Monday, July 14, 2008

Pageantry in the Park a great success

Monday, July 14, 2008

Evansville, IN (TNR) - With the clash of swords and clang of armor, Sunday saw the Society for Creative Anachronism's annual Pageantry in the Park public demonstration at Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve in Evansville.

Put on by the SCA's Shire Riviere Constelle of the Midrealm kingdom, the demonstration included showings of fencing (in the round, that is, not the line fencing of modern sports), heavy armored combat, and Medieval and Renaissance era arts and crafts.

The majority of the afternoon was taken up by fencing demonstrations in several different styles, including single sword, sword and buckler, and Florentine two weapon style. One combatant, going by the moniker of Lady Calivorri, went nearly undefeated while The Nerd Report was on the scene, losing only one single combat fencing match throughout the two hours observed.

The heavy fighting matches were less one-sided in victories, and included their own assortment of weapons, including sword and shield, axe and shield, and large two-handed axe.

All participants wore heavy protective gear, and it is not recommended that these activities be tried by the untrained without the necessary protection.

In addition to combat demonstrations, there were displays of medieval arts, jewelry, arms, and armor, as well as a short demonstration of period music.

The Society for Creative Anachronism is an international educational group that focuses on preserving and reenacting Medieval and Renaissance history. More information is available at http://www.sca.org

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Judge recommends Jack Thompson be permanently disbarred

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Tallahassee, FL (TNR) - Judge Dava Tunis, the appointed referee over Jack Thompson's ongoing bar trial, has recommended the permanent disbarment of the anti-video games attorney, The Nerd Report has learned.

The Florida Bar Association is seeking Thompson's disbarment for a period of ten years, but the Judge Tunis has declined to follow this recommendation, instead taking the precedent-setting step of permanent disbarment, noting that Thompson "does not proceed within the guidelines of appropriate professional behavior, but rather uses other means available to intimidate, harass, or bring public disrepute to those whom he perceives oppose
him" when engaging in litigation, and that there is "no evidence whatsoever to indicate that [Thompson] is amenable to rehabilitation, or even remotely appreciates the basis upon which a need or purpose for such rehabilitation is warranted."

Mr. Thompson has engaged in extensive litigation against the gaming industry for over a decade, claiming that violence in video games teaches children to engage in violence themselves. Throughout this time, he has treated those opposing him with disdain and even open mockery, at one point submitting a document to the court in picture form, claiming that the court couldn't understand him without the visual aids. The court in question was Judge Tunis' own, during the proceeding that has led to the recommendation for his disbarment.

The decision in the case is not yet final, but the appointed referee's recommendation makes it highly likely that Jack Thompson's days as a practicing attorney are numbered.