My Gaming is Not a Political Statement (By Rebecca "Bonks" Rothschild)

A little history about myself, I started political work when I was very young. I was doing books for the Democratic Party of Evanston when I was twelve. My father was their treasurer and needed a little extra help. As time went on I was doing data entry in the office listening to every sort of social debate. In all honesty it became exhausting listening to these tiresome debates. Video gaming became a great escape from all this politically correct banter.

Female gaming has captured the attention of not just those in the gaming community. There are a lot of outside parties that are curious. One community in particular that I recently came into contact with is those involved in women's studies. Before I go any further, let me make my feminist or woman beliefs clear right meow:

I believe a woman can do whatever the hell she wants. If she wants to make more money than any man, she can do it. If there's something women want for themselves, just go do it. Our "Sugar Momma" is living proof of that.

Keisha "Sugar Momma" Howard, Sugar Gamer Founder and my personal super hero.

She was willing to make great sacrifices to found Sugar Gamers. Continuing to write books or just bitch about ways society pulls women down solves nothing. I don't think young girls need to hear about everything that is working against us. Let them grow up believing that they can do whatever they want, that way there will be no doubt or hesitation, they'll just go.

I just love it when they start superhero work at tender ages.

The problem I have with women's studies delving into our world is that it automatically becomes a feminist conversation. The women I recently came into contact with hadn't even played any sort of video game. How on Earth could these women hope to understand our fascination and passion if they themselves won't even sample the goods? These women were very hellbent on creating a political picture. If they had put a few gaming hours in, they might have been able to understand that there is nothing political about gaming. It is an escape from all of this unnecessary dissection of life . IT'S ENTERTAINMENT!!! Yes, female video game characters are notoriously big breasted and wearing napkins. But you know what's so awesome about that? They are in a world where that doesn't matter as they continue to kick ass and defeat the bad guys while wearing what apparently makes them feel good. Maybe that's too much thought process for a bunch of pixels but it's the way I've always looked at it. Sorry but I refuse to turn my leisure activity into a political statement.

Did You Know? "Bad Kids Go to Hell" (By Rebecca "Bonks" Rothschild)

Crank up the anxt meter up to 11 and prepare yourself for some nasty "accidents." Priviledged and troubled high school seniors get their upcommins in this short horror series. The book has been said to be Breakfast Club gone Evil Dead.

The mix is certainly interesting. I wasn't attached to any of these characters which made it more fun to watch 'em bite the dust (and boy howdy do they!). Gore factor is satisfactory for me. You've got all the typical prep school characters you'd find in a "Cruel Intention" like movie. Complete with cocaine and awkward girls gone bad or in this case, uber naughty bad. Admittedly the story is a little tough to follow but the bubbling style makes for a very easy read, allowing the dialog to be very conversational and fluid. There is a great vintage style plot twist at the end that I can really appreciate.

This book is a real looker, the art is truly stellar, mega props to Vargas and Allen. There's a whole ton of hot chicks in incredibly unrealisticly skankified school uniforms. I have to say this image is a little tired, well a lot tired but the artists were able to play around and make a little bit less generic. I have no problem with tits and ass, but I feel like at this point in the game, you gotta come original with how you incorporate it. However it does properly fit basic criteria you need for anything horror, a few pairs of sweet jugs that can jumble around as the bodies attached to them flee.

Overall I could definately taste that Evil Dead flavor as well as the modern twists. An extra fun fact about this book, it has a great written-in soundtrack, and if you're familiar with Black Sabbath as well as the other great artists referenced, it makes all the difference in allowing the authors to create an atmosphere. So are you ready for the big news? This story will be hitting the silver screen! I suggest making your way over to Wizard World Chicago as you'll find some of the book's creators along with more information about the movie at the Stephens Center.

Find out more details at www.badkidsgotohell.com

"Bad Kids Go to Hell"

Publisher- Antarctic Press

Story by Matt Spradlin & Barry Wernick

Art By Anthony Vargas & Chris Allen

Brainstorm Celebrates X-Men (By Rebecca "Bonks" Rothschild)

Take a great shop like Brainstorm, add a few fun local artists and you get a wonderful afternoon.

X-men has been nothing but hectic with "Second Coming" and the highly anticipated restaffing of " X-Factor" not to mentions Liu's X-23 to come out in September. Brainstorm hosted some great local artists such as Dave Lossso, Ryan Browne, Nino Mesarina along with his talented son 'Lil Nino, and Alejandro Rosado.

Our own Sugar Momma splurged on a few books, from purchasing Slott's (Hi Dan!) "Initiative," to Losso's Sandwich Detective and Browne's "God Hates Astronauts." She even gifted me a Rosado style Wolverine sketch which is cute as a button and now hanging up in my kitchen.

The staff at Brainstorm are great, knowledgeable but not to a fault and really looking to help enrich one's collection. You truly get a full experience with Brainstorm. This was a great event and we wanna remind all our comic book reading friends to get a little sun and fresh air and support events like this to keep your local spots thriving.

Thanks guys, stay cool.

HTC Premiers its Hottest Devices in Style (By Rebecca "Bonks" Rothschild)

New York, L.A, and our own Chicago all served as showcases for HTC's lattest phones. The Aria, the HD2 and the 4G device putting Sprint back in the game, the EVO. HTC set up shop at Chicago's Enclave complete with a decent DJ and Guitar Hero.

There were three lucky winners who took home phones from the raffle, the last winner had to dance for it (not advisable for a party full of tech geeks).

AT&T made a brilliant move picking up the Aria, considering the latest iPhone has hit a few speed bumps already. Meanwhile T-Mobile snapped up the the HD2 showing once again T-Mobile understands the public demand for hot phones. But the star was no doubt the EVO. Sprint will be giving everyone a run for their money with this incredibly capable phone.

All three are compact with big beautiful screens and a decent amount of durability. Sleek display and touch screens for all. HTC not only makes handsome phones, but makes them very accessible with reasonable pricing. The event was staffed with more than enough reps and PR to answer any and all questions, I consider their job pretty light as the party was mainly tech fans and these phones had practically sold themselves. However the staff were helpful and clearly passionate about their product. The night was conducted very much more like a celebration than a sales pitch which is why the event a great success. Thank you HTC for a lovely evening.

Geek Chic Lifestyle #7 Shopping, Courtesy of Akira (By Rebecca "Bonks" Rothschild)

There's a reason we chose Akira for an event and no you nerdy birds its not just because of the name, although it is pretty awesome. Akira has prices ranging from the luxurious to the more affordable. The staff is helpful and friendly. This is the kind of place where anyone can find something. I love the excuse some of you geeky chics like to give me "I hate shopping." I have learned over time that what this really means is something like the following:

1. I'm afraid nothing will fit me.

2. The sales people will be mean.

3. I don't like people around when I try things on.

4. I'm a stubborn buttface who hates human contact.

Blah blah blah blah you girls could on for days. Sorry punkins, online shopping is not nearly as gratifying, plus you can skip the shipping charge. Trying things on is vital, it's the best way to know that you're going to purchase something you'll really wear and feel good in. You'd be amazed how well sales people can quickly evaluate your body type and pick some real winners, even ones you didn't think you'd like. Case in point, check out our Sugar Gamer Jamillia, Akira staff slapped this little number on her and dare I say she looks smashing while being well taken care of. Although she wasn't initially in love with it, by the end of the night the dress was coming home with her.

Or take a look at Amira, she too was convinced nothing would fit, yeah well look at her meow. Sporting some of Akira's awesome leggings looking fresh and feelin' good.

Good shopping tip, TAKE A FRIEND! As you can see we were all friends here and having a kick ass time. Another good reason for a partner is there can be so many things to look through you're gonna want some back up. Do a little homework for me "I hate to" shoppers, save a little cash, grab a friend and find yourself a store in your budget and style. If a sales person asks if they can help you, give it a shot. Trust me, they wanna sell stuff and will more than likely find you some real treasures. Yes they will pull a lot but as much as they'd like you to buy it all, they know you won't so don't feel pressured. Just try to relax and keep an open mind. It wouldn't surprise me if you and your pal walked out with big "I just bought some cute shit" smiles on your faces. Observe below for examples:

Classic "I just bought some cute shit" smile

Stage 2 "Hell yeah I just bought some cute shit!" smile

Did I mention Akira let us set up an Xbox at the party to play some Soul Claibur and Rockband?

For my Chicago based readers you can find Akira at the following locations:

1849 West North Avenue

2357 North Clark Street

Water Tower Mall, 835 N Michigan Ave

Akira has a ton of locations beyond these three. Check it out online for more locations

http://shop.akirachicago.com/

Thank you for a great time Akira we'll see you soon!

Geek Chic Special: Vic, Take This Man Home (By Rebecca "Bonks" Rothschild)

Okay geeky ladies, time to learn how to spot a keeper. Here is the bare basic checklist:

1. Person has a steady source of income

2. Bathes regularly

3. Communicates, aka calls you back, doesn't disappear randomly

And that's just the basics. I love giving you gals a physical example so here's an example of a good guy (and he happens to be single). And you can put a check next to all the things on my bare basics checklist for him.

Look I'm not here to take a chunk out of any of these online dating sites,but Vic embodies what I like to see in geeky men. He is living the Male Geek Chic Lifestyle if you will.

Sugar Gamers run into nice guys all the time, Vic happens to be one of them and he's single, which is unacceptable. If we can find Vic a woman I will continue to post up good catches for my dear readers. He showers regularly, that's a mega plus in geek land. He's genuinely a nice guy, almost to a fault. He's no slacker, he works, a lot and sure as hell doesn't look like he's 28, but he is.

He's on super geek gangster status as the department head of press for ACEN for four years now. Not afraid to Cos Play Vic is a geeky girls dream come true.

And as you can see he has no beef takin' a few pictures. Did I mention he's one of the few straight men who won't mind going shopping? He has a creative streak and is really fun company. Vic enjoys a drink or two but is not the guy blacked out in the bathroom. And if you are buying his drinks, make 'em fruity with lots of color. He has a great sense of humor and will make you laugh even when he's not trying to.

Alright, Here are the rules:

1. Let it be known right now, Vic is looking for something serious, I don't mind goofy or even a little immature, but there should be a grown ass woman somewhere under there.

2. Snuggling is a must.

3. Understand that Vic is a workin' man, his schedule can get a little crazy, this means he won't be home to dote on you 24/7 although he'd like to.

He also works as a security patrol officer for a security company, that's right ladies! Man in uniform!

4. Vic is disease free so I expect that from all applicants.

5. Age range we're looking for is 21-32 and Vic lives in Zion, IL

6. Vic is a great friend, has a lot of male and FEMALE FRIENDS, no jealous types you got me ladies? On this point I am not F**kin' around.

Here's some words from the bachelor himself:

"I like video production, editing, directing, I love gadgets, making video/ audio cables is actually a bit of a hobby. I like writing with the intent to direct or produce. I like camping, fishing, hiking, bicycling. Its weird, that as much as i like tech, I like the outdoors just as much. It's my world away from my world away from my world."

"And I'm not huge of PDA. But at the same time, I'm a huge Romantic."

So if you want a passionate farm boy with a little Dread Pirate courage, Vic could be for you. (Yes his favorite movie is Princess Bride) Email me at bonks@sugargamers.com with a little info about yourself including age and where you live.