OTF's Blue Publication June 2011
It's been a busy time for all the teams following the change over to the new structure and format, and we're all very excited about the possibilities that we are now able to fully explore. Over at Entertainment, we've started exploring new and original ways to keep everyone at the Outpost Entertained, with CL4 Sarek taking the lead with forum Trivias, CL4 RosieGirl and CL3 Evolet_Rose getting the ball rolling on a simming/role-play outlet for our members, and plans in the pipe work for interactive blogs, reviews and podcasts! For the most part, however, it has been a case of getting everything set up and sorted, and trying to utilize talents to make the team - and by extension OTF - as successful as possible!
If you would like to get involved with the Entertainment Team, or have suggestions you'd like to bring to the table, then feel free to get in touch with either myself or CL9 Hobbie!
Regards,
(CL9) - AJ
Hello Everyone,
This just a friendly reminder of the ISA Intelligence section of our forum, which you can find here. This is the place where we post updates of new malware, phishing scams and anti-virus solutions to keep you guys informed. This is also a place where anyone can feel free to ask any questions you might have about information security, networking, or computer related topics in general.
Thanks,
DeBoe
Outpost10f - ISA
To Lieutenant-Commander (CL5):
To Lieutenant (CL4):
To Lieutenant JG (CL3):
BR: You get eight words to describe yourself...what are they?
ER: Adventurous, loyal, honest, loving, curious, outgoing, compassionate, hard headed.
BR: That's quite a list.
ER: (laughs) You said eight words.
BR: Tell us about your screen name. Does it mean anything special?
ER: It's a name I really love...a rose is my favorite flower and Evolet is actually a character from a movie that I saw a while ago and I thought she was pretty awesome and beautiful. I'd actually like to name my daughter Evolet Rose.
BR: That's pretty neat, so you've actually got some connection to it then.
ER: Mhmm, I do, it's not just a random name.
BR: Sweet. So how did you come to find our little corner of the 'verse?
ER: From Rosie, she told me about the site and that the people there were great and the site was active.
BR: How are you liking the Outpost so far?
ER: I love it, I think the site needs some work, but the people are great and everyone is friendly.
BR: Since you mentioned the site needing work, is there anything in particular you had in mind?
ER: The site is for Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and Star Trek fans, but I feel like it's really based more towards the Trekkies. I would love to see it be appealing to each category. When you log onto the chat from any of the categories, you get dumped into the same chat. It's very Star Trek based, at least in the set up. I feel that a website should be warm and welcoming in its appearance to draw in more people and to keep them there. The site right now looks like the blueprints to a building.
BR: That's some good stuff there. We are in the midst of an overhaul now, so hopefully that will help.
BR: I hope it does help. =] And hopefully I can bring back the good ol' RP and show those who dont really understand it how fun and creative it can be as well as good ideas to help out the site. And be another friendly face. I've always been one to help others and listen to their problems.
BR: Excellent. I know there are folks anticipating the return of the sim/rp. Tell us which affiliation you chose, and why you chose that one.
ER: Lord of the Rings. I chose that because I love that type of fantasy. Tolkien is amazing and I love his work. If I could live in that world I would. I can't even describe how much I love it. I used to want to be an elf lol but..a cool one who fights and wanders the woods, not one who lives in a palace.
BR: So you're the outdoorsy type elf?
ER: Oh yes, very much so. That's how I am in person as well, lol. I love being a girl and making my self look good, but I have been hunting and loving the woods and outdoors since I was a baby.
BR: And since we're back on the personal side, tell us something random about yourself.
ER: Haha Well...my freshman hear of high school I fell off a donkey and sprained my ankle. I also took a bit of acting lessons from one of the men who helped direct Lord of the Rings, he lived on my street.
BR: Wow. LOTR and donkeys. What a perfect note to end on. Thanks for taking the time to sit down with me tonight.
Chapter One - Escape!: Part 2
"Keenest Flyer, you are cleared for departure." Even as Tess pronounced the words, Seb gripped the throttle, his knuckles white. He leaned forward and peered out for one last look. His stress-reddened, grey-brown eyes surveyed the planet beneath him. He was struck by how serene it looked - the deep, crystal blue oceanic expanse, the mottled, green-brown landscape, even the gray-white mass of storm clouds over the tropical, coconut palmed islands. How serene...how ironically serene!
He looked straight ahead, braced himself against his seat, and jammed the throttle forward. Seb was soon in the blackness of space, stars dotting the sky all around him, his own planet's parent star, Canaris, no longer the only object visible. Then the realization hit him...he had engaged his throttle too abruptly and was accelerating far too rapidly! He was already much farther ahead of his escort than prudence dictated! "Damn it!" he yelled aloud. "How the could I make such a stupid mistake!?"
Seb had to compensate and he had to work quickly. He couldn't just fire his braking thrusters, lest he undo a hepter's preparation. He had to fire his port braking thrusters only while simultaneously firing the proper combination of his lateral steering thrusters in order to slow his ship, maintain its path and maintain its forward orientation. As his heart reached his throat and his forehead went fluid, he initiated the maneuver and his ship began decelerating toward the prescribed velocity, albeit less quickly than he would have liked, but he attained the stability he needed. Then, he saw it - a pulsar cannon shot across and just ahead of his bow.
Seb then heard in his comset. "Not a good way to start the dero, wouldn't you say?" Seb's escort revealed nothing in his tone.
His ship now under control, Seb replied somewhat nervously, "Sticky throttle. Thought I’d it fixed, but I guess I didn’t do a very good job." Then he spoke matter of factly. "You didn't have to shoot, ya know. You could catch me in no time, even if I were in max hyper drive."
"I know. That was just a gentle reminder." Still, he revealed nothing.
"I'll make an entry in my log so I don't forget." The sarcasm in his reply was only thinly disguised.
Seb didn't know what to make of this Bendavi. He didn't have the slightest clue. Was he a gung-ho starfighter pilot hungry for a medal? Was he really trigger happy. Or was he one of those pilots with a "sense of humor?" Was he the easy going type? He seemed all business, but that wasn't necessarily his true nature. Then again, it could just well be. One thing was certain - Bendavi was not one to be underestimated.
Seb wanted to engage him in conversation, but this was one of those rare times when he just didn't know how to start. He began to weigh several alternatives. He could try a straight forward introduction, an indirect approach involving sports, women, or his and Bendavi’s respective exploits as pilots (He knew instinctively to stay away from politics due to the present situation, and religion simply never entered his mind). Perhaps a confrontation, a direct challenge might spur his companion to respond. Bendavi's aloof coolness, though, caused Seb to doubt that he would be conversant at all. All Seb could do for now was to wait and hope for an opening, so wait he did, his mind absorbed in thought. He wouldn't have to wait long.
Summer Blockbuster Season
The summer is generally known for being the blockbuster season for movies (even though you should be spending time outside (well, not if there isn’t nice weather…)). What a lot of people don’t know is that it’s also the blockbuster season for comics! The “Big Two” companies, Marvel Comics and DC Comics, both have various events going on in order to entertain you and get more money out of your wallets. What kind of stories can you expect this summer?
Marvel’s big summer event is called “Fear Itself.” It has its own 8-issue mini-series, with many tie-ins, both in ongoing series and various mini-series. In this event, the Asgardians leave Earth to go back to their home dimension of Asgard because Odin fears the coming of an ancient and evil force. When that enemy is freed from its prison, it will unleash a wave of fear and destruction. The combined might of the Avengers and Earth’s other heroes might not be enough to stop it. The main “Fear Itself” mini-series is written by Matt Fraction, with art by Stuart Immonen. The first two issues have already been released, with issue three being released on Wednesday, June 1.
Over at DC Comics, they’re running an event called “Flashpoint.” As one could probably tell, this event involves the Flash, as he is the only one who remembers what the world should be like in a universe that has been changed. The Flash must gain the help from different versions of heroes that he used to know if he hopes to restore the timeline. The first issue has already hit shelves, with four more issues on the way. Geoff Johns wrote “Flashpoint” and Andy Kubert does the art. Like Marvel’s “Fear Itself”, there are many tie-in mini-series, showing the changed world. There are rumors that “Flashpoint” might end up changing the DC Universe (again).
Like things on a smaller scale? Both companies have smaller events, either already started or coming out later in the summer.
“War of the Green Lanterns”: Running through the three Green Lantern titles (“Green Lantern”, “Green Lantern Corps”, and “Green Lantern: Emerald Warriors”), the many members of the Green Lantern Corps fight amongst themselves, divided about whether they should side with the Guardians of the Universe or the Earth-based Green Lanterns. This event ends in June.
“Spider Island”: Many inhabitants of Manhattan are somehow given the powers of spiders. This isn’t exactly good because while some of those granted powers are civilians or super heroes, many others are super villains. How does Spider-Man deal with a city that shares the same powers that he does? This event begins in Amazing Spider-Man #666, out in August, with some tie-in mini-series and a tie-in in the new “Venom” ongoing series.
“Schism”: For several years now, Cyclops has been leading the severely diminished mutant population, and Wolverine has been a fairly loyal follower of his. Now, however, events will cause the two to fight against each other, with the members of the X-Men divided between the two. Jason Aaron writes the five issue mini-series, with each issue being drawn by a different artist: Carlos Pacheco, Frank Cho, Daniel Acuna, Alan Davis and Adam Kubert. “Schism” begins in July.
Of course, there are many other series, storylines, genres, and companies, so there’s always something for every type of reader!
Majin Kaze aka Mike Hviid is a contributing writer for the Blue Report and also author’s a blog “Capes over Coruscant” which can be read here.
Hello everyone! For your attending pleasure, I've compiled all the science fiction, gaming, and fantasy conventions for the month right here. If you find one interesting, check it out! Also, if you find any errors or want a convention posted that is not listed below, or have any questions or comments, e-mail me or Richard Smith and we'll be happy to help!
Science Fiction
There are quite a few Science Fiction conventions this month, all with varying scope and size. I've listed the major ones in detail, followed by some of the smaller gatherings.
The Official Star Trek Convention
The flagship of all Star Trek conventions will be coming to celebrate Star Trek's 45th Anniversary in Vancouver this month! You can expect a lot of fun and entertainment at the event, complete with appearances by Nichelle Nichols and George Takei from the original Star Trek series and a wide swath of characters from the others. Rumor has it that there will ever be a Klingon or two in attendance. There will also be a trivia contest at the event, so if you think you can beat AJ have the Trek skills, you could win $1750! If you're a Trekkie, get your tickets, pack your bags and head to Vancouver this month from the 10th to the 12th.
Where: Vancouver, BC, the Sheraton at Vancouver Wall Centre
When: June 10th – 12th
Address: 1088 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC
Website: http://www.creationent.com/cal/stvan.htm
EuroCon 2011
EuroCon is one of Europe's biggest Science Fiction conventions, and its coming to Stockholm this year. There will be a number of talks and seminars during the convention aimed at all sorts of Science Fiction related topics. EuroCon really has covered a lot of topics for their talks this year; you're guaranteed to find one you enjoy. Check it out in Sweden this June!
Where: Stockholm, Sweden, at the Royal Institute of Technology
When: June 17th - 19th
Address: Valhallavägen 79, 114 27 Stockholm, Sweden
Website: http://www.eurocon2011.se
WeekendTrek – CifiCon
WeekendTrek is a good option for Spanish-speaking OTFers who cannot be at the other venues, but would still love some Trek and SciFi fun!There will be a number of Star Trek, Star Wars, Stargate, and even Doctor Who events in Barcelona this month for those in attendance. Guests include: Andrew Robinson and Alexander Siddig from Deep Space Nine, as well as Sylvester McCoy, the seventh Doctor from Doctor Who. WeekendTrek proves to be a big event with a lot of fun for everyone!
Where: Barcelona, Spain, at the NH Rallye
When: June 17th - 19th
Address: Travessera de les Corts, 150-152. 08028. Barcelona, Spain
Website: http://weekendtrek.cificon.es
ConCarolinas
Not all the SciFi fun is outside the US, however. ConCarolinas annual Science Fiction convention will be taking place in Charlotte, NC with plenty to do and see! From trivia to filk music, ConCarolinas' schedule is packed with events that reach all areas of science fiction. There will be film screenings, gaming, guest appearances, trivia of all kinds, and lots of discussions. Guests include John Billingsley (Neelix from Enterprise), major science fiction author Harry Turtledove, and Sanctuary's Emilie Ullerup, just to name a few. If you're anywhere near North Carolina this June, check out ConCarolinas!
Where: Charlotte, NC in the Hilton at University Place
When: June 3rd - 5th
Address: 8629 J M Keynes Drive, Charlotte, NC
Website: http://www.concarolinas.org/
BotCon
If you're a Transformers fan, you've basically hit the jackpot this month. BotCon is a convention in Pasadena, California dedicated completely to Transformers! There will be a lot of guests from various corners of the Transformers world there, ready to give out autographs. There will be lots of panels and games for the whole family! If you love Transformers, or know someone who does, head to Pasadena for BotCon.
Where: Pasadena, CA at the Pasadena Convention Center
When: June 2nd - 5th
Address: 300 East Green Street, Pasadena, CA
Website: http://www.botcon.com
In addition to these major conventions, there are also a few smaller science fiction gatherings this month.
Summer SciFi Con Atlanta
Atlanta also has its very own summer science fiction conference this month. There will be a number of voice actors and authors there to meet and greet. There will be science fiction panels and dealers, as well as gaming and concerts!
Where: Atlanta, GA at the Crowne Plaza
When: June 10th- 12th
Address: 6345 Powers Ferry Road Northwest Atlanta, GA
Website: http://www.sfscon.tripod.com
Hypericon
Hypericon is a convention dedicated to speculative fiction, much of which includes science fiction elements. You may like this conference if you love reading science fiction. ApolloCon is a convention dedicated to the written aspects of the science fiction and horror genres with quite a few authors in attendance. There will also be gaming, LARP (Live-Action Role Playing game), and even a dance! These next four conventions are about the same in size and scope; they all are general science fiction conventions with various guests and events, just in different parts of the globe. If you're in the area, check them out! DucKon Contagion SoonerCon TrekFest takes place in the birthplace of Captain Kirk, Riverside, Iowa. Though a relatively small convention, one could imagine the sort of dedicated Trekkies that show up! Trekkies who want to see the birthplace for themselves and have some fun along the way should head to TrekFest! Where: Riverside, IA at Hall Park
When: June 3rd - 5th
Address: Hall Park, Riverside, IA
Website: http://www.trekfest.com/ There are a couple of really big gaming conventions this month, and you won't want to miss them! They're all right here for your all-night, energy-drinking enjoyment. If you have ever watched TV or seen a game console in your life, you've heard of E3. The Electronic Entertainment Expo is perhaps the largest and most popular gaming and technology conference in the world, and it's in California this month! The “big three” console companies (Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo) will be there to showcase their latest hardware and games, and to make their respective keynote speeches. In addition, almost every software developer known to man will be there to show-off their latest games. Video Games Live will also be there, playing music from all your favorite games in a professional symphony. There's rumors of some serious announcements from a lot of companies, so you don't want to miss out on this years E3! Technically, you have to be involved in the gaming industry in some way to attend, so hurry up, make a blog, and get your badge! Where: Los Angeles, CA at the Los Angeles Convention Center
When: June 7th - 9th
Address: 1201 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA
Website: http://www.e3expo.com/ DreamHack literally holds the world record for the largest LAN party ever, and for good reason; the convention brings in thousands of avid gamers from around the world! Hardcore gamers can buy a seat for all the tournaments and games that DreamHack has to offer at the conference, complete with overnight stay at the conference with a dedicated sleeping area. That's serious gaming! One can also buy a ticket to the DreamExpo only, and enjoy all of the convention material! So pack your bags and your games for the summer DreamHack event; you won't regret it! Where: Jönköping, Sweden at Elmia
When: June 18th - 21st
Address: Elmia, Jönköping, Sweden
Website: http://www.dreamhack.se/DHS11/ This convention hosts a massive exhibit hall representing more than 250 booths and panels staffed by the most competitive companies in the gaming industry. You won't want to miss this game fair; if you love gaming, there will be plenty to do and see at Origins this year! Where: Columbus, Ohio at the Greater Columbus Convention Center
When: June 22nd - 26th
Address: Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, Ohio
Website: http://www.originsgamefair.com/ In addition to these massive gaming conferences, there area also a few smaller, more personal conventions. This convention specializes in the old-school pinball and arcade-style games; there will even be record-breaking guests at the convention. Check it out! Where: Seattle, WA at the Seattle Center
When: June 3rd - 5th
Address: 305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA
Website: http://www.nwpinballshow.com/ DieCon focuses specifically on board-style games, card games, and RPGs. Check them out in St. Louis this month! Where: St. Louis, MO at the Collinsville Convention Center
When: June 3rd - 5th
Address: 1 Gateway Drive, Collinsville, IL
Website: http://diecon.com WyrdCon is the only convention I have seen that is dedicated completely to LARP! LARP stands for Live-Action Role Playing, and consists of real-life RPG's. Each person takes on the role of a character and plays a game in real-life with other characters. If you're looking for something different, try WyrdCon! Where: Costa Mesa, CA
When: June 10th - 12th
Address: 3050 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa, CA
Website: http://www.wyrdcon.com/ There are only a couple of fantasy-based convention this month, but nevertheless, it you're a fantasy fan, check them out! The first two conventions are very specialized in nature; they focus on the ...“furry”... side of fantasy-based series'. They are listed below. What The Fur? Califur Midwestcon's attendees refer to it as the first ever fantasy “relaxacon.” They value peaceful and more subtle discussions about fantasy topics without the bustle of a big convention, and as such have kept their convention small, but personal. If you love talking fantasy, this may be a good place to do it! Where: Cincinnati, Ohio at the Doubletree Guest Suites
When: June 23rd - 26th
Address: 6300 East Kemper Road, Sharonville, OH
Website: http://www.cfg.org/midwestcon/mwc62pdf.pdf " I'm not sure why, but there are a ton of Anime conventions this month, so if you enjoy Anime now is the time to head on over to one of them. They are all aimed at the general Anime genre with their own events, so I have listed them all below. PariahCon MetroCon Knoxville Comic & Anime show KinToki-Con NZ Anime Convention A-Kon PortCon Maine AnimeNEXT Anime-zing! HamaCon Anime Mid-Atlantic
ApolloCon
Where: Houston, TX at The DoubleTree Hotel – Houston Intercontinental Airport
When: June 17th - 19th
Address: 15747 John F. Kennedy Blvd, Houston,TX
Website: http://www.apollocon.org
Where: Auckland, New Zealand at the Barrycourt Quality Inn
When: June 3rd - 6th
Address: 20 Gladstone Rd, Parnell, Auckland 1052, New Zealand
Website: http://context.sf.org.nz
Where: Schaumburg, Illinois at the Hyatt Regency
When: June 17th - 19th
Address: 1800 East Golf Road, Schaumburg, IL
Website: http://www.duckon.org
Where: Omaha, NE at the Qwest Center
When: June 10th - 12th
Address: 455 N. 10th Street, Omaha, NE
Website: http://www.contagionoutbreak.com
Where: Oklahoma City, OK at the Sheraton Hotel
When: June 3rd - 5th
Address: 1 North Broadway Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK
Website: http://www.soonercon.com/
TrekFest
Gaming
Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3)
DreamHack Summer
Origins Game Fair
Northwest Pinball & Gameroom Show
DieCon
WyrdCon
Fantasy
Where: Montréal, QC at The Espresso Hotel & Conference Centre of Montreal
When: June 3rd - 5th
Address: 1005 rue Guy, Montréal, QC
Website: http://www.whatthefur.ca
Where: Irvine, CA at the Mariott
When: June 3rd - 5th
Address: 18000 Von Karman Avenue, Irvine, C
Website: http://www.califur.com/"
Midwestcon
Anime
Where: Lakeland, FL at the Imperial Swan Hotel
When: June 10th - 11th
Address: 4141 South Florida Avenue, Lakeland, FL
Website:
Website: http://www.pariahcon.com/
Where: Tampa FL at the Tampa Convention Center
When: June 17th - 19th
Address: 333 S. Franklin Street Tampa, FL
Website: http://www.metroconventions.com/
Where: Knoxville, TN at the Holiday Inn – Cedar Bluff
When: June 18th - 19th
Address: 304 North Cedar Bluff Road, Knoxville, TN
Website: http://www.comiccitytn.com/Convention_Listings.html
Where: Sacramento, CA at the Hyatt Regency
When: June 18th - 19th
Address: 1209 L St, Sacramento, CA 95814
Website: http://www.kintoki-con.com/
Where: Dunedin, New Zealand at Otago University – Castle Complex
When: June 4th - 5th
Address: St David Street, Dunedin North 9016, New Zealand
Website: http://armageddonexpo.com/nz/
Where: Dallas, TX at the Sheraton
When: June 10th - 12th
Address: 400 N. Olive Street, Dallas, TX
Website: http://www.a-kon.com/
Where: South Portland, ME at the Wyndham Hotel
When: June 23rd - 26th
Address: 363 Maine Mall Rd, South Portland, ME
Website: http://www.portconmaine.com/
Where: Somerset, NJ at the Garden State Exhibit Center
When: June 10th - 12th
Address: Garden State Exhibit Center, Somerset, NJ 08873
Website: http://www.animenext.org/
Where: Davenport, IA at the RiverCenter
When: June 17th - 19th
Address: 136 East 3rd Street, Davenport, IA
Website:
Website: http://www.qcanimezing.com/
Where: Huntsville, AL at the Holiday Inn
When: June 3rd - 5th
Address: 401 William Avenue, Huntsville, A
Website: http://www.hama-con.com/
Where: Chesapeake, VA at the Chesapeake Conference Center
When: June 17th - 19th
Address: Chesapeake Conference Center, Chesapeake, VA 23320
Website: http://www.animemidatlantic.com/
We recently ran our first round of the new OTF Caption Competition over on the forums and, personally speaking, I think it was very successful with some very funny entries being submitted!
The winner for the first round, was Sarek (CL4) with the following entry, which I made into a 'demotivational' poster!
Nice work, Sarek!!
Regards,
AJ (CL9)
Entertainment Deputy Director
Dear Agony Aunt:
My wife is thinking about being a President. What should I tell her?
Dear Reader:
Make sure she can pass a common sense test,as most presidents could/will somehow skip it. Then she'll be sure to win! Heck,I'd vote for her too!
