Sunday Funnies - Lord Stanley's Cup, Unbreakable Furiosa, & Diggy Diggy Hole

At the end of April, when the NHL playoffs were just getting underway, two of my favorite things were combined when Elementary (Season 3, Episode 22 - The Best Way Out Is Always Through) had a special guest appearance by Lord Stanley's Cup.  I grew up playing hockey and some of the earliest short stories I read were by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.  I include this here in the Sunday Funnies because of the smile it gave me when one of my newer favorite shows mixed it up in the corner with my lifelong favorite sport.  If you've got Amazon Prime, you can check out the episode here, which is one of the better stand-alone episodes and (with The Cup) includes one of the more humorous secondary arcs.  For those not previously familiar with the show, this would make for a good introduction.  Since just last night my Blackhawks were in a crucial game seven of their last hurdle, their final-four series before playing for The Cup, I did not know the outcome or if they would be playing for it this year when penning this post. [edit - Blackhawks are indeed playing for the cup this year!]

Next up, on the Albert Lopez YouTube channel, there is a recent video mashing up the opening and theme song for Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, a hilarious show from the mind of Tiny Fey and starring former late arrival to The Office (2005–2013), Ellie Kemper, along with co-stars Jane Krakowski, Tituss Burgess, and Carol Kane.  The video combines the former with footage and material from Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) to give us "The Unbreakable Furiosa."  Enjoy!

Finally, and don't ask me how I missed this bit of hilarity, but somehow last July came and went without me knowing the majesty that is "Diggy Diggy Hole" from the YOGSCAST Lewis & Simon YouTube channel.  Sokath, his eyes uncovered!

Sunday Funnies on CreativeMountainGames.com

Humor, often gaming-related,
to start the week with a chuckle.

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Saturday Crowdfunding Roundup - Last Call Oliviah, Monster Tokens 3, & Mare Nostrum Empires

Three from Kickstarter this week with the first being "Last Call Oliviah - RPG Adventure by Lloyd Metcalf" here.  It is "a full size OSRIC / 1E adventure module that shoots off from the "Midnight Olivah" Mini module adventure."

Also, have a look at "Monster Tokens 3 with new Hero and Villain Tokens" by David Dixon here.  They're "making more Monsters and adding Heroes & Villains to the mix! Get physical tokens. Download Heroes for Print & Virtual Tables."

Finally, check out "Mare Nostrum - Empires" by Uwe Eickert here.  "This expanded title includes updated rules, counters, and map board, many new components, and multiple new ways to win!"

Saturday Crowdfunding Roundup on CreativeMountainGames.com 

Keeping an eye on those Kickstarter & IndieGoGo
projects plus other crowdfunding efforts.

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The Friday Grab Bag - CMG eBay Offerings

Many new offerings grace the Creative Mountain eBay Store here and more are being added all the time.  If you haven't been there in the last day or so, you haven't seen all the newest items.  Lots of miniatures, RPG stuff, gently-used boardgames, wargaming goods, and more.

A couple of the treats include this classic periodical for the Dying Earth RPG based on the work of Jack Vance.  This issue features articles from folks like Monte Cook and Rich Baker.  Check it out here.

Also check out this Gord the Rogue tome penned by Gary Gygax.  It's become a bit of a collectible but still reasonably priced here.

The Friday Grab Bag on CreativeMountainGames.com 

Essentially, a clearinghouse for topics not covered
elsewhere or needing a particular focus.

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Throwback Thursday - Devo, Maze, & Tanith Lee

Over on fastcompany.com, "How Rock Iconoclasts Devo Became Leaders Of The 1980s Nerd Nirvana" here.  For my money, it was when I heard them as part of the score for the excellent film Heavy Metal (1981).

Also, on polygon.com, they elucidate on "The First First-Person Shooter" here.

Finally, it is with sadness that we lost a stalwart Science Fiction, Horror, and Fantasy author this week and we mourn the passing of Tanith Lee (1947-2015).  Learn more about her life and work here.

Throwback Thursday on CreativeMountainGames.com 

A look back at early tabletop hobby gaming

 or gaming-adjacent topics of the past.

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Events & Play Wednesday - Cons & Gamedays for June

The big convention locally for those in Southeast Wisconsin and Northern Illinois is the Nexus Game Fair.  It takes place June 25th to 28th at the Crowne Plaza near the Milwaukee Airport.  Event registration is already open and some great games have seats available for those who'd like to be a part of this fun time!  I attended last year and will be there again in late June.  Learn more here.

Locally, this Saturday, May 30th, Lake Geneva Games is having a gameday with a mix of boardgames and card play (they always have some Magic tourneys going).  More information can be found here.

As always, the third Saturday and Sunday this month feature the Burlington Gameday on Saturday, May 16th, which sets up events through the Burlington UCC Game Day group on Facebook here and A Gathering of Gamers on Sunday, May 17th, set up by the South Lakes Area Gamers here.  The former is in Burlington, WI at the Plymouth UCC space and is free taking place from approximately 11 am to 5 pm.  The latter takes place at the Pizza Ranch in Elkhorn, WI, and requires a $12 fee for the all you can eat pizza and fried chicken buffet (salad bar, soft-serve ice cream machine, etc.) plus unlimited soft drinks and coffee from 11 am to 8 pm.  At the end of the month, on Saturday, May 30th, Lake Geneva Games is having a gameday with the details here.

Further from my locale . . .

Check out  North Texas RPG Con in Fort Worth, TX, from June 4th thru 6th.  Lots of Old School goodness can be found here.  Looks like Rapier Con is coming up June 12th - June 14th in the Doubletree by Hilton at the Jacksonville International Airport with more information here.  Open Gaming Convention, New Hampshire's Friendliest Gaming Convention, runs June 19th to 21st at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in Nashua, NH.  Find out more here.  A reminder from the folks at Con on the Cob that 2015 Game and Event Registration is happening now right here.

You can also find a whole list of gaming events all around the country and beyond on Warhorn.net here.  Some coming up this weekend as May ends and on through June include:

May 28-31 MomoCon15 Atlanta, GA
May 28-31 Phoenix Comicon 2015 Phoenix, AZ
May 29-31 Awesome Con 15 Washington, DC
May 29-31 ConCarolinas Concord, NC
May 29-31 FOG CON II 2015 Pekin, IL
May 29-31 the Seelie Court 2015 Philadelphia, PA
May 29-31 UK Games Expo 2015 Birmingham, BIR, GB
May 30 Greater Kansas City RPG Day #2 Overland Park, KS
Jun 4-7 A-Kon 2015 Dallas, TX
Jun 5 Provo Pathfinder Society Provo, UT
Jun 5-7 Pathfinder Society @ Spocon Gaming Expo Spokane, WA
Jun 5-8 Pathfinder Society Canberra Conventions Canberra, ACT, AU
Jun 6 Game day at Evolution games ddex1-9 Lansing, MI
Jun 6 Privateer Press Steamroller Tournament Sparks, GA
Jun 12-14 Rapier - Con 2015 Jacksonville, FL
Jun 14 Pathfinder Society @ G2K- Galaria Rock Hill, SC
Jun 19-21 DieCon 15 Collinsville, IL
Jun 19-21 Pathfinder Society @ SD AnimeCon15 Rapid CIty, SD
Jun 20 JPL Con Singapore, SG-04, SG
Jun 20-21 Crazy Squirrel RPG Mini-Con 15 Fresno, CA
Jun 24-28 Dice Tower IV Orlando, FL
Jun 25-28 FLORIDA SUPERCON (Miami Beach) Miami Beach, FL
Jun 26-28 RAGECON 2015 Reno/Sparks, NV
Jun 26-28 Storm-Con 2015 Charleston, SC
Jun 27 June 27th DDAL Game Day at Giga-Bites Marietta, GA
Jun 27 WombatCon: Mortal Wombat Broomfield, CO

Some of this information (and more can be had) is from the excellent lists on upcomingcons.com/gaming-conventions, GameConventionCentral.com, HMGS (the Historical Miniatures Gaming Society), and  as well as many, many gamers on Facebook and Google Plus, to whom I am grateful for the help in this compilation.  Thanks so much and have a great game!

Events & Play Wednesday on CreativeMountainGames.com 

News of Conventions and Gamedays as well as pictures

from those I have attended and games I have played.

Please Like, Share, Plus, Tweet, Follow, and Comment!

Tech Tuesday - Artificial Gills, Hoverboards, & Wozniak's Tale

About a year ago on elitedaily.com, they had a story telling us "You Can Finally Breathe Underwater With This Groundbreaking Device" here.

Also, from the Guinness World Records YouTube channel, a "Man sets Guinness World Record for farthest hoverboard flight" here.

Finally, from the National Geographic YouTube channel heralding their American Genius series episode comes "Steve Wozniak on the Forefront of Technology | American Genius."  Enjoy.

Tech Tuesday on CreativeMountainGames.com 

News focused on Technology
as it might interest gamers.

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Media News Monday - Bourdain's Blade Runner, Twin Peaks Direction, & Happy Towel Day!

It's a triple-squee week for some folks with lots of interesting news in the offing.  First off, consequenceofsound.net has recently let us know "Anthony Bourdain to open giant Blade Runner-themed food market in New York City" here.

Also, from welcometotwinpeaks.com, "Twin Peaks Saved! David Lynch To Direct Even More Than Expected, Thanks Cast And Fans."  Learn more here.

Finally, don't forget that today, May 25th, is Towel Day!  As per wikipedia, "Towel Day is celebrated every year on 25 May as a tribute to the author Douglas Adams by his fans.[1] On this day, fans carry a towel with them, as described in Adams' The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, to demonstrate their appreciation for the books and the author. The commemoration was first held two weeks after Adams' death on 11 May 2001."

Media News Monday on CreativeMountainGames.com 

News for Movies, Television, and more
of gamer-relevant Media.

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Sunday Funnies - Gornden Gnome, Rock'n Wedding, & Redneck Avengers

Over on laughingsquid.com, check out the Star Trek Garden Gnome collection here.

Also, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson marries a fan . . . to the fan's girlfriend.  The video is on the Screen Junkies YouTube channel for your amusement.

Finally, the Bad Lip Reading YouTube channel has a new video featuring the Redneck Avengers.  Enjoy!

Sunday Funnies on CreativeMountainGames.com

Humor, often gaming-related,
to start the week with a chuckle.

Please Like, Share, Plus, Tweet, Follow, and Comment!

Saturday Crowdfunding Roundup - PolyHero Dice, Hyperborea Adventures, & Dragon Expansion

Three from Kickstarter this week with the first being a "PolyHero Dice - Warrior Set" by PolyHero Dice here.

Also, check out the "Hyperborea Adventure Three-Pack" by Jeffrey Talanian here.

Finally a much anticipated "Defenders of the Realm: Dragon Expansion (2nd edition)" by Gryphon and Eagle Games here.

Saturday Crowdfunding Roundup on CreativeMountainGames.com 

Keeping an eye on those Kickstarter & IndieGoGo
projects plus other crowdfunding efforts.

Please Like, Share, Plus, Tweet, Follow, and Comment!

May's Days of Savings!

May's Days of Savings!

Just a quick note to let everyone know that all CMG offerings are at 33% off the regular price here.

Thanks for taking a look!

As always,
Mark CMG Clover
CreativeMountainGames.com

The Friday Grab Bag - & Mag, GM's Monthly Misc, & CMG eBay Store

There's a new & Magazine available and it's free right here.

Also, there is a new GM's Monthly Miscellany for May 2015, and it is free as well, here.

Finally, there are some new things up on the CMG eBay store with all sorts of gaming goodies at low prices, and the incentive of an extra 10% off right now here.  My rating is high because I ship fast and pack things up well, so be quick if you see something you like.  Be sure to sign up with your email address for the store newsletter, too, since I'll be adding more gaming stuff soon.

The Friday Grab Bag on CreativeMountainGames.com 

Essentially, a clearinghouse for topics not covered
elsewhere or needing a particular focus.

Please Like, Share, Plus, Tweet, Follow, and Comment!

Throwback Thursday - SnarfQuest, Elfquest, & Wormy

Over on the Cellbloc Studios YouTube channel, they have uploaded a "SnarfQuest Tales Game PlayTrailer."  Enjoy!

Also, over on elfquest.com, they've announced that on January 26, 2016 they plan to release Elfquest: The Final Quest Volume 2."  Find out more here.

Finally, over on a google site, check out "A Collection of Dave Trampier's Wormy" here.

Throwback Thursday on CreativeMountainGames.com 

A look back at early tabletop hobby gaming

 or gaming-adjacent topics of the past.

Please Like, Share, Plus, Tweet, Follow, and Comment!

Events & Play Wednesday - Lake Geneva Area Gaming, Late April through Late May

Lots of gaming this month around Lake Geneva, WI, including a Union Grove Gameday that took place on May 3rd at the Parkside Diner, a Burlington Gameday last weekend followed by A Gathering of Gamers at the Elkhorn, WI, Pizza Ranch.  Quite a bit of boardgaming at the Taco Bell on Tuesdays and Culver's on Fridays as well, and the weekly 1E AD&D gaming group at Lake Geneva, Games continues apace.  Here are some highlight photos but the bulk of them can be found in a Facebook album here and on Google Plus here.

Events & Play Wednesday on CreativeMountainGames.com 

News of Conventions and Gamedays as well as pictures

from those I have attended and games I have played.

Please Like, Share, Plus, Tweet, Follow, and Comment!

Tech Tuesday - R2D2 VW Bus, Cardboard Armor, & Evil Robot Armies

Over on The Nerdist, they showed off an DIY R2-D2 VW bus here.

Also, on the LyonEvents YouTube channel, a video features "Box Wars" where contestants battle in cardboard armor.  Enjoy!

Finally, from The Independent, "Elon Musk is worried that Google's robot army could accidentally turn evil."  Learn more here.

Tech Tuesday on CreativeMountainGames.com 

News focused on Technology
as it might interest gamers.

Please Like, Share, Plus, Tweet, Follow, and Comment!

Media News Monday - Supergirl, Black Angel, & Mark Twain

It's been circulating but in case you missed it, they've released a 6 minute "First Look" at the upcoming Supergirl (2015-) television series due out in the Fall.  Enjoy!

Also, it's been reported on screenrant.com here and heavymetal.com here about the rediscovery of the original print for the fabled "Lost ‘Star Wars’ Short Film ‘Black Angel’" which accompanied early showings of the film.  It was Roger Christian with the blessing of George Lucas and is "about a knight who gets back from the Crusades to find that things are not at all as he left them. There is a quest, there is a mysterious lady, there is a Black Knight. This 25-minute movie is said to have influenced Excalibur, Lionheart, Ladyhawke, and even Empire Strikes Back itself."  Now, it is available to be watched on the Black Angel film YouTube channel.  Love it!

While we're on the subject of lost and found works, according to the Smithsonian, "Archivists Are Uncovering Lost Mark Twain Stories."  Learn more here.

BONUS!  And just for fun, a fan (the Tim Gonzales YouTube channel) edited the Supergirl trailer "to show off all the epic heroics and action."  Sweet!

Media News Monday on CreativeMountainGames.com 

News for Movies, Television, and more
of gamer-relevant Media.

Please Like, Share, Plus, Tweet, Follow, and Comment!

Sunday Funnies - Fart Castle, Clichéa, & Ginger Ninjas

Over on pri.org, find out "(. . .) where to go if you want to fart in someone’s general direction" here.

Fortunately, Fart Castle has yet to be added to the world of Clichéa here.

Finally, apropos of nothing, it struck me funny last week on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. when Alphonso 'Mack' Mackenzie, played by the excellent Henry Simmons, referred to Alisha, played by the formidable Alicia Vela-Bailey as "a dozen Ginger Ninjas."

Sunday Funnies on CreativeMountainGames.com

Humor, often gaming-related,
to start the week with a chuckle.

Please Like, Share, Plus, Tweet, Follow, and Comment!

Saturday Crowdfunding Roundup - WarQuest, Villains of the Undercity, & AC for Family

Two Kickstarters and a GoFundMe this week with the first being "WarQuest" by Mr. B. Games.  This project has under two weeks left and has passed its substantial initial funding goal.  See more here.  Cool art, cool map, cool minis, too.

Also, check out "Maximum Mayhem Dungeons #3: Villains of the Undercity" by Mark Taormino.  It had a more modest initial funding goal and has surpassed it but with two week left, you might considering jumping on board before this one passes you by.  Find out more here.

Finally, gamer and fine fellow (and Gary Con regular) Tim McCloud has a brother who lives with his wife outside Las Vegas on a fixed income and could use a bit of help replacing their air conditioning unit before the oppressive heat of summer hits with full force.  You can lend a hand in this cause on their GoFundMe page here.

Saturday Crowdfunding Roundup on CreativeMountainGames.com 

Keeping an eye on those Kickstarter & IndieGoGo
projects plus other crowdfunding efforts.

Please Like, Share, Plus, Tweet, Follow, and Comment!

The Friday Grab Bag - D&D Price Drop, Lulu Crowdfunding, & Cardboard Podcast

A recent peek at the WotC section on Amazon showed that the prices for 5E books has come down to below 50%.  See if that is still the case here.

Also, on Lulu.com, they announced that they have partnered with Pubslush, a crowdfunding platform dedicated to publishing.  Find out more here.

Finally, I had been unaware that Rich Sommer had started a gaming podcast on Wolfpop called "Cardboard."  Check it out here.

The Friday Grab Bag on CreativeMountainGames.com 

Essentially, a clearinghouse for topics not covered
elsewhere or needing a particular focus.

Please Like, Share, Plus, Tweet, Follow, and Comment!