Bonzuko

Today:

“I bet you might be interested in speaking with a duck if you were to meet one who could talk.“

~Jason

My interest in the thief archetype peaked yesterday as this story popped up on Channel 2 news. Further brief Internet searching came up with this article from CNN.com. Apparently this is the biggest emerald ever, weighing in at 850 pounds! Not carats, pounds!

This Friday the 2nd of the new year is Testing Night at the Boulder Quest Center. This event used to be on Wednesday nights but now is set up as one of the coolest Friday night shows to catch in Boulder. Highlights of this Friday night will be: Jenn n Jeff in another Demo Team sword showing, also Jenn will receive Instructor level To Shin Do teaching rank, and, well, some no doubt fun belt tests as well. Be there for the show and stay for the potluck. Oh, and enter the free raffle to win a DVD of To Shin Do technique.

The Darwin Awards are awards given to people who, well, do really stupid things to get themselves killed, or nearly so. I assume the Darwin name refers to his concept of natural selection. Obviously those who receive Darwin Awards should not be part of “survival of the fittest.”

The Unbeatable Bonzuko Team would like to institute an annual Stage Combat version of the Darwin Awards, and we want you lurkers’ input on what the name of these awards should be. Jenn has made the poll in the left margin with what we think are the best choices for the name, but certainly if you have a better idea let us know here. The name with the most votes (or any suggested name we deem better than these) will win, and we’ll begin nominations for the awards as soon as may be.

Also let us know if you think non-theatrical martial arts stupidity should be included in these awards.

Or it was, anyway. Not sure how long we’ll keep our sparkly tree up, but Jenn being the magpie she is, the sparklies will be up as long as isn’t ridiculous. Maybe they’ll be down by St. Patty’s day.

It’s Christmas Eve, and this evening Team Bonzuko is going to Jenn’s ‘rents’ place for to eat, drink, and be merry. Apparently brother Jesse is in charge of eats, so it should be a feast worthy of the holiday. I hope Dad makes his infamous egg nog.

All you blog lurkers out there, have a happy Christmahannukwanzaakah, solstice, wassail…..

(Thanks to http://library2.nalis.gov.tt/Portals/0/601/christmas%20tree.jpg for image)

Before I recommend enjoying this insane Borat/Candid Camera meets ninja-movie parody, I must entreat you all, readers, to NOT try this at home (or anywhere else, for that matter). Though amusing to watch in this video, doing this sort of thing could get you in a fight, or arrested. PunchRobert.com did this so you don’t have to. Enjoy! ~Jenn

Urban Ninja II

The MSCD Stage Combat class (THE 421C) performed their final scenes back on Dec. 9th to a small audience of fellow students and the one who was grading them–me! We had an even number of students this semester, so they all were in pairs, and all did really well showing their accumulated skills in staff, unarmed, and rapier. I posted one picture already from the event, but wanted to wait on the details until grades were in. Here’s the rundown on the scenes:

• Andreas & Noah: cranky teacher and rebellious student (hm…): loved seeing my textbook being used as a shield. Noah takes air (of course) and two nicely gory moments involving white tic tacs and blood on the white board.
• Kris & Paul B.: Waiting for Godot: As a fight scene. With late knaps. ‘Nuff said.
• Rezal & Brady: Taming of the Shrew: Kate is infuriated with Petruchio’s excellent avoids. some lovely status work, and combat waltzing.
• Matthew & Chris: two well-spoken hobos fight over a nickel: Matthew also has some mad tumbling skills. Very good stage speed and escalated tension.
• Mandy & Coco: “Lipstick and Love”: two cute housewives go at it over a stained shirt. Really good staff work and some great hair acting. A comedic moment with a toy lightsaber. Line highlight: “Again? I’ll get the tarp.”
• Jordan & Scott: archaeologists have an intellectual spat: the script had me rolling. Blue glitter is no doubt still everywhere in ARTS 271. Wonderful work with both holding the staff, also 2-rapiers vs. staff. A gruesome bite. Mummies and Treasure Quarterly.
• Nate & Jason: “Brutally Honest”: a period piece set at a reunion. Good throws and lifts, as well as an interesting way of using a duffle bag in defense. Much blood. See Nate’s picture below.
• Nick & Paul S.: “Ninja Monopoly”: old-school kung fu movie line dubbed in by fellow actors. Excellent stage speed. Game board vs. staff. Bruce-Lee-esque blocks. Ground fighting.

All in all, I was extremely happy with everyone’s work. Students can pick up their graded write-ups and detailed critique within the first two weeks of next semester. Good job, everyone,and I’ll see you in January!
~Jenn

Images: Jordan & Scott on the cover of Mummies & Treasure Quarterly; Rezal & Brady doing Shakespeare; Noah & Andreas choking, flying, and punching. Taken 12/9/08.

Saturday the 13th I helped out with the BQC’s Women’s Self-Defense seminar. Both the Daily Camera and Channel 7 news came by to film the proceedings. View the Daily Camera link here, or click on the title of this post. And stay safe, boys and girls! ~Jenn