October 23, 2024: Good News: You Can Be A Super Hero!

No, we can't help you with the logistics of acquiring strange powers or launching an orbital satellite to patrol the planet. But if you've taken care of those minor details, then the last hurdle you faced has been overcome: You can now call yourself a super hero. Because, according to an article on IGN, Marvel and DC have lost their joint trademark on the term "super hero."

Per Bleeding Cool, the two comic publishers first co-claimed the trademark in 1977, and it was granted a couple of years later. (This is one reason that a lot of non-mainstream comic and RPG efforts refer to them as "metahumans," "supers," and so on . . . especially in titles.) But the trademark was invalidated by the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, part of the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

So, if that's all that's been holding you back from a life of super-heroism, then please feel free to . . . [more]

Share this post!

October 22, 2024: Kurt Vonnegut, Game Designer!

So it goes.

-- Steve Jackson

Share this post!

October 21, 2024: Cosplaying On A Budget

Cosplaying is a hugely popular hobby amongst those who love costumes, pop culture, and being creative, and it continues to grow in popularity. While many folks spend thousands of dollars perfecting screen-accurate outfits and props, some players are successful in creating their looks on a budget.

Patricia R., better known as Pattycakes_Cosplay on Instagram, is a cosplayer based in Southwest Virginia and is part of the Second Mourning cosplay group. She purchases nearly all of the pieces for her outfits from local thrift stores, and also swaps clothes with friends. Some of the recent looks she has created are Lydia (Beetlejuice), Princess Peach (Super Mario games franchise), Drizella Tremaine (Sleeping Beauty), and Merida (Brave and Ralph Breaks the Internet). In early October, she collaborated with her local Goodwill to make Barbie-themed outfits for herself and a friend, and she . . .

[more]

Share this post!

October 20, 2024: TSA On Instagram: Great Account, Or Greatest Account?

Everyone has their favorite Instagram accounts, but I would venture to say that perhaps one of the best out there is the official page of the TSA. With 1.4 million followers and billed as Travel Tips & Dad Joke Hits, they consider themselves the "Princess of Puns" with a "Passion for Prohibited Items."

A large number of their posts show prohibited things they've found that either cannot be carried on or checked, and each item description is positively packed with puns! A few months ago they found a serious weapon and showed it with the caption, "While we admit to feeling disarmed by this attempt, we aim not to be ammotional. And while the growing pop-pew-larity of artful concealed prohibs makes us recoil, we've set our sights on clearing the air."

They also love to post the latest memes with a bit of a twist, such as this one from the Paris Olympics featuring Snoop Dogg. Don't . . .

[more]

Share this post!

October 19, 2024: New To Munchkin Digital: Clerical Errors!

Munchkin Digital, a collaboration between Steve Jackson Games and Dire Wolf Digital, is a great way to play this fan-favorite without scheduling an in-person game night. Players are offered the option to play solo or with friends online.

We've recently released the second DLC for Munchkin Digital: Munchkin 3 - Clerical Errors! Now, you can add 112 new cards to your game! Put on your Chainmail Bikini and equip your Stab-A-Matic, because it's time to face off against the fearsome Auntie Paladin. The Bard class is introduced as well as the Gnome race. Even though you'll be playing digitally, you'll still need to avoid Curses, including Curse! Temporary Amnesia and, of course, Curse! Clerical Error.

Don't forget that you can also download the Munchkin 2 - Unnatural Axe expansion for even more punny fun!

Munchkin Digital is available on Steam and in the Google Play and Apple App . . .

[more]

Share this post!

Previous Illuminators • Steve's Appearance Schedule

The lovely boat boggles the throbbing paintbrush. October 23, 2024: Good News: You Can Be A Super Hero! No, we can't help you with the logistics of acquiring strange powers or launching an orbital satellite to patrol the planet. But if you've taken care of those minor details, then the last hurdle you faced has been overcome: You can now call yourself a super hero. Because, according to an article on IGN, Marvel and DC have lost their joint trademark on the term "super hero." Per Bleeding Cool, the two comic publishers first co-claimed the trademark in 1977, and it was granted a couple of years later. (This is one reason that a lot of non-mainstream comic and RPG efforts refer to them as "metahumans," "supers," and so on . . . especially in titles.) But the trademark was invalidated by the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, part of the United States Patent and Trademark Office. So, if that's all that's been holding you back from a life of super-heroism, then please feel free to . . . [more] Share this post! October 22, 2024: Kurt Vonnegut, Game Designer! So it goes. -- Steve Jackson Share this post! October 21, 2024: Cosplaying On A Budget Cosplaying is a hugely popular hobby amongst those who love costumes, pop culture, and being creative, and it continues to grow in popularity. While many folks spend thousands of dollars perfecting screen-accurate outfits and props, some players are successful in creating their looks on a budget. Patricia R., better known as Pattycakes_Cosplay on Instagram, is a cosplayer based in Southwest Virginia and is part of the Second Mourning cosplay group. She purchases nearly all of the pieces for her outfits from local thrift stores, and also swaps clothes with friends. Some of the recent looks she has created are Lydia (Beetlejuice), Princess Peach (Super Mario games franchise), Drizella Tremaine (Sleeping Beauty), and Merida (Brave and Ralph Breaks the Internet). In early October, she collaborated with her local Goodwill to make Barbie-themed outfits for herself and a friend, and she . . . [more] Share this post! October 20, 2024: TSA On Instagram: Great Account, Or Greatest Account? Everyone has their favorite Instagram accounts, but I would venture to say that perhaps one of the best out there is the official page of the TSA. With 1.4 million followers and billed as Travel Tips & Dad Joke Hits, they consider themselves the "Princess of Puns" with a "Passion for Prohibited Items." A large number of their posts show prohibited things they've found that either cannot be carried on or checked, and each item description is positively packed with puns! A few months ago they found a serious weapon and showed it with the caption, "While we admit to feeling disarmed by this attempt, we aim not to be ammotional. And while the growing pop-pew-larity of artful concealed prohibs makes us recoil, we've set our sights on clearing the air." They also love to post the latest memes with a bit of a twist, such as this one from the Paris Olympics featuring Snoop Dogg. Don't . . . [more] Share this post! October 19, 2024: New To *Munchkin Digital: Clerical Errors!* Munchkin Digital, a collaboration between Steve Jackson Games and Dire Wolf Digital, is a great way to play this fan-favorite without scheduling an in-person game night. Players are offered the option to play solo or with friends online. We've recently released the second DLC for Munchkin Digital: Munchkin 3 - Clerical Errors! Now, you can add 112 new cards to your game! Put on your Chainmail Bikini and equip your Stab-A-Matic, because it's time to face off against the fearsome Auntie Paladin. The Bard class is introduced as well as the Gnome race. Even though you'll be playing digitally, you'll still need to avoid Curses, including Curse! Temporary Amnesia and, of course, Curse! Clerical Error. Don't forget that you can also download the Munchkin 2 - Unnatural Axe expansion for even more punny fun! Munchkin Digital is available on Steam and in the Google Play and Apple App . . . [more] Share this post! Previous Illuminators • Steve's Appearance Schedule		Latest Videos You are the 2243rd fnord fancier here today. (30115358 since August 1, 1995)