The Norwescon Panel Pages of G.Robin Smith

Norwescon 34 - 2011 Panels of G.Robin Smith - Living Stage and SF/F

2011-04-21T17:38:00.000-07:00

Living Stage & SF/F and other panels.
Test Link to my children's book of "The Knight from Then"

This should be the link to the page on Living Stage/SF-F

Norwescon 34, 2011, SeaTac Washington G.Robin Smith – Alymere@gmail.com
PANEL: Is the Living Stage Any Place for Science Fiction/Fantasy?
8:00 PM Cascade 10
Question: The Living Stage – i.e. The Legitimate Theatre – is
home to Shakespeare, Absurdist, Greek Chorus and ‘Our
Town’ at your local high school, but can it hold a candle (or
a light saber) to film/video for special effects and the essence
of what makes a SciFi hit a hit?
Answer: Is that what you are after?
More in-depth Answer: IF you are after the opening of Star
Wars in your little theatre, it’s going to be hard (but could be
done with Puppets!) IF you are after getting people involved
in an alternative universe, the passions and conflicts of
Humanity facing other-worldly forces or simply of Strange
People in Strange Lands, welcome to the Living Stage.
As for traditional SciFi subjects, yes, even they are addressed. Here are some
resources you may find of interest.
www.cirquedusoleil.com
http://dreams.zinzanni.org/
Little Eagles http://www.rsc.org.uk/whats-on/little-eagles/
RSC The Space Race
Visit to a small planet – Gore Vidal
http://www.enotes.com/visit-small
Check out Kurt Vonegut’s plays.
R.U.R. 1938, 1948 and now under production
again. Introduced the word “Robot” to the world.
http://ebooks.adelaide.edu.au/c/capek/karel/rur/
http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/13083
1921 Premier.
Forbidden Planet is based on “The Tempest”
Ray Bradbury Plays
 (1953) The Flying Machine: A One-Act Play for Three Men
 (1963) The Anthem Sprinters and Other Antics
 (1965) A Device Out of Time: A One-Act Play
 (1966) The Day It Rained Forever: A Comedy in One Act
 (1966) The Pedestrian: A Fantasy in One Act
 (1972) Leviathan '99: A Drama for the Stage
 (1972) The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit and Other Plays
 (1975) Pillar of Fire and Other Plays for Today, Tomorrow, and Beyond Tomorrow
 (1975) Kaleidoscope
 (1976) That Ghost, That Bride of Time: Excerpts from a Play-in-Progress Based on the Moby Dick Mythology and Dedicated to Herman Melville
 (1984) Forever and the Earth
 (1986) The Martian Chronicles
 (1986) The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit
(1986) Fahrenheit 451
 (1988) Dandelion Wine
 (1988) To The Chicago Abyss
 (1988) The Veldt
 (1988) Falling Upward
 (1990) The Day It Rained Forever
 (1991) Ray Bradbury on Stage: A Chrestomathy of His Plays
 (2010) Wisdom 2116 (US) or Ray Bradbury's 2116 The Musical (UK)
X-1 X minus One and other Radio Plays
War of the Worlds
The Queen of Light
http://www.jodavidsmeyer.com/plays/queen_description.html
5591 Shady Brook Trail • Sarasota, Florida 34243 • USA
jo@jodavidsmeyer.com

Norwescon 2010 Medieval Women Authors

2010-04-02T17:49:00.000-07:00

A short list of Medieval Women Writers

Anna Comnena – English (1083-1153). Wrote the Alexiad (15 volumes) about her father Emporer Amexius Comnenus

Marie de France (Hello, my name is Marie, I am from France. Prepare to Die.)
Wrote in Old French, Poet, well regarded. Has a Society named for her. “The Lays”

Christine de Pizan (Italian – 1364 – 1430) Supported herself by writing. Military, Book of the City of Ladies, and an Autobiography

Julian of Norwich – English (1342-1412) Anchorite. First book in English by a woman (on her visions)

Hildegard of Bingen – German (1098-1179) Abbess, Mystic, visions, music, artist, sought out for advice by Popes and Bishops.

Heloise (see also Abelard) French (1101-1164) Also see: Castration, Love and Letters.

Margery Kempe: English (1373- ~ 1438) Beer, Babies, Babbling and Broohaha. Autobiography. A joke? Fascinating.

Norwescon 2010 Recreation Groups

2010-04-02T13:53:00.001-07:00

The Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc.
www.SCA.org G.Robin Smith – Marketing Coordinator for the SCA, Inc. marketing@sca.org
The SCA is an international organization dedicated to researching and re-creating the arts and skills of pre-17th-century Europe. Our "Known World" consists of 19 kingdoms, with over 30,000 members residing in countries around the world. Participants, dressed in clothing of the Middle Ages and Renaissance, attend events which may feature tournaments, arts exhibits, classes, workshops, dancing, feasts, and more. Our "royalty" hold courts at which they recognize and honor members for their contributions to the group. The SCA started in 1966, when a few friends who were history buffs and science fiction/fantasy fans hosted a big outdoor party in Berkeley, California. The invitation stated that a Tournament would be held on the first of May, summoning "all knights to defend in single combat the title of 'fairest' for their ladies."
The Interactive History Company
www.InteractiveHistory.net A professional company of educational enthusiasts demonstrating History from the Ancient Mediterranean, to Medieval, to English Renaissance, to American Colonial and Civil Wars. This is not a fan group. It’s professional education in costume. Begun in 1981 as A Knight’s Tour.

Dagorhir was founded in 1977 by a bunch of college friends who shared an enthusiasm for Tolkien's Lord of the Rings and medieval history. Combining elements of both history and fantasy it has fast-paced full-contact combat simulation with elements of live action role-playing. Their national event Ragnorok, held in Ohio began in 1986 and now draws a large crowd from all over the U.S, although not as large a gathering as Pennsic is for the SCA. The local branch is located in Bremerton and called Talinor.
http://www.dagorhir.com/dagorhir/dagorhir.htm
http://www.talinor.org/

The Realm of Chivalry (ROC)
Website is currently only partially functional and they are in the process of installing a new regent due to the untimely passing of their current king. Washington State is the Kingdom of Treloria. The first monarchs were in 1994, so this is a younger group than the SCA or Dagohir.
http://www.therealmofchivalry.org/index.html

Glamfolk
The Glamfolk are a Puget Sound-based society of reenactors dedicated to the study and recreation of life during the Viking Age (circa 700-1066 A.D.). They support and encourage the study and re-creation of Viking Age life or that of the many other cultures that the Scandinavian people encountered during that time though public displays and demonstrations of authentic crafts, skills, and encampments. They are usually seen at Poulsbo at Viking Fest, the SCA event Autumn War in Randle, the medieval demo June Faire in Port Gamble, as well as many other events found on their web calendar. They are a solid set of resources for this culture and time frame.
http://glamfolk.com/

House Ravenstead
Another local group of reenactors, the Ravenstead household is dedicated to studying the arts and sciences of the Norse culture during the “Viking Era” (700-1066 AD) and re-enacting the lifestyle of that era in their encampments. They are predominantly a Norse household: including Danes, Swedes, Rus, and Byzantine Norse, while some of the members have Anglo/Saxon, Irish, and Welsh persona.
The goals of the household are to further the study of Viking Era life, to support household members as they develop their Norse persona and gather their camp items, and to create a period atmosphere at the Ravenstead encampments at SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism) events. New household members have a one-year probationary period. During this period, the member must work toward acquiring period garb and equipment appropriate to a Norse encampment of the Viking era (700 - 1066 AD). New members will be assisted by the household toward this goal, but the primary responsibility is with the member. Household members must not have any other SCA household affiliations or other oaths or fealties to SCA (official or unofficial) organizations, fealty to the Crown excepted. The household members will assist in the setup, tear down, clean up, and other camp tasks (cooking, etc.) of Ravenstead encampments. Members will attend one household meeting/workparty a month, events/weather/schedule permitting. Members are expected to maintain a period camp approximately equal to the rest of the household. Support household involvement at An Tir Norse Learning Days (August) or one of the two public demonstrations (May and October). Donate one prize per year ($20 minimum value) to support household-sponsored events. http://ravenstead.org/

Fort Nisqually Foundation
Tacoma-based living history for the Fur Trade era) here in Washington State, based on Fort Nisqually (1833 – 1869) at Point Defiance Park and operated as a Living History Museum by the Metro Parks Tacoma. Their library is open to the public on Thursdays and they have a wide variety of classes and events year round. The Fort Nisqually Foundation began in 1994 and has beensupporting the pursuit of all available sources of funding to support the restoration, preservation, historical interpretation and education programs of Fort Nisqually Living History Museum, a restored Hudson's Bay Company trading post and headquarters of the Puget Sound Agricultural Company.
http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/page.php?id=825

Somewhere in Time (Seattle, WA & Portland, OR)
Sponsors historic costumed social events which reflect the most enjoyable aspects of past eras, beginning their ‘season’ with an opulent holiday ball. Events may include a potluck meal or tea, contests and games, period music, dancing, entertainment, or trips to historic sites. They are fun for families, couples or singles and may be in or out of doors, depending upon the season. They have a sewing circle and newsletter for members, with many events having lower costs for members.
http://situseattle.com/

Beyond Reality Costumers Guild, part of the International Costumers Guild
Not a historical re-enactment group per se, but many of the members are historical re-enactors for a variety of eras. Sewing nights are hosted in many locations of the Puget Sound including the East Side, Kent, and Tacoma, WA. BeyondCon in February is a small con run by the BRCG featuring only costuming related panels and workshops.
http://brcg.org/

The Fantasy Alternative (TFA)
Located in the Puget Sound region since 1981 and begun by Dameon Willich, TFA has challenged the young of heart to play in the great outdoors with their motto “Education through Entertainment.” They strive to educate through their LARPs, community outreach, demos at schools & libraries, parades and theatrical performances with their sub-divisions The Seattle Knights and Pirates of Puget Sound. The basic age requirement is 18 and up, with special membership for ages 16 if accompanied by a parental or legal guardian member.
http://www.thefantasyalternative.com/index.htm

Civil War Reenactors are a very large sub-set of historical reenactors. The Washington Civil War Association has a listing of links to many of the local groups interested in this period of history on their website, as well as national organizations. These could include Confederacy or Union groups, Muzzle-loaders, Black powder, or simply United States Victorian era history. The basic kits are more comprehensive and specific in requirements than those for the SCA.
http://www.wcwa.net/links/history.htm

Powwows
The Native American people's way of meeting together, to join in dancing, singing, visiting, renewing old friendships and make new ones while renewing thought of the old ways and preserving a rich heritage. Knowing the different types of dance styles makes watching powwows fun and there are always a couple of songs where all of the audience is invited to join in the dance.. The men and boys have Fancy Dancing, Grass Dancing and Traditional Dancing. The women and girls have Fancy Shawl Dancing, Jingle Dancing, and Traditional Dancing. From jingles to feathers, buckskin to bustles, outfits have different looks to match different types of dance.Powwows.com is a good source of knowledge about the different styles of dancing and customs, the etiquette an observer should follow, and when the powwows will occur nationwide. SeaFair Indian Days in July and Chief Seattle Days in August are two of the more publicly advertised ones in our area, although the Puyallup and Muckleshoot tribes, among others, host many more.
www.powwows.com

Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain
Interested in wooden ship sailing and days of yore? Try volunteering with Washington’s own Tall Ships! The Lady Washington is Washington State’s Official Ship, accompanied by the Hawaiian Chieftain accompanies her on her voyages and goodwill missions to ports in Washington, Oregon, California, and British Columbia. Ships and crews provide educational, vocational, recreational, and ambassadorial activities and experiences that promote and preserve the maritime history of Grays Harbor, the Pacific Northwest, and our nation while serving the needs of the community. Many of the crew volunteer positions do not require previous maritime experience and you can try “two weeks before the mast” or even work towards full-time employment as a crew member!
http://www.ladywashington.org/

SteamPunk – Seattle SteamRats and Tacoma Tassles
An informal, convivial association of like-minded individuals, with an appreciation of the Steampunk aesthetic, philosophy, and/or lifestyle, working as a resource and aid to those residing in the Puget Sound area. Many members are involved in running SteamCon, begun in 2009 and attended by Steampunk afficiandos worldwide. Diana Vick is a primary contact for both SteamRats and SteamCon.
http://seattlesteamrats.com/

SF Northwest
A website geared towards collecting information about fannish groups, organizations and activities for fandom in the Pacific Northwest.
http://www.sfnorthwest.org/clubs.html

Histrenact - The Historical Reenactment Web Site – UK based Search engine and directory of the global historical reenactment community containing links to reenactment societies, trader details and other information for the global reenactment community, broken out into sections.
Roman Pre-Roman 400ADEarly civilisations including the Roman Empire
Darkage 400-1066ADSaxon and Dark Age civilisations
Viking 800-1150ADThe Viking civilisation
Mediaeval 1066-1599ADEarly and Late mediaeval civilisations
English Civil WarEnglish Civil War
High English 1600-1800ADTwo hundred years of civilisation
Victorian 1800-1900ADOne hundred years of civilisation
20th Century 1900-2000Twentieth century civilisation and the Great Wars
http://www.histrenact.co.uk/index.php

Jonnalyhn Wolfcat
G.Robin Smith

Medieval Re-Creation Groups (and other groups/periods)

2009-04-09T13:29:00.000-07:00

Recreating the Medieval World for fun and.. well fun.

Re-Creation Medieval Groups and Re-Enactment Medieval Groups;

G.Robin Smith alymere@gmail.com

Some links:
Local to Seattle:
www.wenrenfaire.com/
Wenatchee Renaissance Festival April 18th, 2009. www.wenrenfaire.com
www.Camlann.org
Camlann Medieval Faire, Carnation WA. www.Camlann.org
Washington Renaissance and Fantasy Faire Buckley Washington August 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 2009 www.washingtonrenfaire.com
Scottish Highland Games Association www.sshga.org

An example where the study can take you:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mediaeval_reenactment#Combat_Reenactment

It will link you links for 3 pages. Most all of them worthwhile.

Big start late 1960’s Tolkien a big factor, and World Con.

The Society for Creative Anachronism:
www.sca.org
For a good intro to the group (written about 20 years ago) go to
http://www.bellatrix.org/QCG/queen_carol's_guide.htm
for a cool YouTube (done by CBS News Sunday Morning about the eastern SCA)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vljdsfphks&NR=1

The Realm of Chivalry: www.therealmofchivalry.org Somewhat like the SCA but just local. Mostly around Seattle-Olympia area.

Seattle Knights www.seattleknights.com All Jousting, All Singing, all Very Hot dancing singing Elves
And much more, like Pirates, Knights, Thugs and things Magical and Horses, too.

Ravenrook Ltd http://ravenrook.com/
They do historical music, dance, and has lately been pursuing military history, forming a historical company of pike (much reduced) and working with shot and cavalry when available. They are doing this in conjunction with the School of the Renaissance Soldier
http://renaissancesoldier.com/events/alc.php

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NWColonial/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NWColonial/links

www.kingdomofacre.org/about.html
East Coast. Broke off from the SCA but still plays with them.

Roman Re-enactment:
www.romanempire.net/romepage/Links/roman_reenactment_groups.htm

Norse: http://ask-vikingekampgruppe.dk/uk0001.html

Colonial Williamburg: www.history.org/

Norwescon 32 - 2009 "How they Thought" handout

2009-04-09T10:55:00.000-07:00

Here are the text and the Hand Out in .jpgs for
How They Thought:
Getting Into the Head Space of Those Long Gone 10:00 PM Cascade 4. G.Robin Smith
(alymere@gmail.com)

Text examples; Marjorie Kempe, Leonardo da Vinci, Machiavelli, Dante… using their texts as keys.

As an Actor, Historian, Researcher or an interested Humanist, ‘getting into the Head’ of those long gone is a necessary quest. From the earliest times, we gather important information about a people by their tools, trash, clothing remnants and art.

After the introduction of writing, we began to put together the thoughts of the scribe and their life. Every word is a clue, in addition to the paper, ink and DNA of their tears. This is our Time Machine, our Pass to the Past, to examine and relive what was lived.

The Book of Marjorie Kempe. Or “If Judy Tunuta lived in 1450.” http://www.judytenuta.com/index2.html

From The Book of Margery Kempe
www.luminarium.org/medlit/kempebk.htm
[Margery and Her Husband Reach a Settlement]
It befell upon a Friday on Midsummer Even in right hot weather, as this creature was coming from York-ward bearing a bottle with beer in her hand and her husband a cake in his bosom, he asked his wife this question: "Margery, if there came a man with a sword and would smite off my head unless that I should commune kindly with you as I have done beofre, say me truth of your conscience - for ye say ye will not lie - whether would ye suffer my head to be smit off or else suffer me to meddle with you again as I did sometime?" "Alas, sir," She said, "why move ye this matter and have we been chaste this eight weeks?" "For I will wit the truth of your heart." And the she said with great sorrow, "Forsooth, I had liefer see you be slain than we should turn again to our uncleanness." And he said again, "Ye are no good wife." Norman Lear, where are you?

What context does this have? Where does she figure into that time? To find out, we TRIANGULATE. Locate other sources or references and Triangulate. Cross reading and box reading (readings from before and after the time) give us perspective as well.

Julian of Norwich, for one, is mentioned by Marjorie Kempe, and luckily, Julian of Norwich wrote a book telling about her visions:

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/med/womenbib.html
Revelations of Divine Love Shewed to a Devout Ankress: By Name Julian of Norwich. London: Burns and Oates, 1952

Leonardo da Vinci is not known as a writer, but write he did:
http://www.sacred-texts.com/aor/dv/index.htm
482. p. 243 I.
MORAL PRECEPTS FOR THE STUDENT OF PAINTING.
A WARNING CONCERNING YOUTHS WISHING TO BE PAINTERS.
How to ascertain the dispositions for an artistic career. Many are they who have a taste and love for drawing, but no talent; and this will be discernible in boys who are not diligent and never finish their drawings with shading. The course of instruction for an artist (483-485).The youth should first learn perspective, then the proportions of objects. Then he may copy from some good master, to accustom himself to fine forms. Then from nature, to confirm by practice the rules he has learnt. Then see for a time the works of various masters. Then get the habit of putting his art into practice and work.
From this little scrap: ‘boys’ not girls. Brief sentences.

Niccolo Machiavellio
http://www.online-literature.com/machiavelli/
http://www.emachiavelli.com/history2copy.htm
Take then, your Magnificence, this little gift in the spirit in which I send it; wherein, if it be diligently read and considered by you, you will learn my extreme desire that you should attain that greatness which fortune and your other attributes promise. And if your Magnificence from the summit of your greatness will sometimes turn your eyes to these lower regions, you will see how unmeritedly I suffer a great and continued malignity of fortune.
From this scrap: Courtliness, how one appeals for redress, social order is indicated.

Dante Alighieri (1265-1321)
http://www.online-literature.com/dante/banquet/1/
Within the man there may be two defects or impediments, the one on the part of the Body, the other on the part of the Soul. On the part of the Body it is, when the parts are unfitly disposed, so that it can receive nothing as with the deaf and dumb, and their like. On the part of the Soul it is, when evil triumphs in it, so that it becomes the follower of vicious pleasures, through which it is so much deceived, that on account of them it holds everything in contempt.
From this scrap: Can we hear enough of the thought to expand his character, to build our character’s response to someone who thinks like this?

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) www.franklinpapers.org

Norwescon 32 (2009) G.Robin's Handouts

2009-04-09T07:36:00.000-07:00

Hello, here find ye my Handouts for Norwescon 32 (2009)
Feel free to print and use (but do not sell) any of the following. Thanks be to my Sponsors:
The Interactive History Company (www.InteractiveHistory.net)
Hardwick & Sons, Inc. (the Best Hardware Store anywhere) www.eHardwicks.com
Five Rivers Fundraising (www.FiveRiversFundraising.org)
The Games Handout: Page 1

The Games Handout: Page 2

The Games Handout: Page 3

The Games Handout: Page 4

The Games Handout: Page 5

The Games Handout: Page 6

-------

Ideas, Goals. Norwescon 31 2008 - NWC New

2007-04-09T11:37:00.000-07:00

Dear William and all the Con Com.

Here are my ideas for 2008.  I would be delighted to elaborate, explain and brain storm with you on any and all of them.  I am in love with NWC and want to do what I can to become even better.  It is one of my absolute favorite weekends of the year.

1) Become a 501 c 3 Federally recognized Non-Profit.  I know of a woman, Sandy Deja (http://www.form1023help.com/) who used to work for the IRS and now helps groups form into Non Profits.  I think it can be done (with her doing a lot of the work) for ~$1,000.00. Just one of the benefits of being a 501c3 is you could then offer teachers Clock Hours (required of them) for attending the Con.  This would make them very happy.  In addition, donations would be tax-deductible, as would be goods and services.  You have the organization and the accounting in place.  I think it would be the best for NWC to do this.

2) Do you currently advertise to Libraries and Literature Teachers?  We get authors here!  They could be very interested.  More interest if we were a 501 c 3.

3) Help me organize a Ben Franklin performance to benefit NWC 31.  You could get 100% of the profits.  I am serious.

4) I liked the SCA Fighting demo on Sat.
  Variations: Leave it on Saturday and invite people to bring the fight scenes from their writings and have the fighters re-create them... to see if they would really work.  Could be fun:-)  Also, I think I could arrange a series of hands on Arts and Sciences for Sunday from various re-creation groups (Black Powder, Revolutionary, Medieval, Norse, etc.  From Bobbin Lace to Calligraphy and Illumination, Wood working, etc.

5) Dynamic Group Creation: From the attendees that show up to this panel, we will find mutual interests (remember "6 Degrees of separation") and ideas of helping one another.  If the group wishes, the group can continue with an online version.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead

6) Roving Video:  Maybe a High School Video Class would be interested in attending and taking video clips of the panels and workshops, hall costumes and snippets of interesting things going on to be edited (for class credit) and aired on the TV Channels.

7) Recycle Bins:  In every Hospitality Suite and Party Room, we need to recycle at least the aluminum cans and get the money for them.

8)  Parking: It sucked.  I recommend, at least for the day tripping panelists and guests, to use the High School Parking lot down the street (due East) or a local Park and Ride and have the Hotel proved shuttle service.  It does not make Hilton look good to have their guests not be able to park when they are renting a room.  I have more on this if you want.

9) Bigger Fonts on the badges (although the quality of the badges and neck hangers are GREAT)
10) Bigger Fonts on the Table Name 'tents'.

Panel Ideas for 2008.

A) Modeling for Art Classes Panel (I have been doing art modeling (clothed and nude) since 1973.  It is a good way to listen in on good art instruction and get paid.
B) Sonnet Demo - 50 minutes = 5 Sonnets and a number of Haiku, Shakespearean Speeches and some Norse Edda.  Bring your best subjects and watch a master create. (Well, yes, it would be me)
C) Slavery in the Modern Age: Slavery did not go away with President Lincoln.  It is alive and malignant.  An examination of the history of slavery, especially in America and the reality of the modern blight.
D) Labyrinths, history and how to draw a simple one in your garden, driveway or on the beach.

All for now.

Robin ( I think I am settling on G.Robin Smith for the official name and Robin for saying "Hey" in the halls. ;-)

--
See Benjamin Franklin "Live! & Inperson-ated" www.Ben-Franklin.org

G.Robin Smith climbs stairs to support Leukemia research
To join his effort or follow his progress, browse
http://groups.google.com/group/20000-league

Sponsored by Hardwick & Sons, Inc.
www.eHardwicks.com

Poetry Panels Norwescon 30 2007 G.Robin Smith

2007-04-09T10:35:00.000-07:00

Hello and welcome to my Poetry Panel Weblog for this year's Norwescon (NWC 30, 2007).

I am stoked. Great year, the more I get involved with this singular group of people the more I am rewarded with superior good times:-)!!! I want the Con Com to all be on my own personal Board of Directors (call me, I'll buy lunch). Also, I am promising to enter the Costume Contest in 2008. It may be as a "Brown Bag Lunch" if I don't get anything done, but I am entering!

Quotes & Poems: (Created in Poetry Workshop 1 & 2 with the fans and my co-panelist Mike Brennan)
"Chopping off the Fish Head" (Jargon for writing then getting rid of the first part and starting with the remainder of a piece... cause you have warmed up and finally gotten to the point)
The old, tried and true: "Don't Get it Right... Get it WRITTEN!" & "writing is in the editing"

If you would like to sign up for my Poetry email List (about twice a week, no chat, just my poems and what I am up to next) go to
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/chivalry_is_yet-a-guide/
and join.

Books to refer to:

Louis Turco "The New Book of Forms" (over 300 poetic forms from around the world. Your alien culture should have a form of speach from someplace other than Southern California (inmo). Use one of these forms to give you a structure to work with. )

Best, G.Robin Smith

Done via group input.
Limericks-
"There once was a Trekker from Kent
Whose patience was thoroughly spent.
From Morning to Dark
He attempted to Park
And finally packed up and went."

OK, Parking was a real problem. I have an idea over at the Idea page:

"I work with a Lady named Jean.
Most proper, sedate and serene.
But then, at the Con
With her Black Leather on
her manor was rather more mean."
-----
Haiku

_Bright_
The Wint'ry Sunlight
Filters thru the window pane
There's warmth on my face.

_Grow_
"A flower in the snow.
a herald of the spring's time.
Joy among the cold."

Medieval Re-enactment Groups

2007-04-04T21:22:00.000-07:00

Recreating the Medieval World for fun and.. well fun.

Re-Creation Medieval Groups vs. Re-Enactment Medieval Groups;

G.Robin Smith

Some links:
A Large selection of links is available at my Weblog:

An example where the study can take you:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mediaeval_reenactment#Combat_Reenactment

It will link you links for 3 pages. Most all of them worthwhile.

Big start late 1960’s Tolkien a big factor, and World Con.

The Society for Creative Anachronism:
www.sca.org
For a good intro to the group (written about 20 years ago) go to
http://www.bellatrix.org/QCG/queen_carol's_guide.htm

The Realm of Chivalry: http://www.therealmofchivalry.org/

Ravenrook Ltd http://ravenrook.com/
does historical music, dance, and has lately been pursuing military history,
forming a historical company of pike (much reduced) and working with shot
and cavalry when available. They are doing this in conjunction with the School
of the Renaissance Soldier
http://renaissancesoldier.com/events/alc.php
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NWColonial/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NWColonial/links  
http://www.kingdomofacre.org/about.html East Coast. Broke off from the SCA bus still plays with them.

One of the most complete books on Armoring (historical and instructional) is
Brian Price, "Techniques of Medieval Armor Reconstruction". New ~$75.00. If you can buy it for less than $40 you should be able to re-sell it easily. History, practice, setting up a shop, magnificent.

This page sponsored in part by Hardwick & Sons, Inc. New & Used... almost EVERYTHING
www.eHardwicks.com

Teaching the Middle Ages

2007-04-04T20:03:00.000-07:00

Hands on History! How to Teach the Middle Ages.
G.Robin Smith. www.ben-franklin.org email: ben@ben-franklin.org
http://www.interactivehistory.net/
A Professional Hands-On Education Company. (I work with them)
http://www.knightstour.org/poetry/subboke.html
My on-line book for Educational Demonstrations. (10 years old & being revised.)

These links and this hand out can be found at
http://norwesconpanelsgrobin.blogspot.com/2007/04/teaching-middle-ages.html

BASICS: Hands-on Interactive Education focuses on the physical experience of living in a particular time and situation. The more direct interaction you can provide the better. The reasons WHY something happened is a good topic for discussion and research. What people were DOING when History happened is the best way to open a window on that time period and have students relate and empathize with the people then and see life more through the eyes of the past. Perspective is what we bring, and it’s a life-long experience for the student as well.

WHATEVER the subject, break it down to what it meant to accomplish the act. Then explain how it relates to things we do today. For example:

CLASS OUTLINE: Games
Introduction: People have ALWAYS played games. “What board games, what running games do you play, students?” Chess, Red Rover, Tag? All very old.
Games are fun, build strength and endurance. Also games of chance, skill building (balance, aim, hand-eye coordination, mathematics). A game could be anything, as long as there was skill involved (and luck) and both sides agreed to the rules.
Play some Medieval Games (see Medieval Game Panel handout at :
http://norwesconpanelsgrobin.blogspot.com/

We normally play Skittles, Stick in Ring, Storming the Castle, Quintain, Hunker-Hauser. All fun games of physical skill and coordination. Board Games usually take too long to play in this class, but certainly are to be encouraged after our program. Especially Chess, with its many variants, offers a fascinating glimpse into how things evolve over time, yet keep certain aspects vibrantly current.

This handout prepared with financial support from Hardwick & Sons, Inc. Hard to find Hard-To-Find New & Used… almost EVERYTHING! www.eHardwicks.com
4214 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle WA 98105 Mon-Sat til 6:00 PM.

G.Robin Smith Handout Links Norwescon 30 (2007) Games

2007-04-04T11:25:00.000-07:00

Ancient Games:
G.Robin Smith. www.ben-franklin.org, ben@ben-franklin.org
I have put these links up at http://norwesconpanelsgrobin.blogspot.com/
Your one stop spot to go and link to, rather than typing in all the ones below☺

Broad Types: (Many cross back and forth) Search Terms:
Strategy, Skill, Physical, Luck, Solitaire, Team, Running, Animal, Hunting, Martial, Non-Competitive, Card, Dice, Gambling
Mind & Strategy – Even Sides vs. Unbalanced. Chess (Variants – Byzantine, oblong, standard. Fox & Geese. Riddles.
Skill – Stick & Rings, Darts, Bowles, Shoves…
Physical: Wrestling, Hunker Hauser,
Luck: Shut the Box, Skittles,

Links:
www.chessvariants.org/Gindex.html
www.waks.org/game-hist/
www.tradgames.org.uk/index.html
www.mastersgames.com/
http://www.larsdatter.com/toys.htm
Nice pictures of pieces and connections to other sites
http://games.rengeekcentral.com/tc4.html
Period Illuminations AND rules.
http://bryn-gwlad.ansteorra.org/children/fun.php
An SCA site but is seems very well linked.
www.show.me.uk/downloads/Medieval%20Board%20Games.PDF

Skittles

http://www.tradgames.org.uk/games/Table-Skittles.htm
Teaches adding with different combinations of numbers… sneaky for parents☺

This handout prepared with financial support from
Hardwick & Sons, Inc. Hard to find Hard-To-Find New & Used… almost EVERYTHING! www.eHardwicks.com

Fox and Geese

Center is the Fox Starting point. The top three tiers are the geese. The Fox starts and jumps into empty spots. http://www.osv.org/FoxGeese/
Just ONE of many sites that let you play on-line.
http://www.mastersgames.com/rules/fox-geese-rules.htm

Shove Groat:
Like Shuffleboard. Shove the penny into a line.
http://www.tradgames.org.uk/games/Shove-HaPenny.htm

Byzantine Chess:

http://www.tabula-rasa.info/JamesAdams/treasure_trove/byzChess/byzChess.htm
There are hundreds of variants on the theme of Chess.

Shut the Box: Number a piece of paper 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. Roll Dice. Mark off each number that the dice add up to. Any numbers you can’t match add together and you get your score. Winner has the lowest score.
http://www.tradgames.org.uk/games/Shut-The-Box.htm
Teaches adding with different combinations of numbers… sneaky for teachers☺

9 Men’s Morris
(ONE On Line version: http://www3.sympatico.ca/pesullivan/merrelles/English.html
http://www.louisiana101.com/ideas_english_9man.html
3 parts. 1: Placing, 2) Moving, 3) Only three left, move anywhere.
Variations: Cut Throat vs. New Mill. Less and More “Men”

Goose
http://www.byzantios.net/modar/goosegame.pdf
http://www.vam.ac.uk/moc/collections/games/board_games/gameofgoose/index.html
http://www.jstor.org/view/00218715/ap020031/02a00080/0

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/03/Tablero_oca.jpg/623px-Tablero_oca.jpg
The youngest player goes first. Roll the dice and move your counter one square for each spot on the dice. Then it is the next player's turn unless one of these things happens: If you throw a 3 on your first turn you can move straight to square 26.
If your counter lands on a Goose square you can move again without throwing the dice. You move the number of spots of your original throw. For example throw a 4, land on a Goose, move four squares forward again.
If you land on the Bridge, square 6, miss a turn while you pay the toll.
If you land on the Inn, square 19, miss a turn while you stop for some tasty dinner.
If you land on the Well, square 31, make a wish and miss three turns. If another player passes you before your three turns are up you can start moving again on your next go.
If you land on the Labyrinth, square 42, you will get lost in the maze and have to move back to square 37.
If you land on the Prison, square 52, you will have to miss three turns while you are behind bars. If another player passes you before your three turns are up you can start moving again on your next go.
If you land on Dead, square 58, you have to go back to square 1 and start all over again!
Players may not share squares, so if your dice roll would land you on an occupied square you will have to stay where you are until it is your turn again.
To win you must reach square 63 exactly. If your dice roll is more than you need then you move in to square 63 and then bounce back out again, each spot on the dice is still one square in this move. If you land on any of the special squares while you are doing this then you must follow the normal instructions.
When you land on square 63 exactly you are the winner!
Riddles
1) At night they come without being fetched, and by day they are lost without being stolen.
2) I never was, am always to be, No one ever saw me, nor ever will. And yet I am the confidence of all to live and breathe on this terrestrial ball.
3) Runs over fields and woods all day. Under the bed at night sits not alone,
With long tongue hanging out, A-waiting for a bone.
4) Alive without breath, As cold as death;
Never thirsty, ever drinking, All in mail never clinking.
5) This, all things devours: Birds, beast, trees, flowers; Gnaws iron, bites steel; Grinds hard stones to meal; Slays king, ruins town, And beats high mountain down.
6) As light as a feather, but you can't hold it for ten minutes.
7) It goes up and down the stairs with out moving.
8) You can see nothing else when you look in my face. I will look you in the eye and I will never lie.
9) I am always hungry, I must always be fed. The finger I lick will soon turn red.
10) Three lives have I. Gentle enough to soothe the skin,
Light enough to caress the sky Hard enough to crack rocks.
11) Glittering points that downward thrust. Sparkling spears that never rust
12) I went into the woods and got it. I sat down to seek it.
I brought it home with me because I couldn't find it.
13) It has no weight, you can see it. If put in a barrel, it will make the barrel lighter?
14) Squeeze it and it cries tears as red as its flesh, But its heart is made of stone.
15) What gets wetter the more it dries?
16) All about, but cannot be seen, Can be captured, cannot be held. No throat, but can be heard.
17) The more there is the less you see.
18) They are Dark, and always on the run. Without the sun, would be none.
19) I have holes on the top and bottom. I have holes on my left and on my right.
And I have holes in the middle, yet I still hold water.
20) The more you take the more you leave behind.
21) What can run but never walks, Has a mouth but never talks,
Has a head but never weeps, Has a bed but never sleeps?
Runs smoother than any rhyme. Loves to fall but cannot climb!
22) You break it even if you name it!
23) You feed it, it lives, you give it something to drink, and it dies.
24) Voiceless it cries, Wingless it flutters, Toothless bites, Mouthless mutters.
25) If a man carried my burden, He would break his back. I am not rich. But leave silver in my track.
26) You must keep it after giving it.
27) My life can be measured in hours. I serve by being devoured.
Thin, I am quick. Fat, I am slow. Wind is my foe.
28) It cannot be seen, cannot be felt, Cannot be heard, and cannot be smelt. It lies behind stars and under
hills, and empty holes it fills. It comes first and follows after, Ends life, kills laughter.
29) A box without hinges, key, or lid. Yet golden treasure inside is hid.
30) I go around in circles, But always straight ahead. Never complain, No matter where I am led.
31) If you break me I do not stop working. If you touch me I may be snared,
If you lose me Nothing will matter.
32) Two horses, swiftest traveling, Harnessed in a pair, And Grazing ever in places Distant from them.
33) I pass before the sun and make no shadow.
Answers: 1-Stars, 2-Tomorrow, 3-Shoe, 4-Fish, 5-Time, 6-Breath, 7-Stair Runner, 8-Mirror, 9-Fire, 10-Water, 11-Icecicles, 12-Splinter, 13-Hole, 14-Cherry, 15-Towel, 16-Wind, 17-Darkness, 18-Shadows, 19-Sponge, 20-Steps, 21-River, 22-Silence, 23-Fire, 24-Wind, 25-Snail, 26-Your Word, 27-Candle, 28-Darkness, 29-Egg, 30-Wheels, 31-Heart, 32-Eyes, 33-Night.