these figures. I would play for countless hours with them. What really made these toys fun is that you had to use your imagination. It wasn’t computerized! It was honest! These figures did so well Mattel branched over into the world of girl toys and made the “She-Ra Princess Of Power” line. Anyway, I hope that you enjoyed going down memory lane again with me. Next month we’re going to discuss a toy line that I don’t know if anyone out there remembers it or not……The Secret Wars toy line!

See you in 30!

By: dave norton

May 2012 | DayOldStubble | 17

>> COMICS

BUGGER OFF! I'M READIN' COMICS DC Comics Glance Into the Future of Super Heroes and Their Dark Outcomes

If you have read past articles of Bugger Off you would know that I have a man crush on both artist Alex Ross and writer Mark Waid. Well it only makes sense that I am a HUGE fan of their 1996 collaboration with DC Comics entitled Kingdom Come.

COMIC INFO Publisher: DC Comics Schedule: Monthly Publication: May – August 1996 Writer: Mark Waid Alex Ross Artists: Alex Ross Issues: 4

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Kingdom Come’s story begins some 20 years into the future of the DC Universe.

Our story is told by Minister Norman McCay. The reader learns that Reverend McCay was a close friend of Wesley Dodds…..the original Sandman. Apparently Wesley is having futuristic visions of a dark world that Norman attributes to senility. Once Wesley passes away his nightmarish visions are now transferred to Norman. These visions show a younger, undisciplined group of “heroes” with no regard for life basically doing whatever they want to do unchecked, causing death and destruction wherever they go. Thinking that he, too, has gone insane The Spectre appears before Norman and takes him to witness the upcoming superhero apocalypse and assist him to pass judgment on the wicked.

On their “astral” trip The Spectre and Norman come across an older Superman who appears to be in seclusion. Wonder Woman arrives and asks him for his help. An altercation occurred 10 years ago between Superman and a new, lethal hero named Magog that forced him into retirement.

Wonder Woman tells Superman that Magog is out of control and begs him to do something about it. Superman then watches a news reel showing Magog and his Justice Battalion beating up a surrendering Parasite. Things take a DRASTIC change for the worse when Captain Atom attempts to get in another punch. The Parasite, trying to defend himself, touches Captain Atom and splits him open --causing a nuclear bomb to detonate! All of Kansas was destroyed along with parts of the surrounding states as well and over 1 million people lost their lives. Superman declines

to help and walks away. The Spectre and Norman’s trip continues encountering heroes from yesteryear… The Flash, Hawkman, Green Lantern, and Batman! (Who has Gotham under total control with the help of several large Batmobile-like robots!)

Our 2 journeymen now find themselves watching a battle between these new, younger heroes in the middle of innocent bystanders. With no regard for life the battle ensues…..until Superman appears and ends the altercation. Norman and The Spectre now bear witness to Superman’s recruitment drive, garnering the strength and power of fellow heroes Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash, Power Woman, The Ray, Hawkman, and Red Robin. Superman then holds a press conference outside the U.N. Building where he tells everyone that he has returned to teach these immature, younger heroes the meaning of truth and justice!

(Much to the chagrin of the members of the U.N.) One hero that won’t help Superman is Batman. Batman is still angry at Superman for deserting them over 10 years ago, leaving the rest of the heroes to deal with all super powered problems. It appears that Batman has his own agenda, one that involves Lex Luthor and his Mankind Liberation Front….. to conduct events behind the scenes in an attempt to destroy metahumans and have humans rule the world at last!

As time passes Superman recruits more and more heroes but comes across the problem of what to do with the “heroes” that won’t convert to his ideals. After being denied permission to build a super villain prison system in Atlantis by Aquaman,

COMICS <<

Superman travels to the worn-torn planet Apokolips seeking knowledge from it’s ruler Orion. He suggests that Superman take Mr. Miracle and Big Barda to help with his prison idea. Superman and the newly reformed Justice League then build a prison, (which is really cool looking. It looks like the hideout that the Legion of Doom used in the old Super Friends cartoons.), in the middle of the recently destroyed Kansas. During this time the Justice League finds Magog, who has been missing since the Kansas incident!

What happens when Superman confronts Magog? What happened between these 2 men 10 years ago that would cause the Man Of Steel to go into seclusion? Who can stop the combined forces of Batman’s Outsiders and Lex Luthor’s Mankind Liberation Front? Is Batman a bad guy now? Who or what is Lex’s ace in the hole? What happens when the Justice League locks up several of the world’s worst criminals in one place? What answers do the U.N. have? Is that a nuclear bomb?

Who lives? Who dies? What does the world do when Superman goes mad? Who becomes parents and who becomes a Godparent?

This story has it all! Great writing. Great artwork. Great characters. Mark Waid and Alex Ross have made a story here that stands the test of time. Anyone who is older can understand that the younger generation is always more obnoxious than the last one, more reckless. Heroes like Superman and his beliefs become watered down over time. Everyone is always looking for a faster, better, more efficient way of doing things.

This story also introduces several characters that are the children of many of the current DC heroes --- which would be difficult for some but not these 2 mad scientists. Alex Ross even made his own father the main character Norman McCay. Ross’ artwork is nothing short of breathtaking. Knowing that these people don’t exist (or maybe you don’t know SORRY!) Mr. Ross’ work puts you in the story. It’s almost as if the

characters are real! Mark Waid’s writing is phenomenal. His interpretations of what these characters would be like 10 years in the future are dead-on-accurate! This story is to the Justice League what Days of Future Past was to the X-Men. A side note: If this story interests you buy the Absolute Kingdom Come hardcover edition so you can read A TON of bonus material and see several sketches of our beloved characters.

Next month we will delve into a universe that almost every Geek walking God’s green Earth knows about…..The Star Wars Universe.

It’s time to strap in and make the jump to light speed! We are going to discuss a great storyline that will leave you wanting more: Star Wars Legacy! See you in 30!

By: Dave Norton

Marvel Comics: Thunderbolts.

A great idea. I mean it… a great idea. I loved the idea of villains posing as heroes to get the inside track but what the f**k is the deal with all of this time traveling gibberish? It’s too freakin’ confusing! Stick to what was working for us simple Geeks! Thunderbolts….. you have been OFFICIALLY MUNSONED!

May 2012 | DayOldStubble | 19

D12 Academy

Agricola

Board Games

D12 Academy

An in-depth study on a different board game each month… increase your strategic knowledge and/or decide if it’s worth a purchase.

Game Info: Name: Agricola Designer: Uwe Rosenberg Artist: Klemens Franz Publisher: Lookout Games, Z-Man Games Published: 2007 Players: 1 − 5 Playing Time: 30–60 minutes per player Ages: 12 and up Category: Economic Farming

The Games Goal The goal of the game is to build the most wellbalanced farm at the end of 14 rounds, consisting of plowed fields for crops and fenced pastures for livestock.

What It Is

Latin for “farmer,” Agricola is a worker placement game with an agriculture theme. Each player controls a farmer and his wife (and possibly children, as the game progresses) as you do all the various things farmers do…plant, harvest, plow, breed animals, build fences, bake bread. Theme is a heavy part of this game, and a big part of the fun is that the game mechanics mirror real life. Own two animals? They’ll have a baby periodically. Plant a crop? It takes an initial investment, but eventually yields larger benefits.

Want to have a child? You need a room for them to live in, first. Each player works to build up their personal farm, earning victory points for being successful at as many agricultural pursuits as they can juggle together. Agricola has been one of the top-regarded board games since its debut in 2008 with good reason… replay value is high, luck factors are relatively low, and there is no one “correct” path to victory. Each game plays out differently, allowing you to experiment as you go without sacrificing competitiveness to do so.

How It Plays

Players alternate turns placing their family members on communal spaces to gather building resources- wood, stone, etc- or take actions such as building a room or

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taking up an occupation. More family members= more actions…but you have to feed everyone, too. Agricola is a constant cycle between generating food and feeding your family, and your ultimate goal is to get that process rolling enough to be able to devote more actions to other things that generate victory points. Player interaction is relatively light…you can’t directly target your opponents, so most times the biggest way you’re affecting what they do is by choosing a resource/action space that they wanted, thereby slowing down their strategy.

Purposefully trying to blockade someone else’s aims rarely helps a whole lot, though, so generally the best bet is to concentrate on your own farm and what you need to do to succeed personally, taking opportunities to block them when it synergizes well with your plans. A game of Agricola usually runs about 30 minutes per player, placing it in the medium-length category for most groups.

It May Be For You If…

Worker placement games, mostly Euro’s, are their own subset of board gaming these days. Agricola is one of the best of these, and if you’re excited by the strategy challenges of something like Le Havre, Puerto Rico, or Caylus, this is a game for you. As noted above player interaction is light, so if you’re someone who prefers the opportunity to march out and pummel your opponent’s,

Get Decked

The Many Decks of Agricola In the base game

E- Deck: The Basic deck, with relatively simple cards.

I-Deck: The Interactive deck, cards that more often lead to interactions with other players K-Deck: The Complex deck, cards that tend to have a lot of variables or obscure combo opportunities

In The Goodies expansion

Agricola is a constant cycle between generating food and feeding your family, and your ultimate goal is to get that process rolling enough to be able to devote more actions to other things that generate victory points. you won’t find that here. Also, be prepared for the mental exercise of constantly needing more actions to do everything you want to do. The more you’re able to plan several moves ahead the more efficiently your farm will develop, but it can take a lot of concentration to keep track of all the different threads of paths being pursued as a game goes on. If you have poor dice luck you are at home here- Agricola contains no dice at all! There is some luck involved in what occupation/minor improvement cards each player receives, though you can easily eliminate that luck almost entirely by drafting cards. (once your group is familiar enough with the game to know what cards work well together)

How To Dominate Your Friends

The first thing you need to learn in Agricola is that you need a food engine, and the faster you get it up and running the better off you’ll be.

Generally you need to either bake bread or ranch animals, and it takes a lot of actions down either path to get them developed well. Look for cards in your hands that make either side a better option. By the time the second and third harvests come

around you want to be able to devote most of your family member’s actions to other things…not going fishing just so the family doesn’t starve.

Grow your family. All the time, as much as you can. More family members= more actions, and a new child should always be able to provide more value in actions than the time it takes to get the extra food for them.

You can get 15 VP’s just by having the maximum family size…in a game that is often won by someone with 40-60 points, that’s a solid start.

Diversify…but be willing to sacrifice some pursuits, too. In Agricola you generate points from just about everything on your farm so you’re much better off having a couple of everything than having a whole ton of just one thing. Ultimately though like in any good worker placement game, there’s never enough time to do everything you would like to. Be prepared to skip acquiring a certain animal, vegetables, more fields, etc, if you need all your actions for your core paths. (or if your opponents seem to keep blocking those other areas) You can win with some negative points on your scorecard.

Above: The common appearance of the gaming space while trying to manage your farm and family.

if you like this Axis & Allies 1942 Avalon Hill (Hasbro)

CZ-Deck: The Czech Republic deck, cards based on famous people, places, and events from that country Ö-Deck: The Austrian deck, cards based on cultural references to that country X-Deck: The Extraterrestrial deck. Alien encounters invade Agricola!

L-Deck: A deck of complete silliness

In the Farmers of the Moor expansion F-Deck: Advanced deck of cards that make use of the new FotM mechanics

Stand-alone expansion decks Axis and Allies is a simplified wargame, pitting players on one side or the other in an epic recreation of World War II.

NL-Deck: The Netherlands deck, cards of all things Dutch!

G-Deck: The Gamers deck, cards created and playtested by Agricola fans Z-Deck: A deck of crazy powerful and weird cards World Championship Deck: Cards designed for the 2011 Agricola world championships The Legen*Dairy Forest Deck: Cards based on fantasy legends and stories

By: Aaron Dekuiper

May 2012 | DayOldStubble | 21

Just What Exactly Is The SCA? MIX A LOVE OF HISTORY, RE-ENACTMENT, AND COSPLAY TO FIND OUT Quick Info: Founded: 1966 Country Origin: USA Locations: Chapters Across the Globe Focus: Historical Reenactment Members: About 60,000 Website: SCA.org SCA: Society for Creative Anachronism

Right Top: Ă&#x2020;thelmearc processing past Stave Church at Pennsic Right Bottom: Commedia del Arte

The Society for Creative Anachronism, more commonly known as the SCA, is a large, notfor-profit, educational society that's dedicated to the study and re-enactment of pre-17th-century Europe.

In May of 1966 a group of science fiction, fantasy and history buffs hosted a large, outdoor party in Berkley, California where the invitation called for a competition for, "all knights to defend in single combat the title of fairest for their ladies." This gathering was so successful that a sequel was planned and it was decided that they would need a much larger space. Due to the requirements that only an orgnization could reserve a public space like a park a name was needed for this little group. At the time the idea of recreating the Middle Ages in 20th-century Berkeley was an anachronism (something "out of time"), and because the goal was creativity, they came up with "The Society for Creative Anachronism". Little did they know that the group would grow and that the name created at the spur of the moment would stay with them until the future.

Since its humble beginnings back in Berkley, the SCA has grown stretching across the United States and beyond. Officially incorporated as an educational

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GEEK LIFE << How it all began

The SCA's roots can be traced to a backyard graduation party of a UC Berkeley medieval studies graduate, the author Diana Paxson, in Berkeley, California, on May Day in 1966. The party began with a "Grand Tournament" in which the participants wore motorcycle helmets, fencing masks, and usually some semblance of a costume, and whacked away at each other with weapons including plywood swords, padded maces, and even a fencing foil.

It ended with a parade down Telegraph Avenue with everyone singing "Greensleeves". It was styled as a "protest against the 20th century". From that one event the SCA has grown to encompass the whole globe with more and more people joining looking for a way to reenact and recreate the middle ages as accurately as they can.

Above: An example of the rapier combat styles that are on display at the different events.

Many describe the SCA as recreating the Middle Ages “as they ought to have been.”

Below: An example of some of the detailed costumes SCA members create to enhance their experience at the many events.

Above: Archers on the line to test their skill and accuracy with different style bows they have created.

not-for-profit, the SCA is a group dedicated to learning, teaching and spreading the culture and history of pre-17th century (before the 1600's) Europe. What differentiates the SCA from an interactive History class and a popular Renaissance Faire is the active participation in the learning process. You learn and hone your craft while researching about it. If you want to learn about combat you research how armor was made and try to recreate it with modern materials while learning how to defend yourself in combat. Each skill is meticulously researched by each willing participant. Chances are that if you have any questions about any period of medieval history and culture, from glass blowing to heraldry and from bawdy songs to styles of storytelling you're going to find someone in the SCA who can share what knowledge they've gleaned on the subject.

Many describe the SCA as recreating the Middle Ages “as they ought to have been.” Selectively recreating the culture by choosing elements of the culture that interest and attracts the participants. The SCA is a place where those with an interest for historical re-enactment can find a home, there's a little something for every love and every history in the SCA.

May 2012 | DayOldStubble | 23

>> INTERVIEW

Duke Guillaume de la Belgique INTERVIEW We ask Scott Farrell, the Media Representative for the Society for Creative Anachronism, a few questions about the SCA. >>

Can anyone join the SCA and how would they go about it?

One of the engaging aspects of the SCA is that it's not a "spectator activity." This is a place for people to get involved and be active. Anyone who attends one of the SCA's events is welcome to participate - all we ask is that you make an attempt at wearing a historical costume. If you're not quite sure what a medieval outfit looks like - not to worry. Pretty much everyone came to their first tournament dressed in a baggy shirt, tall boots, and jeans. You'll learn more about medieval styles and fashion as you become more active, and acquire (or make) more authentic clothing for yourself.

(And someday you'll look back at a picture of yourself in those jeans and shake your head.)

I understand that there is a rank system in the SCA, does everyone start at the same level and how does one move up?

Can you tell me a little about the SCA what you do?

The SCA is a historical reenactment hobby organization that focuses on the European Middle Ages and Renaissance, roughly from the fall of the Roman Empire to the end of the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. We like to say that the SCA is "the Middle Ages as they should have been" - which is to say, we recognize there are a lot of bad aspects of medieval history (the Crusades and the plague being two of the most notorious) but we choose to focus strictly on the art, literature, and idealism of the time.

How did you get interested in the SCA and when did you become a member?

I learned about the SCA when a few of the knights from our local chapter (in San Diego, Calif.) came to my high school humanities course to put on a demonstration of sword combat. I thought the idea of having armor and learning to fight like a knight was so exciting that I went to the group's next tournament - that was 30 years ago, and I've been part of the SCA ever since.

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In the SCA, everyone is assumed to be "nobility" from the moment they come into the group. No one is forced to play the part of a "peasant" or "serf" just because they're at the bottom of the totem pole. The SCA does present awards of various sorts for members who are active and talented in certain fields, and those awards carry specific titles (like knight, baroness, or count), but everyone in the group is addressed as "m'lord" or "m'lady."

From what Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve read costumes are a major part of being in the SCA. Do most make their own and is there a certain required dress for each rank?

There are no requirements for any sort of dress or presentation in the SCA. A brand-new member can dress as a nobleman or lady, and a long-time member may wear a humble farmer's tunic.

INTERVIEW << Regarding rank, at the SCA events are people assigned certain jobs based on their status in the kingdoms or is the rank merely a way to distinguish who have been members the longest?

Like many hobby or recreational organizations, the SCA functions on the energy and talent of its volunteer staff. Awards and titles are merely a way of recognizing members who have demonstrated a particular talent, or who have put a lot of effort into volunteering.

With the group's emphasis on the ideals of chivalry, I'm sure it comes as no surprise to learn that we have great respect for those who volunteer, serve, and help others.

While there are many rules and laws for each kingdom and the SCA in general, I heard that there are 2 main rules every SCA member needs to know. What are those 2 rules?

Hmm â&#x20AC;Ś If I had to pick two rules, they would probably be: "Treat everyone in accordance with the ideals of chivalry," and "Stop if you hear the marshals (the 'referees') shouting 'Hold!'." (Although only one of those is technically a rule.)

But in terms of "two rules every SCA member should know," I guess no one has told me what they are yet.

Now to the interesting part, the medieval combats. Can you tell me more about the â&#x20AC;&#x153;fightingâ&#x20AC;? that the SCA does?

One of the most popular, and visible, activities of the SCA is its various forms of historical combat. The group includes armored combat (sometimes called "heavy" combat), period fencing (or rapier combat), and a new program that is being developed in some regions called unarmored combat.

All of these combative activities are meant to replicate (as much as possible) the style of competition in a medieval tournament with swords, spears and other hand-held weaponry. Most important, all of the SCA's combat styles are conducted under the code of chivalry, and all participants are expected to behave like honorable men and women (we do have female warriors, and even several lady knights), and to treat their opponents with utmost respect and courtesy - even when they are swinging swords at each other.

From looking at the events for each kingdom it appears that there are several gatherings where combat challenges are a part, even some are listed as

actual battles and wars. When a battle or war takes place are the kingdoms actually vying to win anything?

Combat in the SCA does take two forms - the tournament (which is one vs. one, or single combat) and the melee (which is team, or group combat). Battles involve teams or armies which can range from a few dozen fighters, up to hundreds on a side. While the fighting is always spirited and fierce, the only "prize" is the bragging rights as to which team holds the field at the end of the fight - and, of course, the new friends you'll have at the end of the battle.

Obviously to achieve the rank of Duke and be the media representative for the SCA you must have been involved for a while. With all this knowledge of the Middle Ages have you ever been called on as a resource for people doing research into this time period?

I enjoy talking to people about the Society, and sharing my own enthusiasm as a spokesperson for the group, but generally the SCA is a hobbyist organization in which people pursue their research about medieval history for its own sake, not to become experts or consultants. However, many of the things I have done in the group have helped me indirectly in other fields of activity - I am also one of the ensemble performers with a Shakespearean acting company (San Diego's Intrepid Shakespeare Company) and the performances I've done in the SCA have certainly helped build my talents as a performer. And I also teach fencing and Western martial arts at several fencing studios here in San Diego (such as the Team Touche Fencing Center) and my experience teaching sword-fighting techniques in the SCA has helped me develop curriculum for that.

When kingdoms hold special events are they open to the general public? Do you have any specific requests of people who wish to attend but are not a member?

SCA events are generally open to the public. Membership will get you some benefits (like access to our on-line newsletters, and a discount on the site fee at an event) but there are no "membersonly, exclusive" activities within the group.

To compare an SCA event to a Ren Faire, would be like comparing apples to oranges. They are similar and different in so many ways. What would you tell

the average layperson that the main differences between the two are.

The main distinction between the SCA and a historical festival like a Renaissance Faire is that a Faire is a performance - you go to watch, shop, and be entertained - and the SCA is a participatory activity - you go to learn, try, and take part. This isn't to say that Renaissance Faires aren't fun, but if you come to an SCA event expecting a "show" like you get at a Renaissance Faire (with strolling performers playing roles, and shows taking place on a strict schedule) you're going to be very bored. When you come to an SCA event, you should be ready to try something new - to try a craft, or take part in a dance, or just have some great conversations with knowledgable people about historical trivia and details.

What keeps you interested in the SCA and why should someone join?

The great thing about the SCA is that it's really a huge collection of different activities. You may join because you like the idea of sword-fighting in armor, then realize that you'd like to learn how to construct your own clothing and costumes. After a few years, you might get interested in learning archery, then you might want to try some historical leather or wood working crafts. You might be interested in learning to play a period musical instrument, like a harp or a lute. And you might want to discover some historical recipes and try cooking a whole medieval feast. What keeps people involved in the SCA for so many years is the fact that, if you have any sort of interest in history, there are an almost endless number of activities you can try - and no matter how obscure your interest, the people in the Society respect anyone who has a passion for learning.

One last question/comment. For the SCA being steeped in re-creating the Middle Ages, I must admit that you have a vast network of information organized very neatly online. Who ever thought to meld the Middle and Internet age must be a real alchemist to achieve this wealth of info. If one wants to know more about the SCA where can they go?

The SCA's website - www.SCA. org - has a great deal of information about the history and activities of the group, and provides an easy way to find the SCA chapter nearest to you.

May 2012 | DayOldStubble | 25

>> GEEKS GUIDE

GEEKS GUIDE

TO HIGH TECH GRILLING

APPS AND GADGETS TO BRING YOUR BARBECUE BEYOND BORING BURGERS By: jason Carrick

It's that time of year again. Time to head out into the back yard to spend those lazy dog days of Summer. Time to get the gang together to head outside and enjoy some sun while grilling up some delicious treats on the grill.

Can't you smell it? The aroma of brats. The scent of corn on the cob. Whether you’ve got a multi-burner gas behemoth or a portable hibachi and a bag of charcoal, it’s time to realize that grilling has entered the 21st century with plenty of high tech wizardry available to make your life easier. Here are some apps and grilling gadgets to bring your barbecue beyond boring burgers.

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GEEKS GUIDE << Picking out the best cuts

When looking for that perfect piece of meat, are you able to tell a t-bone from a ribeye? Can you tell a strip steak from a skirt steak? If your ever unsure now there is an App for that. With the Ask the Butcher App, available for $1.99 for the iPhone, you can have Sam the butcher on-call when ever you need. It gives you the skinny on different cuts of meat from cows, pigs, lambs and calves. But the handiest feature is the barbecue cooking guide, which tells you time and cooking temperature for each cut depending on size or thickness.

Grills for the Backyard Impaired

Unfortunately fror some of us apartments don't always allow the use of gas or charcoal grills. Luckily you can still enjoy a great tasting barbecue thanks to Char-broil's Tru-Infrared grills. Char-broil's Patio Bistro is a line of electric grills that uses infrared heat instead of convective heat. Infrared heat penetrates the food and cooks it without drying it out.

If your trying to be environmentally friendly or just out on a camping trip then take a look at a Solar Cooker from Sun and Ice, a German based company that offers a variety of dish shaped solar cookers. These gills can be used year round as long as there is direct sunlight available. Solar cooking is environmentally friendly, it produces no smoke, and it has no messy ashes to clean up. The drawback is that it can be difficult to achieve a consistent temperature and it requires repositioning every 25-30 minutes. Other solar cooking options are available from Sun Ovens International, Euro Ceramica, and Sport Solar Oven.

Cooking the Perfect Food

Dark Outside? No Problem.

For most, Weber has been synonymous with barbecue for as long as they know.

Even though the company has been selling grills since 1952, it doesn’t mean they are stuck in the past. For $4.99 you can get the Weber On the Grill app for iPhone, iPad or Android devices. It has 280 grilling recipes, plus recipes for 40 different rubs and sauces, how-to videos, interactive shopping lists and the ability to socialize your grilling experience online.

In short, it’s got everything you need to host a great barbecue minus the tacky “Trust me I'm and Engineer” apron.

If your gathering starts late in the day and before you realize it its dark outside and you haven't even started the grill, no need to worry. You don't have to cancel the barbecue just because it’s dark, not with a solar powered LED grill light from Maverick. You can charge it all day for up to four hours of continuous nighttime use.

It features stainless steel mounting clips, so it’s good in all weather, as well as a bendable neck for flexible placement and its four bulbs last up to 50,000 hours. You can get it for $70 at maverickhousewares.com.

Maintaining the Perfect Temperature

Eventually, the party comes to an end and, as much as you’d like to avoid it, you have to clean up. Cleaning the grill well is important in order to prevent cross contamination of other foods. To help make that job easier look at getting a Motorized grill brush which are available with built in LED lights for the late night barbecues or you can use the Grill Daddy Pro Grill Brush to steam clean the grilling surface. Brookstone also offers a motorized grill brush that also includes a steam cleaning function. The brass bristled brush won’t scratch your cooking grates and it spins so you won’t have to use as much elbow grease. Plus, the steam action loosens even toughest gunk. It does needs eight AA batteries (not included) and goes for $30 at brookstone. com.

Here’s a common dilemma: you’re the host and the grill master. You want to mingle with your guests but you need to keep an eye on the meat. Lucky for you there are a variety of handheld infrared thermometers that allow you to test the temperature of your grill from a distance.

But how would you check it? Well, luckily, there’s an app for that. You need the iGrill Bluetooth Termometer and app, available for iPhone or iPad. You can connect your device to this dual-probe thermometer from up to 200 feet away; then download the app and it tells you when your food is done. It’s available for $80 in black or white from igrillinc.com.

Cleaning Up

May 2012 | DayOldStubble | 27

>> FEATURE

Summer movie preview 2012

Batman and Spider-man are suiting up for box office domination, Stallone and friends are chompinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; down on gunpowder, sweat and red meat. A former Prez hunts bloodsuckers, Tom Cruise sings and Ridley Scott renews his epic Alien saga.

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right, folks. Summer 2012 has arrived!

Having a tough time trying to figure out which of the big Summer movies are worth seeing this year? Have no fear! We here at DayOldStubble know the value of a helping hand when choosing where to spend your hard-earned money, and to that end, we present our annual Summer Movie Preview! We have a quick look at our biggest and most anticipated films of June, July, and August, complete with ratings, runtimes and cast and crew listings! So grab the popcorn and plan your summer viewing!

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Snow White and the Huntsman movie Info: Opens: June 1 Rated: PG-13 Runtime: 127 mins Director: Rupert Sanders Cast: Kristen Stewart, Chris Hemsworth and Charlize Theron

On June 1, Universal serves up Snow White and the Huntsman, starring Charlize Theron andKristen Stewart, who in this retelling becomes a woman warrior. The studio is determined to make the film accessible to males as well as females, but Hollywood has had a hard time turning fairy tales into four-quadrant hits, as evidenced by the poor performances of Red Riding Hood and Mirror Mirror.

FEATURE <<

Pirahna 3DD movie Info: Opens: June 1 Rated: R Runtime: 83 mins Director: John Gulager Cast: Danielle Panabaker, David Hasselhoff, Christopher Lloyd, Ving Rhames, Gary Buesy, and Matt Bush

This time, no one is safe from the flesh eating fish as they sink their razor sharp teeth into the visitors of summer’s best attraction, The Big Wet Water Park.

David Hasselhoff trades in the sandy beaches of “Baywatch” to be a celebrity lifeguard at the racy water park. Prepare for double the terror, double the action and double the D’s in this sequel.

Christopher Lloyd, Paul Scheer, and Ving Rhames back for more fish frenzy.

Safety Not Guaranteed movie Info: Opens: June 8 Rated: R Runtime: 94 mins Director: Colin Trevorrow Cast: Aubrey Plaza, Jake M. Johnson, Mark Duplass, and Karan Soni

Prometheus movie Info: Opens: June 8 Rated: R Runtime: 124 mins Director: Ridley Scott Cast: Noomi Rapace, Logan Marshall-Green, Charlize Theron and Michael Fassbender

A team of scientists journey through the universe on the spaceship "Prometheus" on a voyage to investigate Alien life forms. The team of scientists becomes stranded on an Alien world, and as they struggle to survive it becomes clear that the horrors they experience are not just a threat to themselves, but to all of mankind. While the release isn’t intended as a prequel, per se, to Scott’s 1979 classic Alien, there is a definite connection.

Aubrey Plaza (Parks and Rec), Jake Johnson (New Girl) and Mark Duplass (The League) star in this indie movie based on an infamous classified ad posted several years ago by a guy looking for someone to travel through time with him. Plaza and Johnson play reporters on an assignment to interview the guy who placed the ad (Duplass) and to see whether he’s full of shit or not. Safety Not Guaranteed was screened at Sundance and South by Southwest this year and earned overwhelminglypositive reviews, indicating that it could be the sleeper hit of the summer.

Rock of Ages movie Info: Opens: June 15 Rated: PG-13 Runtime: 123 mins Director: Adam Shankman Cast: Julianne Hough, Diego Boneta, Russel

Rock of Ages, which opens June 15 opposite Sony’sAdam Sandler/Andy Samberg comedy That’s My Boy, headlines singer Julianne Hough andDiego Boneta with an ensemble cast includingTom Cruise as a heavy-metal rocker, Russell Brand, Catherine ZetaJones, Alec Baldwinand Mary J. Blige.

Brand, Alec Baldwin, and Tom Cruise

May 2012 | DayOldStubble | 29

>> FEATURE

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter movie Info: Opens: June 22 Rated: N/R Runtime: TBA Director: Timur Bekmambetov Cast: Benjamin Walker, Rufus Sewell and Dominic Cooper

This definitely isn’t your usual history lesson. Based on the novel by Seth Grahame-Smith, the genre mashup reimagines a young Abe Lincoln as a vampire hunter. Wanted’sTimur Bekmambetov directed from a script

by Grahame-Smith and Simon Kinberg.

Benjamin Walker plays Lincoln, Mary Elizabeth Winstead is Mary Todd Lincoln and Dominic Cooper appears to school the future president in the art of vampire-fighting.

The Amazing Spider-Man movie Info: Opens: July 3 Rated: PG-13 Runtime: 136 mins Director: Marc Webb Cast: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Martin Sheen, and Rhys Ifans

The Dark Knight Rises movie Info: Opens: July 20 Rated: PG-13 Runtime: 160 mins Director: Christopher Nolan Cast: Christian Bale, Joseph GordonLevitt, Tom Hardy, Anne Hathaway, and Gary Oldman

Christopher Nolan’s final Batman film could easily be the biggest hit of summer 2012, considering that The Dark Knight grossed $1 billion worldwide for Warner Bros. After opening in summer 2008. Dark Knight Rises takes place eight years after Dark Knight left off and, in addition to Christian Bale’s Bruce Wayne/Batman, sees the return of characters played by Michael Caine, Gary Oldman and Morgan Freeman. New to the franchise are Anne Hathaway as Catwoman and Tom Hardy as the villainous Bane.

30 | DayOldStubble | May 2012

A retelling of the familiar origins story, The Amazing Spider-Man is headlined by Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker, the high schooler who becomes the iconic superhero, and Emma Stone as his love interest.

Although it has been only five years since the previous Spider-Man movie (directed by Sam Raimi), the studio is calculating that a redo will refresh its marquee franchise. The bar is high as the three Spider-Man films starring Tobey Maguire were among the most successful titles in Hollywood history.

Ruby Sparks movie Info: Opens: July 25 Rated: R Runtime: 123 mins Director: Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris Cast: Paul Dano, Zoe Kazan and Annette Bening

The team behind Little Miss Sunshine returns to theaters with the Fox Searchlight specialty release Ruby Sparks on July 25 — nearly six years to the day after Sunshine did. In Ruby, Paul Dano plays a novelist who achieved huge success early in his career but is in a slump. Finally, he has a breakthrough and creates a character named Ruby (Zoe Kazan), who turns up on his couch a week later.

FEATURE <<

Total Recall movie Info: Opens: August 3 Rated: N/R Runtime: 121 mins Director: Len Wiseman Cast: Colin Farrell, Bokeem Woodbine, Jessica Biel, Kate Beckinsale, and

This remake of the 1990 Arnold Schwarzenegger sci-fi movie now features Colin Farrell in the lead role and follows a different storyline. As the nation states Euromerica and New Shanghai vie for supremacy, a factory worker begins to suspect that he's a spy, though he is unaware which side of the fight he's on.

Kate Beckinsale, stars opposite Farrell.

The Bourne Legacy movie Info: Opens: August 3 Rated: PG-13 Runtime: TBA Director: Tony Gilroy Cast: Jeremy Renner, Rachel Weisz and Edward Norton

The future of Universalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s marquee action franchise is riding on the latest installment, which features Jeremy Renner in the lead instead of Matt Damon.

Tony Gilroy, who wrote the first three Bourne movies, is in the directorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chair this time. Aaron Cross, Jeremy Renner, experiences life-or-death stakes that have been triggered by previous events.

Bryan Cranston

The Expendables 2 movie Info: Opens: August 17 Rated: N/R Runtime: TBA Director: Simon West Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Liam Hemsworth and Randy Couture

Can lightning strike twice? Lionsgate is betting it can as it preps The Expendables 2. Written and directed by Sylvester Stallone, the first Expendables became an unexpected sensation in August 2010, grossing $274.5 million worldwide.

This time, while Stallone penned the script, Simon West takes the directing reins. The follow-up marks the return of Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Dolph Lundgren and Bruce Willis, along with newbies Yu Nan, JeanClaude Van Damme and Chuck Norris.

Premium Rush movie Info: Opens: August 24 Rated: N/R Runtime: 91 mins Director: David Koepp Cast: Joseph GordonLevitt, Michael Shannon and Jamie Chung

This New York thriller movie features Joseph Gordon-Levitt as a fast-pedalin' bike messenger caught up in a life or death chase through the streets of Manhattan. When Wilee (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) picks up his last envelope of the day on a premium rush run, he discovers this package is different and attracts the interest of a dirty cop, who pursues the cyclist throughout the city.

May 2012 | DayOldStubble | 31

After 35 Years 'The Force' Is Strong With Star Wars

While May the Fourth is more of a joke, what might be the most important naturally occurring holy day on the geek calendar happens on May 25th. This years Star Wars day is extra special as it is the 35th anniversary of the release of the very first film in the Star Wars saga. On May 25, 1977, the movie known then as simply Star Wars and now as Star Wars IV: A New Hope opened in theaters across the country, and between it and George Lucas, forever changed movie making, movie going, movie merchandising and our culture, both pop and general.

In fact, if I had to rank the most pivotal moments in American pop culture in the last 60 years, the release of “Star Wars” would be in the top five. It injected special effects into movies like never before and forever changed how films were marketed.

“Star Wars” took the motion picture industry to the next level in a similar way the Beatles did with rock ’n’ roll.

32 | DayOldStubble | May 2012

There’s no doubt the original “Star Wars” has stood the test of time, even with out the need for all the special editions. It’s the fourth-highest grossing movie ever in the U.S., and Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia, Obi-Wan Kenobi, C-3PO, R2-D2, Chewbacca and Darth Vader have all become Hollywood legends.

On Wednesday, May 25, 1977. when “Star Wars” was released, many had never seen anything like it. Sure there was “Jaws,” which was the first summer blockbuster film two years earlier. But never a movie that took them to another galaxy, with spaceships and likable, unforgettable characters. With such ground breaking visual and sound

effects, people paid to see it again and again and instantly became part of our lifestyle with related toys, games, books, shirts and other memorabilia. Who knew how universally known the characters, music, scenes and sayings would become and how the popularity of the saga would appeal to guys and gals of all ages?

The world famous Chinese Theatre back in 1977 at the release of Star Wars

FEATURE <<

Above: A small collection of the original tie-ins produded

by Kenner for the 1977 film Star Wars.

As with any successful film series, there is money to be made. The longevity of the “Star Wars” brand has resulted in the biggest revenue coming from movie-inspired merchandise.

And it’s not just the video games and action figures – we’re talking about things like comic books, gift wrap, backpacks, lunch boxes, costumes, placemats, Pez dispensers, trading cards and toothbrushes, just to mention a few.

Since Star Wars is about to enter into middle-age and that less-desirable 35-54 demographic, now would be a good time to reflect and analyze its place in the world today. Except for one thing: it has never once left the public consciousness.

We can thank George Lucas and the fanboys equally for that.

The director-writer-producer-mogul-inventor-FX pioneer, George Lucas, has created a vast empire himself based around the Star Wars franchise and become a guru to thousands of filmmakers who have come after him. And what about the fans? I bet we all know a Star Wars devotee or two.

Movie Info: Production year: 1977 Rated: PG Runtime: 121 mins Director: George Lucas Cast: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Alec Guinness, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, Peter Mayhew, David Prowse, and James Earl Jones

How they rank: 1. The Empire Strikes Back (Great, great movie) 2. Star Wars 3. Return of the Jedi 4. Revenge of the Sith (The whiney Anakin finally succumbs to the Dark Side)

Everyone has their favorite scenes – from the controversial “who shot first” scene between Han Solo and Greedo in the Cantina, in the original “Star Wars,” to the destruction of the Death Star, with a little help from Han Solo and the Millennium Falcon (which never failed to generate a rousing cheer from the movie-goers), to Han Solo’s smug response of, “I know,” to Princess Leia’s “I love you,” just before he was carbonized in “The Empire Strikes Back.”

5. Attack of the Clones 6. The Phantom Menance (Most anticipated film, but greatly disappointed)

One can’t ignore the appeal of the Star Wars theme of good versus evil. Mix in the power of the “force” and it’s all about believing in oneself and going out and getting the job done.

When Yoda teaches Luke to use the force, he’s not messing around with any half-hearted efforts or whining of any kind.

Who couldn't love his message, “Do or do not ... there is no try,” delivered by a two-foot tall, pointy-eared, whiskery, wrinkled, slightly chubby and very wise, green guy.

With 35 years under its belt, it still doesn't look like Star Wars is going anywhere soon. With the "Enhance Special Editions" coming out in IMax and new video games being released for todays top gaming consoles, we still have the critically acclaimed “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” TV series on Cartoon Network bringing us the details behind the much talked about but never shown Clone Wars from the original six movies. While the rumors of a live action made for TV Star Wars drama still being talked about who knows what the future holds for this storied franchise.

Mark Hamill, George Lucas, and Harrison Ford Discuss a scene

By: jason Carrick

May 2012 | DayOldStubble | 33

Guest Writer The Analytical Couch Potato

TELEVISION

Community 101

Community's Theme Episodes Have Characters at their Hearts

Show Info: Genre: Sitcom Created by: Dan Harmon Starring: Joel McHale, Gillian Jacobs, Danny Pudi, Yvette Nicole Brown, Alison Brie, Donald Glover, Jim Rash Ken Jeong, Chevy Chase Seasons: 3 Episodes: 71

The news is in: Community has been renewed for a fourth season. But only for 13 episodes, a sign that NBC is still on the fence about it. If you’re still in the camp that thinks this NBC sitcom is just a self-obsessed collection of references and gimmick episodes, let me try to change your mind.

I don't think the show has the consistent brilliance of, say, an Arrested Development. But when it's on, boy is it on. Episodes like “Remedial Chaos Theory”, “Modern Warfare”, and “Paradigms of Human Memory” are some of the best TV episodes I've seen, ever. They literally give me new hope for the medium, as a lens that looks at itself.

Community's many parodies, homages, or send ups, depending on how you want to think of them, work for a lot of reasons when they could very easily fall flat or come across as gimmicky. They work because they are built on a solid foundation of character which is built up in the non-gimmick episodes. They work because of the terrifying level of

34 | DayOldStubble | May 2012

obsession with which the creative team throws itself into the parody.

They work because they fit into and enhance the structure of the show and the ongoing plot arcs.

But most of all, they work because Community is set at a third-rate community college. Greendale itself, with the Dean as its human avatar, is the key to making Community's parodies work, because it is so thoroughly unremarkable. Television and movies, the mainstays of Community's parody targets, are inherently epic in scale, and every successful Community parody juxtaposes that epicness with stakes that are actually, ultimately, incredibly low. (The exception here is the zombie episode, but even then nobody died.)

A good example of this kind of parody is a two-parter from earlier in this season, “Digital Exploration of Interior Design” and “Pillows and Blankets,” which took the form of a send up of Ken Burns documentaries, in particular, The Civil War.

The two-part episode was, in many ways, a sequel to last season's “Conspiracy Theories and Interior Design,” my favorite episode of the series so far. “Conspiracy Theories” didn't have redone opening credits or a big change in the shooting aesthetic like “Modern Warfare” or “Basic Lupine Urology,” the recent Law and Order parody, so it's easy to think of it as a “regular” episode.

But it really is a parody, and the target is conspiracy movies.

Jeff has created a fake class, Conspiracy Theories, with a fake professor named Professor Professorson. The Dean catches on and Jeff leads him to an empty supply closet, hoping to convince the Dean that the reason he can't find the Professor is because he's in the midst of an object lesson about conspiracy theories. Instead, he encounters the made-up prof, and he and Annie begin to unravel a conspiracy that shakes the very foundations of … Greendale's night school.

The lowest stakes possible. But the show plays them up with a straight face, even when the characters don't. Jeff gets a mysterious phone call and Annie's tiny Hot Wheel's car gets sabotaged.

It sparks slightly as Jeff dives into Annie, knocking her to the ground.

In a seemingly unrelated plotline, Troy and Abed build a blanket fort. But the payoff is the moment when the two plots intersect, and the conspiracy parody's signature chase scene takes our heroes through the seemingly endless fort.

“Conspiracy Theories and Interior Design” was a brilliant episode, but the two-part sequel took it to the next level. It might not seem like a sequel. Professor Professorson (actually Professor Garrity) does not make an appearance, and the main plot of “Conspiracy Theories” is not revived.

Instead, Troy and Abed, and their bigger, better blanket fort, take center stage.

as a symbol for Troy and Abed's relationship.

The Civil War was the violent growing pain of a new nation, Troy and Abed's civil war is the violent growing pain of a new friendship.

But again, the humor in this plotline that could be serious comes from the extreme harmlessness of pillows and blankets. Once more, the lowest stakes ever physically, but the highest stakes emotionally.

But the show's writers connect the shows in our minds, first with the blanket fort and then with the use of “Interior Design” in the two of the episode titles, and when we look at the shows as a pair (or a trio) we start to see a lot of connections.

Jeff and Annie's plot in Conspiracy Theories is, at its heart, about friends teaching each other lessons. In the hilarious final scene, we find that Annie and the Dean are trying to teach Jeff a lesson, and Jeff is trying to teach the Dean a lesson (about lessons) and Annie a lesson (about not trying to change her friends). The shaky conclusion is that everyone decides to accept each other the way they are.

Thematically, we have another conspiracy theory, though one that's unnoticed by the characters: Vice Dean Laybourne's shadowy behind-the-scenes meddling orchestrates the whole war, Darth Sidious-style, a plot point that's left curiously unconcluded.

All three episodes have a Troy and Abed story and a Jeff and Annie story. The first episode's Troy and Abed story is really simple: it's a celebration of their friendship and it's amazing potential to create worlds and reshape the world they live in, turning Greendale into a blanket city, complete with a Latvian Independence Parade. A year later, the sequel invites us to compare Troy and Abed now to Troy and Abed then, to look closely at the changes in their relationship and the rift that's grown between them.

The imaginative world created by their friendship returns, but now it's a place of violence and strife. The mounting tension in their relationship becomes an all-out war.

The decision to do the second half of the two-parter as a parody of Ken Burns' The Civil War, then, is not a random choice or a gimmick. Here we have the war that pitted brother against brother, that nearly tore a nation apart but ultimately made it stronger, evoked, hilariously, but poignantly,

But again, a year later we're invited to look at the way the relationship has evolved in the meantime. Jeff and Annie's relationship has often been about age and about lessons – Annie looks to Jeff as a model of maturity as she grows up, while Jeff looks to Annie as a model for being the better person he's trying to become.

Despite the conclusion, the two have never stopped trying to teach each other – and trying to learn from one another.

In the Kim subplot of “Digital Exploration,” Annie tries to teach Jeff a lesson about seeing people, but when it doesn't turn out the way she wants, she gets upset, leading Jeff to teach her a lesson about maturity. In “Pillows and Blankets,” Annie's sweetness and goodness and moral high ground is highlighted by her role as battlefield nurse.

Meanwhile, Jeff's role as undiscriminating rabble rouser takes him back to his Winger worst – using other people and their problems as a means to accomplish his own ends. So it takes Annie to bring Jeff into the fight, or rather, to get Jeff to use his rhetorical talents for good instead of evil.

But the maturity arc is at play here, too – Annie is joining the game, in an almost laughably irrelevant role, a nurse in a war with no real injuries, while Jeff is, in some sense, being the grown-up and rising above it. The conclusion here is especially interesting in that light. When Jeff goes to retrieve the magical friendship hats, he's participating in the childish make-believe more fully than he ever has before. Annie appears to have done all the teaching here, with Jeff realizing that sometimes the grown-up thing to do is to act like a little kid, rather than just turning up his nose at a “childish” problem and refusing to engage with it.

When all is said and done, the status quo has returned, but all of the relationships have advanced in meaningful ways. Troy and Abed's rift isn't erased, but now that it's been aired and somewhat addressed we're likely to see them work through their issues more constructively. Jeff and Annie have taken one more step in their journey of understanding themselves better by learning to think more like each other.

A great parody, one of the best yet, has been executed, but that is a small side benefit to the real and symbolic character stories that have been told.

Jonah Comstock is first and foremost a writer.

He served as editor in chief of the Wooster Voice, one of the nation's oldest collegiate newspapers and has a Masters in journalism from Columbia University. Philosophy is his second love, though, and it was as a PhilosophyEnglish double major that he got his Bachelor's from the College of Wooster. He's fascinated

by Kierkegaard, time travel, and anything that relates to free will and predestination. He owns all of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine on DVD and is currently developing an embarrassing love of romantic comedies, good and bad.

May 2012 | DayOldStubble | 35

>> TV PREVIEWS

SUMMER TV PREVIEW

Ahh Summer! The sun is out, the grass is green and it is finally warm outside. What better way to enjoy this time then propped up in front of your TV. While summer is normally a bevy for great Geek shows this summer the networks appear to be taking some time off. Maybe it's all the summer blockbusters set to grace the multiplexes but TV seems to have given up on Geek TV fare this summer.

But don't fret there are still some great shows sure to keep your DVR full and your torrents a buzzing.

Hatfields & McCoys

When It Premieres: Monday, May 28th on History Channel Why We're Stoked: So while not your classic Geek material, this historical Western mini-series is sure to dish up some action. Perfect for the History nerd out there, this telling of the most famous warring clans in American history, is sure to catch their eye.

True Blood

When It Premieres: Sunday June 10th on HBO Why We're Stoked: We want to know what Sookie is going to get involved in now that she's pushed both Bill and Eric to the side. Is it finally time for the Vampire vs Werewolf showdown?

Wilfred

When It Premiers: Thursday June 28th on FX Why We're Stoked: To call this comedy quirky is an understatement â&#x20AC;&#x201D; it's weird, dark, and has a dog as a main character and that's exactly why we want more.

Teen Wolf

When It Premiers: Sunday, June 3rd and Monday, June 4th on MTV Why We're Stoked: The first season changed the perception of the classic Teen Wolf. With the new groundwork in place this cool new werewolf mythology has some exciting characters sure to explode in season two.

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Longmire

When It Premiers: Sunday June 3rd on A&E Why We're Stoked: This Wyoming-set crime thriller features a widowed lawman (Robert Taylor) and his new deputy (Katee Sackhoff) from "Battlestar Galactica"

Falling Skies

When It Premiers: Sunday June 17th on TNT Why We're Stoked: While the first season started slowly the more we watched the better it got. With the game changing season finale, we're even more excited to see where things go. Plus the addition of writer Remi Aubochon from Caprica and Stargate Universe this one is deffinately worth tuning into.

Futurama

When It Premiers: Wednesday June 20th on Comedy Central Why We're Stoked: After last seasons trumpet return the gang from Planet Express is back at it again.

We can't wait for more Fry, Leela, and Bender on our TV screens. Oh, and Dr. Zoidberg, too.

Aqua Something You Know Whatever

When It Premiers: Sunday June 24th on Adult Swim Why We're Stoked: Formerly known as Aqua Teen Hunger Force with the crazy name change we can be sure to expect something way out of the norm, even for ATHF.

REVIEW

AGTRYS

INDIE

A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints AN TALE OF LOST YOUTH TRYING TO GET OFF THE STREETS, THEN COMING BACK ONCE YOU DO This month is a little slow in the “indie” world, and with not much that has caught my eye, (other than finally getting to watch Shame, but that’s a whole other beast I’m tackling) I decided to take a look at one of my all-time favorite films.

movie Info: Production year: 2006 Rated: R Runtime: 100 mins Director: Dito Montiel Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Rosario Dawson, Channing Tatum, and Shia LaBeouf Based On:

A Guide To Recognizing Your Saints by Dito Montiel

Right now, Channing Tatum is literally everywhere you look.

Billboards, magazines, movies, even Saturday Night Live. Right beside him is Iron Man himself, Tony Stark-- Robert Downey, Jr. Together, but in separate films, they have set the Big Screen ablaze. Millions of women are probably fantasizing about a powerful and sexy film that combined the two. Well, here I am, Shea Kimbrough, to tickle their fancies and let them in on a little secret.

Not only does A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints combine a handsome Robert Downey with an unbuttoned shirt wearing, no-shit-taking Tatum, but it also has a young and innocent Shia LaBeouf!

A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints is written and directed by Dito Montiel, the same author who penned the book of the same name, and the same lost youth we see trying to make it off the streets of New York City alive, who fifteen years later, comes back and faces everything he left.

He makes it though, that’s no surprise. But at what cost? That’s part of the journey.

The film is split up into two periods.

The first is set during a summer in the late eighties and the second part follows Dito upon his return home to New York fifteen years later. LaBeouf plays the young Dito, and in my opinion does a terrific job. He just childish and niaeve enough to make his journey believable.

The older, wiser, but still as scared Dito is played by Robert Downey, Jr.. Robert Downey has always been a fabulous actor and he doesn’t disappoint here. Two scenes in the movie he really shows his acting skills. They give me goosebumps every time.

Channing Tatum was cast as Dito’s best friend, Antonio. I’m not a fan of Tatum.

I think his acting skills lack much depth and that he’s cast as more of eye candy than a talent; however, with this role, I think he suits it well. Antonio has an abusive father and has an “agape” love for Dito and he will do anything for his best friend and his family. He is the alphamale of the group and feels much grief if one of his friends strays from the pack.

The rest of the cast performs phenomenally well. Shining in the film is the lovely Rosario Dawson; Dianne Wiest; Chazz Palminteri; Melonie Diaz; and a gifted Anthony DeSando.

One of the first scenes that you come to, once all the opening credits come and pass, is a young Dito set against a dark, ambient Bronx. In this scene Dito looks at the camera and says something that reverberates throughout the entire film: “My name’s Dito. I’m going to leave everybody in this film.” It’s this scene that really sets the mood. What does he mean? How does this effect not only him, but everyone around him? If you enjoy the film, pick up the book; read and watch some interviews with the real Dito and you can truly see. His story is heartbreaking, but uplifting at the same time-- just like the film and memoir he created.

By: Shea Kimbrough

RATING

Catch this summer's hottest stars in a moving tale

May 2012 | DayOldStubble | 37

REVIEW

The Avengers

Movie

The Avengers

Starting with the movie Iron Man, it’s been 4 long years but the wait is finally over.

movie Info: Production year: 2012 Rated: PG-13 Runtime: 143 mins Director: Joss Whedon Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Jeremy Renner and Scarlett Johansson Based On: Marvel Comic Book Characters

Probably the most anticipated film of the year so far is The Avengers. How could it not be? This film gathers all of the greatest and most beloved superheros from the most recent superhero movies and has them fight along side with the secret organization S.H.I.E.L.D protect the Earth. I have read only a few of the comics but I have seen all of the movies that The Avengers pertains to and I love them all.

Despite all of the hype this movie has a few qualities that don't typically work with other films. For example this film contains many stars and many important characters. Like I said, usually this is not a good quality to have because it usually results in un-developed characters with no personality and us, as an audience forgetting about some of the characters who aren't as important characters. In order for

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this film to work with all of the starts and character they have to give A, make sure all of the character have equal importance to the plot so we don't focus on one character more than the other and B, give each vitally important character personality and a little depth. I say a little depth because these characters were already in other films so they were already covered in the depth department in those other films. Also, this film must have great character interaction.

Before I watched this movie rarely have I seen a film that exceeds my expectations. Films that I have high hopes for seem to usually be a disappointment or just as good as I was expecting. I have to say, going into the movie theater, I was highly skeptical of how this movie would turn out. It wasn’t hard to be excited about the concept of an

Avengers movie from the outset.

And, with each passing year and each passing movie, the anticipation grew to unreachable heights. But, as is usually the case, reality started to set in with each passing month leading up to the official release.

Rumors were later confirmed that a good chunk of the movie would be left on the cutting room table, many of it focused on Captain America. The initial approach that director Joss Whedon had to this movie was that it would be from the Captain America’s perspective, seeing him acclimate himself to his new surroundings as well as this random group of heroes. Knowing this and how much of it was cut, I was afraid that this could become a Tony Stark movie also starring the other Avengers. Luckily the story was well-written enough that Rogers still had a significant portion of the movie and Stark didn’t overtake as much

as fans believed he would seeing as he’s the most popular Avenger now.

Well let me tell you that The Avengers definitely exceeded my expectations, by far. They not only included everything I knew that they needed for this film to work, they (meaning the makers of the film) enhanced those qualities and also added some other aspects that made the film even better. Like the occasional humor that was extremely funny but was perfectly used that it didn't take away from the action and suspense. Or the great dialogue which helped a lot on the interaction between characters. I wouldn't say that they didn't do everything perfectly in The Avengers but I can honestly say that there was nothing I saw wrong with this movie.

Above: Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Captain America (Chris Evans) team up to battle the forces of the Chitauri called on to destroy Earth by Loki (Tom Hiddleston).

The balance between each character was surprisingly well done. As soon as you felt that one or two characters were getting a bit more of the focus than you’d like, it would switch to other characters and fill you in on what’s going on with them. From the egotistical Tony Stark squaring off against the honest soldier Steve Rogers to the bouts between Thor and the Hulk or the conversations between Romanoff and Barton, this led to great interactions between everyone, from interesting quarrels to your classic team-ups.

The cast of The Avengers definitely brought their A-game to this project as well. From Robert Downey Jr. to Scarlett Johansson,

to Samuel Jackson and Cobie Smulders, everyone acted their part exceptionally well and help me to get completely lost in the narrative. All of the great things about the characters should be credited to the writers who were mainly Joss Whedon, who also directed the film, and Zak Penn, who was written many other superhero movie like The Incredible Hulk and X-Men. Joss's director skills and Zak Penn's experience in superhero movie combine perfectly to make an amazing film. They, along with some other writers, really captured the personality that these characters had in their previous superhero movies which is another thing that they had to do.

Besides all the great writing and acting we can’t forget those action scenes. They were pretty awesome to watch. Another thing I was afraid of was that the action scenes wouldn’t be up to snuff seeing as you’d have to share screen time with at least 7 different people. Thankfully, everyone got their due diligence and had a nice money shot to top it all off.

Now you may have noticed that I never gave a summary of this movie.

That's because this is the freaking Avengers! What more do you need

Above: Loki (Tom Hiddleston), Thor's half brother tries to talk his way out of the containment chamber built for the Hulk while aboard S.H.I.E.L.D's Helicarrier.

to know? Really all you need to know is that Loki (Thor's half brother) threatens to destroy the Earth so Nick Fury along with S.H.I.E.L.D assemble the Avengers, a band of the world's greatest superheros.

This was a great way to start the superhero movie season. It was a fun movie to watch, very engaging but at the same time, the kind of movie you can just sit back and enjoy as a pure spectacle. Not only seeing all of those renowned actors in the same screen, but seeing your favorite superheroes in the same battlefield was something that many of us never thought would happen. And you know what, it turned out pretty much exactly as I’d hoped, if not better. The character moments were on par with any ensemble movies out there that are worth noting and the action was just amazing.

Oh, and by the way, stay till the very, VERY end of the credits. You’ll thank me later.

By: Jason Carrick

RATING

This one's definitely worth seeing again

this movie has it all: Stars, action, superheros, dialog...... and the hulk May 2012 | DayOldStubble | 39

>> FLASHBACK

IDT WinChip A CHIP OFF THE OLD SOCKET 7 BLOCK TECH INFO Marketed by: IDT Designed by: Centuar Technology Production Dates: 1997-1999 Max. CPU clock rate: 180 Mhz to 266 Mhz THE KNOWLEDGE The industry's move away from Socket 7 and the release of the Intel Celeron processor signalled the end of the WinChip.

The WinChip was an X86 microprocessor designed by Centaur Technology and marketed by its parent company IDT. It was introduced towards the end of the Socket 7 platform's life, and sold as a direct drop-in replacement for PCs using older Pentium CPUs. When the WinChip was launched, it had to compete with the existing x86 processor alternatives like AMD-K6 and IBM Cyrix 6x86MX. WinChip's attractive pricing and unique processor design was the main selling point. Drawing their existing experience in RISC logic design, the WinChip was smaller and more effecient, resulting in a processor that had the potential to operate without a fan.

Although performance was acceptable under most usage scenarios,

Above: One of the later iterations of the IDT WinChip used to upgrade aging Socket 7 computers in the 1990's

it suffered largely from poor floaring point performance.

Despite a couple of deisgn interations, the WinChip met its final demise in 199, when IDT sold it off to VIA. By: Jason Carrick

Captain America and the Avengers CLASSIC COIN-OP IS HIGH ON NOSTALGIA BUT LOW ON CONTROL GAME INFO Format: Arcade, then later on ported to Genesis, SNES, and Game Boy Developer: Data East Original Release Date: 1991

In honor of the recently released Avengers movie, this month’s flashback game is one featuring Earth’s mightiest heroes. You have seen the new movie by now, right? If not, you should- it’s awesome.

This arcade-becomes-console port experience, however, is anything but. Sorry Cap, it’s just not very good. Start out with the premise, any beat ‘em up arcade brawler is going to be developed on the goal of eating quarters, and feature hordes of enemies who steadily chip away at your life bar. That’s to be expected in the arcade, but falls short on the console experience where dying all the time just isn’t fun.

You can choose from Captain America, Iron Man, Hawkeye, or the Vision, all classic Avengers staples. But the fun of diverse characters fades quickly once you see that they all play the same- each has a ranged and melee attack, and even in flying levels

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the two heroes that can fly inherently don’t get any benefits. The other two just hop on flying bikes, and everyone’s equal again.

The plot is typical comic book fare, which is to be expected and isn’t bad. It does the job. You’ll also see sound and visual effects for punches, etc, stuff like “wham!” or “phok!”

Brings back the feel of the old-fashioned Batman show.

Lastly, expect issues with controlling your Avenger, should you brave this far down memory lane to experience this game.

Moving is spotty, especially diagonally. It certainly doesn’t make it easier to survive these levels, that’s for sure. Expect to use continues liberally, and to struggle to finish the game unless you’re using cheats. Just go watch the movie instead.

By: aaron dekuiper

WRESTLING GEEK:

BREAKING KAYFABE Dave Wonders Where All The Great Storylines Have Gone

Alright rasslin’ fans let’s get down to it. I wanted to write about something this month that has been sorely missing from both WWE and Impact Wrestling for a very long time…..GREAT STORYLINES! Whatever happened to them? Did they die with Vince Russo? Maybe I’m just getting to old for wrestling…..NAH! I thought that I would take this opportunity to discuss an element that has been missing for a long time and maybe you and I could come up with a few ideas to help them out.

During the Monday Night Wars it seemed that both WCW and WWE really focused on storylines. Every wrestling fan remembers the whole “Outsider/N.W.O.” storyline, the emergence of the undefeated hero Goldberg, and the rise of Chris Jericho and the cruiserweight division. Those same people would remember the birth of D-Generation X and their antics, the war between Stone Cold Steve Austin and Mr. McMahon, and the mystery behind The Undertaker’s younger brother Kane.

NOW THAT WAS ENTERTAINMENT! Unfortunately now things have gone a little stale. WCW was purchased by WWE (which was another great storyline --- the whole Invasion angle) and Impact Wrestling started out as something fresh and exciting now seems to make a 2 hour program out of wrestlers that the WWE cast away.

Now I will admit that I watch a lot more WWE than I do Impact Wrestling but I do try to keep up with what Hulk Hogan is trying to accomplish there. Regardless, both show are very freakin’ boring!

Let’s start with WWE. I don’t know who currently is in charge of their writing but I feel that they only try things for about a week or two then end up changing it.

Their most popular wrestlers (CM Punk,

John Cena, Randy Orton, Brock Lesnar, The Undertaker, Kane, The Big Show, and Chris Jericho) seem to come and go as they please. To make great storylines those characters MUST be there at all times. It has been said that people’s attention spans are shorter than what they used to be but come on --- I want a great story. Now I must say that WWE has started to bring forward more and more younger talent but even they aren’t used right. (Dolph Ziggler anyone?) The only storyline currently in the WWE involves the General Manager of both Raw and Smackdown Mr. John Laurinaitis’ power trip over John Cena and CM Punk. That’s it. With a whole roster of talent like that and that’s all you can come up with. To me that’s pretty lazy and weak. What might help out in future storylines would be stables. Where is THE NATION OF DOMINATION, D-GENERATION X, THE MINISTRY OF DARKNESS, THE CORPORATION, THE FOUR HORSEMEN? Maybe if the WWE would start making a few stables that would involve more wrestlers and more storylines. Hell, it might even help them promote their tag team division. (That’s another thing that I don’t understand. What the F**K happened to tag team wrestling?) Anyway I have a few ideas on how to fix the WWE storylines.

(But remember my ideas are now in print and if anyone were to duplicate my ideas that would be considered plagiarism!) The very first thing that I would do is to get Ric Flair back under the WWE umbrella and make him the JJ Dillon of a new Four Horsemen. I know, I know. There can only be one Four Horsemen. But just imagine the possibilities. Who would be these new Four Horsemen? I have a general idea about who 3 of them would be but a definite member and the leader of this group would be none other than (drum roll please) JOHN

Wrestling << CENA! It’s perfect. Everyone hates John Cena. They boo him. What better way for the WWE to cash in on this than make Cena a member of the new Horsemen! I also have another storyline that involves The Undertaker and Kane (if the Undertaker is ready to retire let him “die” and his spirit pass on to his brother Kane who would take on a lot of The Undertaker’s mannerisms) and a possible takeover by the now defunct WCW (the WWE is full of former WCW wrestlers. What better way to get back at Vince McMahon than to take over from the inside). I don’t know about you fans out there but doesn’t that excite you a little bit? It’s got to be better than Johnny playing the role of Mr. McMahon.

In regards to Impact Wrestling I don’t really understand what they are trying to do. They have several stars that I enjoy watching (AJ Styles, Jeff Hardy, Sting, Bully Ray, Velvet Sky, Abyss, Bobby Rhoode) but the only storyline I see is Hogan vs.

Bischoff. BORING! At least they focus a lot on tag team and women’s wrestling.

Impact Wrestling needs a HUGE wrestling star. A star that hails from the WWE and I’m not talking about someone that the WWE just let walk away. What would Impact Wrestling look like if one day Dave Batista and Paul Wight walk in and decide that they are now running the show? Reintroduce a whole new Outsiders storyline and you may have a winner. There are already several ex-WWE wrestlers in Impact Wrestling that would help them out. Impact would also benefit from bringing the war to WWE. Everyone loves competition. Start mentioning them on their program and declare war. Now you have interest and a good/recycled storyline.

Now I know it’s easy to sit behind a computer and type up all kinds of ideas that probably won’t happen but, to me, it’s a lot of fun thinking about the possibilities of it. Let me know what you guys think. Tell me your ideas on what both companies can do to make their product better. I would love to hear other people’s ideas (dave@dayoldstubble.com). You never know. Someone high up in those particular organizations might just be bored and decide to pick up Day Old Stubble (doesn’t everyone?) and read what we the fans have to say to make their product better. You never can tell. I mean the people behind the movie Boogie Nights got their idea of Dirk Diggler from my life’s story……….well, maybe not. Thanks for reading and will see you in 30 days. In June’s issue we will cover the whole PG vs. Rated R versions of wrestling.

Which one works better. Thanks again!

By: dave norton

May 2012 | DayOldStubble | 41

>> MAC N CHEESE

MAC N CHEESE BREAK DETZ WONDERS WE ALL CAN'T AGREE ON A MOVIE'S WORTH

SUMMER BLOCKBUTER TIME The summer movie season is upon us. This is the time of year when you can’t go half a day without seeing something about a new high profile movie. Most likely a superhero of some sorts. It would be safe to say that this time of year is one of my favorites. Any time it becomes difficult for me to find time to see all the movies I want during the weekend is a time I can’t complain.

With this plethora of movies hitting the theaters you also have an influx of attendees as well. Everyone comes for their own reasons. Boredom, anticipation, fitting in, dates, family night, and many more. At the root of all of them is the desire to escape from our daily lives and just completely lose ourselves in the movie.

This is where movies begin to transcend art. Many times our reaction to a particular film is heavily influenced by our current status in life. To one person the movie may be perceived entirely different than their seat neighbor. Hence the plethora of movie review blogs and websites.

Everyone has an opinion. I urge you to find your own about every movie you watch. Never let someone influence your opinions about a movie. In return, I ask that you don’t judge, lambast, or criticize others’ opinions. Have a healthy discussion and share together what you did or did not like about the films.

I personally do not like to perceive myself as a reviewer of movies. I love talking about movies. I hate giving scores to movies. I only do it because it does allow people to see where it ranks on my scale. You will find a lot of my movies will fall into the middling range. This isn’t because they aren’t bad movies. They are movies that succeeded in their quest to help me disconnect for a while. Movies that attain higher scores from me are the films that I can’t wait to tell my friends about. The ones that I want everyone to see. I have come to accept people will not agree with my every thought. I encourage those viewpoints and often ask for clarification as to why they feel that way. This is my way of opening my mind to see how it could be perceived by someone that is not me.

Because we often emotionally tie ourselves to these movies anytime someone says even the slightest thing negative about a particular movie we will react in one of two ways. Either we will attack the other person’s viewpoint or we will begin to doubt ourselves and our intelligence. Nothing ruins a good discussion than someone who feels the need to shove their ideas and viewpoints down other peoples throats.

So during this summer movie season please enjoy a movie and keep the discussion afterwards civil. There are too many movies and so little time to be squabbling over something that is supposed to help us escape the harsh reality of life. Keep movies pure. .

Detz All Folks!!

-James Detzler

Deputy Editor

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The Comic <<

The

BOOby Hatch True Tales of Life in the Retail World

Created by Dave Norton and Steve Dudley

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also. Come visit us at www.dayoldstubble.com. We update daily with fun and interesting posts. Also you can contact us on there to ask us questions and get featured in the next issue of our magazine. Tell us what you think of the articles by our writers. If you are more into Facebook, come “Like” us at www.facebook.com/TheDayOldStubble. Let us know what sections of the magazine you liked and which ones you could do without If you like to tweet but aren’t a twit you can follow us on Twitter @dayoldstubble. Maybe you just want to let us know of something you want us to cover. Finally, if you are more of a visual person then you can come watch our videos on YouTube, www.youtube.com/DayOldStubble. We have movie and tech reviews and lots of great footage from comic cons this past year.

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