Take Initiative

While I was Hustling Hewing-Items at WonderCon, I had some propaganda pushed upon ME for a change, so I took it and stashed it for my usual Post-Con Research. As soon as I fired it up and did a bit of research on it, I was hooked.

Standard Action, yet another RPG Web-series, mixes excellent location scouting with a love and knowledge of the genre.

Joanna Gaskell, who plays the Elven Barbarian with a heart of gold, is the mastermind of the show.Not only do they have about a half dozen excellent episodes so far, they have some extra content in the form of a chuckle worthy Dating Service, great for extra flavor to the universe.

Only in production for a year so far (it appears) and an excellent stream of production during that time. And, if their self promotion is matched by their dedication to continue the series, this should be fun to watch.
(witty turn of phrase to do with initiative orders or number of actions you can take in one round)

Crystal Clear, Sticks & Mud

It has come to my attention that my last couple of posts have caused some confusion. Wrong impressions were perceived and names were potentially sullied.
Seeing as I have spoken about being clear and precise previously, this post is honest and I will try to be as concise as possible about my thoughts.

"You can't Trust a Tony. Trust Me."
In case you hadn't noticed, or haven't met me in person, OR read the "fine print" at the bottom of this page, the first name I go by is Tony. I have often said this phrase in jest, even sometimes with a wink or telling grin. Many other Anthony's, Tony's, Antonio's and a Toni or two have chuckled and agreed wholeheartedly.

Tangent: Back when I was writing a paper on the history of stage combat/fight choreography I came across a book that hadn't been fully published yet called "A Terrific Combat" and was intrigued but couldn't pursue it further as I had a due date to contend with, so it was left to fall from my memory. I did remember the name as I attempted to find the same author in conjunction with other published works concerning stage combat.
Okay, back: This guy was Tony Wolf, what's he doing on the Bartitsu . . oooOOoooohhh . . . . Of course, Tony is among the leading modern revivalists and educators of Neo-Bartitsu and the editor of pretty much ALL of their literature AND a co-producer/co-director/co-dude-on-the-spot of their documentary. See, Tonys are not to be trusted, trust me.
When I came across the "Terrific Combat" text, authored by a well known Tony, I wished to pursue it and use it as a point of reference for a college level term paper. I saw it as a legitimate and reliable source. It was not quite easily available to me at the time, so I let it fall from my mind and thought nothing of it until I began to research Bartitsu. When I realized this same educator and professional was linked to two projects I had positive interest in, without my own previous investigation between the two, I was amused by serendipity. Hence, why I used my poor taste joke.

Tony Wolf
Now, I would like to publicly apologize to Mr. Wolf. First, for misspelling his name with an extra "e," Something I will remedy as I come across it. Secondly, For the proximity to my uncouth joke. I believe him to be a mature gentleman, with a sense of humor and hope with this clarification, it will be understood correctly. Thirdly . . . .
"Okay, back: This guy was Tony Wolf, what's he doing on the Bartitsu . . oooOOoooohhh . . . . Of course, Tony is among the leading modern revivalists and educators of Neo-Bartitsu and the editor of pretty much ALL of their literature AND a co-producer/co-director/co-dude-on-the-spot of their documentary. See, Tonys are not to be trusted, trust me.
-VIDEO-
I'll be honest (perhaps, due to a phenomena, or something I haven't quite explored or thought very deeply about, But something I WILL post about soon, I have the notes typed up) something still feels pedestrian or amateurish about the whole affair. Not that there is anything wrong with that, nor does it lessen how cool this is and how much respect I have for all involved for going out and doing it (something which I need to do more of). Perhaps it is because it is so new and those involved are focused on the core subject and let other things be addressed as they come, or because it is that obscure that there is no need for anything more elaborate as far as the website and the movies and the books. Look for my next post to explain the feeling I have (ooh boy, feelings, I know) about professionals in like areas of expertise as martial arts, fight re-enactors/stage combatants/even weapon specialists and their interactions..
-NEXT POST:The Professional's Dilemma"
Things get muddled here as to what the hell I am saying. I finish a thought with "trust me." and then show the video. The video is intended as a break in presentation and I am done talking about Mr. Wolf specifically.
The Video is to show the Bartitsu project, I then begin going into a conclusion with "I'll be honest . . ." and in the conclusion I allude to a concept or theory I have had for years. I can see how easy it would be for one to perceive the through line continues from my words of Tony Wolf into the last paragraph. This is not the case, just a terrible occurrence of proximity.
My post "The Professional's Dilemma" is intended to be a singular post of a personal belief/theory and not intended to point fingers at any one in particular.

I would also like to reiterate that as a totally volunteer project, run by hobbyists, that Bartitsu.org community is praise worthy and I have personally recommended the site to many friends and associates.

That feels Like I've covered the bases and clarified any points that some of the people who have read my posts had some issues with or misinterpreted. I promise the next few posts will be of a much lighter nature, hopefully this same day.