We've Got Eyes At San Diego Comiccon 2014!

CAPITAL GEEK GIRLS HAS EYES AT SAN DIEGO COMICCON

Ladies and lady-supporting gents, we’ve got eyes live on the ground at San Diego Comiccon all convention-long. CGG supporter and Instagram nut, @comic_stalker, is photographing the con live for us all week and weekend. Be sure to watch our twitter and facebook feeds for the photos as they come in. So far, it looks like a wild, crowded, magical place full off way too many bodies and soooo much merch.

If YOU are at San Diego Comiccon this weekend, share your pics with us via twitter at @capitalgeekgirl and we’ll retweet them!

And remember: drink lots of water, wear comfortable shoes, and don’t take any bull from anyone, geek girls!

Sitting down with the Queen of Mean: An Interview with Persephone Vice

SITTING DOWN WITH THE QUEEN OF MEAN: AN INTERVIEW WITH PERSEPHONE VICE
By Katie Bonnar

When you’re sitting down with a female wrestler for the first time, you let them call the shots – I met Julia at her hair salon of choice in Billings Bridge Mall, the night before her WWE tryout. Measuring 6’2”, Nulis towers over me at 5’4”, but more dominant than her stature is her nature – she’s immediately warm, upbeat and friendly. Not what you’d expect from a self-styled villain in the ring, nick-named the “Queen of Mean”. In her words, “Persephone is all about business, doing what she needs to do: plan of attack, executing it and be done with it. That’s how she is.”

Nulis wasn’t always a fan of wrestling, but started to attend independent wrestling matches and was introduced to Jeff Smith, who pointed her on her path. She started as a manager and valet, while training on the side. In 2006, at the age of 21, she made her debut in Hamilton. 

When asked how her family took the news, Nulis surprised me, “I’ve kept it pretty quiet within my family. My mother knows and she said ‘are you sure this is something you want to do because, if it is, I’m going to support you in any way that I can’ – so she’s been my rock.” Her brother also echoes this support as do a couple of cousins, including one with whom she was close and whom she lost a few years ago. She paid tribute to him during an especially significant match: her first title win, the Ontario Championship Wrestling title, a disclosure that leaves us both feeling the lingering raw emotion in her voice.

On the back of this WWE try out, her family’s understanding of her wrestling could drastically change. So how does one get a WWE tryout? Her trainer, Wayne Cryderman (Crusher Kline), of Bodyslammers, was asked for names of his students. Nulis has been put forward before, but they hadn’t called until now. This waiting has been good for Nulis who acknowledges that “it just gave me more time to focus on myself, how I look, how I want to present myself to them.” It was Cryderman who made the call, letting her know about the try out, “I’m very thankful to Wayne for opening doors for me so I’m going to make the most of every moment that I can.”

I asked what this could mean for her, “I’m just going to go in with a very level head, very humble head and whatever criticism and advice they give me, I’ll take it and that’s how I can improve.” You can’t help but feel an intense admiration for this woman who loves her sport and seeks to continually improve. It explains why her fans love her so much – her positive attitude, even under the guise of a villain, really does shine.

Speaking of fans, Persephone Vice has a devoted following, which Nulis is happy to indulge. She’s always up for pictures and autographs at shows, but she keeps fan interactions to the events. In public she’ll acquiesce to a photograph if asked, but she’s clear that there’s a line and she doesn’t feel it appropriate to cross that with dinner invitations from fans. Having endured one over-zealous fan, Nulis is understandably keen to ensure she maintains boundaries.

Nulis also maintains an intense training regimen, but admits that nothing can prepare her body for the feeling in the ring – the impact on the ropes and the mat takes your breath away and leaves you gasping, “No matter how much you train, it’s very exhausting!” The experience in the ring is in direct contrast to the preparation Nulis undergoes before the match, “Lots of meditation – I think of the outcome of the match and I make sure that I surround myself with positivity. I’m not injured, my opponent doesn’t get injured, the fans are entertained…surround myself with good.” Having suffered through several injuries, including a broken shoulder that required surgery, it is clear why Nulis has adopted this pre-match ritual.

I asked who her ideal opponent would be, from any universe and while she has a soft spot for Rogue and Storm, her response was immediate, “Tank Girl! 100%! Oh my god, it would be so crazy.” Nulis also confesses to a zombie obsession – in particular, the Walking Dead. She’s fascinated with the idea and admits that were this to happen, Persephone Vice would need Wolverine’s healing ability and some seriously armoured skin to combat the undead. We were both quick to agree a Persephone Vice comic book would be awesome! And what’s a superhero without a weakness? Nulis admits hers is red velvet cupcakes and also credits her friends with getting her hooked on the board game Ticket to Ride. Who knows, maybe WWE will present Nulis with her own ticket some day soon.

I encourage anyone who is interested to catch Persephone Vice in action at these upcoming events:
July 26 Beechwood Fair
September 6: Picton fair
October 3: Metcalfe Fair 
September 27: Timmins, Ontario

And if you’re looking to unleash your inner wrestler, contact Body Slammers 

No word yet on when Persephone Vice will learn her fate with the WWE, but the experience was one that she’ll never forget and she also had a blast being a Rosebud for WWE’s own Adam Rose. She also notes that she’s come away with some solid advice and this has left her more determined and focused than ever. You can keep up with her on her Facebook page for all the latest info.

Katie Bonnar is a modern renaissance woman, which is reflected in her interests. She is a seriously devoted fan of music, art, photography, arm chair economics, fashion, culture, language and My Little Pony. She's an early adopter and, while obsessed with the visually stunning and well-designed, she's also on a quest to minimise the ephemera in her life. You can find her on Twitter at @iamkatiebonnar

You're Invited: Ladies Night with Capital Geek Girls

THE COMIC BOOK SHOPPE PRESENTS: CAPITAL GEEK GIRLS' LADIES NIGHT

On August 10th from 6-9pm the Comic Book Shoppe 2  and Capital Geek Girls are holding a store-wide private party & shopping event for female-identified geeky girls of  all ages. 

DISCOUNTS: 
10% off all regular priced items, 20% OFF Graphic Novels, 50% OFF all back issues, 50% OFF paper posters, Magic the Gathering Common and Uncommon cards 10 for $1, two regularly priced T-Shirts for $40.

LOOT BAGS: FREE WITH PURCHASE FOR THE FIRST 50 CUSTOMERS! 
Bags are filled with donations from CGG, the Comic Book Shoppe, Venus Envy , Stroked Ego , Capital City Derby Dolls , Staja Artist Collective , SlutWalk , Microplay on Bank St., local geeky businesswomen & MORE! *please note not all loot bags are All-Ages*

TREATS: VEGAN, GLUTEN-FREE, & NUT-FREE: 
Geeky treats for sale from Cici & Co!

SPECIAL GUEST INCLUDE:

Hollaback Ottawa
The League of Superheroes
GeekXGirls

OTHER ACTIVITIES:

In addition to shopping and open gaming, there will  extra activities including: 

Geeky Manicures: $13 by Thetis, Professional Esthetician. 

Portraits by Local Artist-for-hire Emily Griggs 

Cosplay Panel By Critical Miss: CGG Author Thea Nikolic will host an open discussion panel at 7:30pm in the downstairs gaming room; don’t miss out on this wise woman’s tips, including ‘Cosplay on a Budget!'

Costume Contest: All customers are encouraged to costume for the event if they choose. Costumes are not limited by genre or female-identified characters. We will have a Photo Booth with Alex Rose Photography. Prizes will include: ‘CGG’s Favourite’ Prize donated by the Comic Book Shoppe, a ‘Best D.I.Y.’ Prize donated by Wallack’s Art Supplies , and a ‘Ladies’ Choice’ Prize tallied from a ballot box next to the photo booth donated by Body Poets . Winners will be announced at 8pm.

So mark it on your calendars. We hope to see you there!

Budget Entertainment for Geeky Kids

CHEAP-ISH THINGS I'M DOING WITH MY CHILD THIS SUMMER

By Jenn Kelly

We are a one-person-working-two-jobs family, so when it's time to entertain my child for the summer because school is out, I need to be frugal but fun. I'm talking about 'almost ten' kind of fun. For a smart, inquisitive, conscientious boy who likes to blow things up.  

1- Rebuilding LEGO

Yes, it does sound boring.  However, if you can take their specially built models and create a mass-attack of Darth Vader invoking carnage on the superheroes and Emmett, you've got a kid immediately filled with imagination. Destroy built Lego carefully, you don't want them freaking because you overdid it. My dining room table was left like this for a week. We made videos. 

Or you can ask them to build things. For example, my son started building our home. Each room. And then took a photo. The detail was incredible.

2- Crossfit

Yes, you can exercise with your child. How else can you both stay in shape and have them burn off extra energy?  If they don't want to exercise, make them. No seriously, make them.  My kid always beats me in the chin-up competition. 

3- Cross-Stitching

I can hear you laughing.  Every child needs to learn how to sew. They can't be handing you their shirt and button at 22 years old.  Check out this site for Star Wars patterns. You can buy the white cheesecloth stuff, some embroidery thread for less than 10$ and all you do is draw on the stencil with a marker.  This teaches your child patience, dexterity and other uses for their hands instead of video games.

4- The Drive-In.

The Port Elmsley drive-in is the coolest. Yes, it's about an hour from Ottawa. Admission is $11 for adults, kids aged 5-12 are $4 and babies are free. They have an incredible snack shack (get the poutine!) a play structure for the kids while you're waiting for the movies to start, and clean bathrooms. Bring your own snacks, a sleeping bag and pillows! This weekend is the second 'Planes' movie and then 'Malificent'! Movies every single night until labour day. Bring window screen and tape so you can keep your windows rolled down.

Jenn Kelly likes to be original. Just like everyone else.

Geek Girl Review: Rifftrax Live!

SHE SAID, SHE SAID REVIEWS: RIFFTRAX LIVE! SHARKNADO

By Jordan Danger and Courtney Lockhart

JORDAN: 

Seeing Sharknado was my first experience was RiffTrax. I was already very familiar with Mystery Science Theatre 3000, of course, but I hadn’t watched anything from these guys in many years. What I enjoyed about the theatre experience was that the RiffTrax crew was broadcasting and commentating live. What a neat concept for a theatre experience! It felt like we were really there in the room with them, and I think experiences like this are how movie houses will stay in business even when it’s so much cheaper to stream a movie onto a massive TV in your living room.

Their commentary throughout the movie was funny as always, but what made it even better was the crowd. Laughter is contagious, so witty quips that might have only garnered a chuckle from me often had me in giggling because my seatmates were roaring with delight. 

If you’re familiar with Sharknado, I can tell you that any addition to the movie could only be an improvement; but having seasoned Stadtler & Waldorf-esque commentators sarcastically dissing the movie for the entire time was truly delicious. 

RiffTrax is doing more of these theatre experiences in the coming months, so I encourage you to get out and give it a try. We often joke about what movie theatres will do next to make us feel like we’re a part of the film—will there be smell-o-vision? Water misting? Wind machines?—but I think this is a much more elegant answer. 

 Cast of Rifftrax: Bill Corbett, Kevin Murphy, Michael J Nelson

COURTNEY: 

I’ve been a fan of Mystery Science Theatre 3000 since I was barely in double digit ages. Half of the hidden language of my teen years is quotes from the show. So when I first discovered Rifftrax Live! last summer  I was incredibly excited that this cornerstone of my twisted sense of humour lived on. The problem with trying to convince people to watch a show like Rifftraxlies not in getting them to leave the house, but more explaining what exactly they are leaving the house for.

“They’re three comedians and they make jokes about the movie while it’s playing.” 

“ No, they don’t pause the movie- they talk over it. It’s like a commentary track but funny.” 

“ Well  you don’t have to worry about missing the plot because the movies are generally really bad.” 

It can be a bit of a hard sell, until you get there.  From the minute you set foot in the theatre you know you’re in for a different kind of night. The usual carbonated beverage shilling and three month old trivia of the movie theatre pre-show is replaced with songs by Jonathan Coulton, The Doubleclicks and Weird Al.  Fake producer quotes and 'coming soon' notices pepper the screen.

The show itself usually consists of an old PSA short and a feature length film.  At the showing we attended the short warned of the importance of springs  and why you don't piss off magical talking objects by wishing they never existed.  We were then treated to a plethora of fish puns before heading into the feature presentation Sharknado. 

I would not have made it through the movie without Rifftrax.  I'm all for a cheesy movie  but there is  a limit to the continuity errors and blatant disregard of logic that I can take- and don't forget, I'm a fan of The Vampire Diaries.  The  humour dulled my cringing and the repeated refrain of " Um... science? No? Ok then."  still makes me smile and giggle when I think about it. 

Rifftrax Live! will be back at Cineplex theatres  August 14th as they take on the infamous 1998 version of Godzilla. 

Jordan Danger is a veteran blogger, writer, and marketing consultant based in Ottawa, Ontario. She is also President and Editor of CapitalGeekGirls.com. Jordan blogs at GirlCrafted.com, a lifestyle blog about crafting life both literally and figuratively. She loves DIY projects, her dog, and Oxford commas.

Courtney Lockhart lives in the west end of Ottawa with her husband and step-cat.  She is polishing her skills to pursue one of her dream careers as either a costume drama character, Torchwood operative or executive assistant to a billionaire vigilante. You can follow her daily mission to DFTBA on Twitter @corastacy.

How to Become a S.H.I.E.L.D Agent: Avengers in Times Square

HOW TO BECOME A S.H.E.I.L.D AGENT: AVENGERS IN TIMES SQUARE

By Jenn Kelly

I'm a huge 'Avengers' fan. Not ridiculously huge, like, I have mementos all over my house, but I love the show and the movies. So when the boys and I found out they were having a wickedly-cool exhibit at the Discovery Times Square, we knew we had to visit. I just want to clarify that we were already in Manhattan. We didn't make a special trip.

The exhibit opened at the end of May, and Stan Lee, yes THE Stan Lee, loved it. We bought our tickets in advance (about $80 with a discount) and arrived there 10 minutes before opening. They have 'timed' visits by the way. 

We were allowed to take one photo outside. Unfortunately there were no photos allowed in the actual exhibit. 

Upon arrival, you were instructed to create your own 'badge'. My child calls me, 'Bad Mommy'. Don't ask.

Then you were brought into a room where you were debriefed about the situation. All employees were dressed as S.H.I.E.L.D team and they even saluted. Which of course, the kids loved. And me. I saluted right back. Because I'm awesome like that.

Testing room where you complete 4 tests. Strength test in hand-squeezing a lever; arm strength test in rotating a wheel as fast possible; reflex test in tapping on the 'bad guys' on the computer screen; and the fourth was your weight (thanks). Your results were compared to Steve Rogers a.k.a. Captain America. Of course, you failed. It had glass cabinets filled with Captain America trading cards, his shield, his costume and his gorgeous leather jacket.

They had a 'Hulk Room', where the computers took your thumbprint sample and showed how your DNA exposure to simulated radiation would result in you too, becoming like the Hulk. It allowed you to use the special ipad to 'control' the Hulk's movements in punching, jumping up and down and banging your hands together loudly to create a sonic boom.  They had the 'Ironman' room where you could 'become' like Ironman with special eye-sensors to blow up planes attacking you; or you could watch yourself be clothed in his costume and try out the thrusters. They had Thor and Loki costumes and even Loki's staff! And when asked where Mjölnir was, we were informed that it was not on loan from Asgard. I was skeptical about the costumes, asking if they were actually used, and I was told yes. But hubby said they winked at him later, so I'm slightly doubtful. They had a write-up on each Avenger - Black Widow, Hawkeye, Nick Fury, Howard Stark, Margaret Carter..

At the end of the two hour tour, we could have stayed an extra hour, playing with the computers that searched space for life and for other planets, there was the gift shop with their $35 t-shirts, of which I'm regretting not purchasing. And of course, you can also pay anywhere between $15-$75 for your group photo with the Avengers. We chose the cheaper version. At least I look all bad-ass. For a mom wearing a skirt.

Worth it? Absolutely. Even with the four 'games' not working. 

Jenn Kelly is a mom. And wife. And is currently devouring 'X-Men' novels.

Virtual Love: Video Game Romance

ADD A LITTLE ROMANCE TO YOUR (VIDEO GAME) LIFE
By Sandi Moser

Growing up, I was one of the first kids in the neighbourhood to get an Atari, and would spend hours pretending I was piloting the Millennium Falcon through an asteroid field. 

 As a teenager, I came to accept that my hand-eye coordination completely sucks. I don’t attribute this to being a girl; my strengths just lie elsewhere. Unlike our editor Jordan, I am not good at first-person shooter games, racing games, or any game that requires a character to walk in a straight line. I once had someone complete a task in a game for me because I could not, for the life of me, cross a bridge without falling off. 

About ten years ago, I was in one of those now non-existent stores where you could actually rent video games. I picked up a game that would change my gaming experience forever – Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR). That was before I had kids, when it was perfectly acceptable to sit in front of the TV for an entire rainy weekend playing video games- which I did.

Because of my inability to accurately shoot, storytelling is extremely important to my satisfaction with a game. There were two things that sucked me in to KOTOR: I could choose to play as either a girl or a boy, and there was a decent storyline. That’s not to say that there weren’t other games with these options at the time, but it was my first, and you always remember your first. 

What sealed the deal in my enjoyment of KOTOR was the integration of a romance option. While it’s not the main component of a story, I’ve discovered that romance options provide increased depth to both the story and the character. I feel more like I’m participating, and not just watching a story unfold. Ever since, if a romance option is not available, such as in the Elder Scrolls series, I feel slightly unsatisfied upon finishing the game.

All of my favourite romance storylines come from games developed by the same company that brought us KOTOR: Bioware. I always find that Bioware puts an emphasis on good storytelling, but what I’m most impressed with is the increased variety of romance options.  In KOTOR, players had one choice of a specific character of the opposite sex to romance. In Jade Empire, they added a same-sex romance option for both male and female characters. I’m currently in the middle of Mass Effect 2, with a number of romance options with various sexes and alien races, ranging from serious relationships to one-night stands. With all the choices available, Bioware opens their games up for everyone’s enjoyment, regardless of personality preferences and sexual orientation. 

Life is too hectic for me to play games very often, but I’m always looking for new games with a rich storyline. Feel free to make recommendations in the comments below.

By the way, I still have that Atari… Maybe I’ll put the virtual romance aside tonight for a bit of Frogger.

Sandi is a 30-something environmental engineer and mother of two from the metropolis of Stittsville, Ontario. Writing for Capital Geek Girls is a new adventure for her, with previous writing experience limited to technical documents, briefing notes and Facebook updates. In her spare time, Sandi enjoys playing board games and video games, reading books, watching movies, and crocheting. She looks forward to sharing her geeky endeavours with you, as well as reporting on the next generation’s response to those endeavours.