Added: 22.07.2015 19:43 | 16 views | 0 comments

Elaborate Costumes

To attend the massive medieval campout called the Pennsic War, attendees must dress in pre-16th-century garb. Every Pennsic War starts on the last Saturday in July. (Photo by: Ron Lutz II, http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com)

Lords and Ladies

The event is run by the Society For Creative Anachronism, a group so large that it has regional "kings" and "queens," most of whom show up for Pennsic in full regalia, retinue in tow. (Photo by: Ron Lutz II, http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com)

No Hovels Here

Tents and merchant structures at Pennsic are often elaborate and sturdy. (Photo by: Ron Lutz II, http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com)

Make Merry

Belly dancing is a popular event at every Pennsic. Attendees can also learn medieval games, cheese making, leatherworking, poetry, embroidery – even apothecary. (Photo by: Ron Lutz II, http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com)

This Means War

The heart of every Pennsic festival is a mock war between kingdoms and their allies. Players who succeed in battles or other event activities earn war points. The kingdom with the most war points wins the war. (Photo by: Ron Lutz II, http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com)

To Arms!

The battle is fought in an area called the "Barony-Marche of the Debatable Lands," otherwise known as Pittsburgh and greater southwestern Pennsylvania. (Photo by: Ron Lutz II, http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com)

Nevermind, You Win

Combat and armor is subject to strict inspections and regulations. For the sake of safety, weapons are often solid wood, but tipped with rubber or foam. (Photo by: Ron Lutz II, http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com)

All Men Must Die

Some battles involve war axes or staves ... (Photo by: Ron Lutz II, http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com)

En Garde!

... while others involve rapier combat. (Photo by: Ron Lutz II, http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com)

Ready the Archers

Some Pennsic structures have been built, upgraded and maintained for decades. Some attendees spend all year designing or improving their living quarters in anticipation of the annual event. (Photo by: Ron Lutz II, http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com)

Mood Lighting

Like the days of yore, many of Pennsic's nighttime activities are lit by good old fashioned fire. Attendees are told to mind their veils, wizard sleeves and other loose garb. (Photo by: Ron Lutz II, http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com)

Little Lords, Little Ladies

Bringing kids to the Pennsic Wars is encouraged ... (Photo by: Ron Lutz II, http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com)

Playing Dress-Up

... as long as they, too, dress in period garb. (Photo by David Gornstein)

Medieval World

Medieval costumes and character inspirations are not limited to Europe. (Photo by: Ron Lutz II, http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com)

Bring the Hammer

Old-school blacksmithing is very much alive and well during the Pennsic War. But the weapons on the mock battlefield must be made of wood. (Photo by: Ron Lutz II, http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com)

Period Pieces

Pennsic attendees take their medieval garb seriously. Many make their own clothes just for the event. Some sew only by hand. (Photo by: Ron Lutz II, http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com)

Braid, Milady?

Another Pennsic War side activity: Getting your hair braided, old-school style. (Photo by David Gornstein)

Stake Your Claim

The Pennsic War grounds are dotted with privately-run, medieval-themed camps. Some tents are rented; others are hand-sewn, along with the official flags or banners of the camp. Camp names (such as Aerie of Tir Thalor or Fool's Rest) are chosen by the occupants. (Photo by: Ron Lutz II, http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com)

Raise Your Banners

The official banner of Camp Seven Deadly Sins, as shown by a young member of that camp. (Photo by David Gornstein)

Ye Olde Shopping Basket

Pennsic War campers don't just live medieval. They shop medieval. (Photo by: Ron Lutz II, http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com)

Here There Be Dragons

The Pennsic Wars include medieval-themed parties every night ... but the volunteer-run event enforces "quiet hours" between 2 a.m. and 7 a.m. (Photo by: Ron Lutz II, http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com)

Added: 22.07.2015 19:04 | 9 views | 0 comments


1986 brought us Top Gun, The Dark Knight Returns, Big Trouble in Little China, Super Mario Bros., and more. Epic, right?

Added: 17.07.2015 0:35 | 25 views | 0 comments

15. The Death Star

That's no moon. It's a space station—a space station that houses the greatest weapon in the galaxy. The Death Star has the power to destroy whole worlds in a single burst from its superlaser. Princess Leia learns that the hard way when Governor Tarkin orders the destruction of her home world, Alderaan. But thanks to her brother’s connection to the Force, and a crucial design flaw in the Death Star’s plans, the Empire loses its greatest power. (Photo by: Lucasfilm)

14. Dirty Harry’s Revolver

No punk should feel lucky to face a .44 Magnum pistol, especially when it's in the hands of antihero cop Dirty Harry. The Smith & Wesson Model 29 revolver remains popular after famously debuting in the hands of Clint Eastwood’s gritty action star. (Photo by: Warner Bros.)

13. The Ghostbusters’ Proton Packs

Fine: It’s more containment device than full-on weapon. Just don’t call the proton pack a toy—at least in front of Egon. When there’s something strange in your neighborhood, the Ghostbusters don their proton packs to suck up unseemly ghouls. With a half-life of 5,000 years, the packs are the best long-term defense against the immortal dead. (Photo by: Columbia Pictures)

12. The Noisy Cricket

Despite its comically tiny size, The Noisy Cricket packs quite a punch against the most aggressive aliens. At first, Agent J is disappointed to receive the small gun, given the massive MIB arsenal. Little does he know how powerfully it can shoot ... or how far the recoil can throw him backwards. (Photo by: Columbia Pictures)

11. Beatrix Kiddo’s Katana

In the hands of The Bride/Beatrix Kiddo, the samurai sword illustrates exactly why she is also known as Black Mamba. The former assassin takes her vengeance to a legendary level at the House of Blue Leaves thanks to her "Japanese steel." The Crazy 88 never stand a chance. (Photo by: Miramax Films)

10. Thor’s Hammer

"Whosoever holds this hammer, if he be worthy, shall possess the power of Thor." Mjolnir isn’t just a fancy hammer. It’s quite literally what makes Thor, Thor. Imbuing the worthy Asgardian with the ability to fly and direct bolts of electricity, Mjolnir’s also pretty good at just plain hammering. When Thor and Captain America join forces with their respective awesome weapons, as they did in Avengers: Age of Ultron, no HYDRA agent can stop them. (Photo by: Zade Rosenthal/Marvel)

9. Bruce Lee

Martial arts action movie legend Bruce Lee popularized nunchucks on the silver screen, but the most imposing weapon he shows off in his films is his own unadorned body. Despite starring in only a handful of kung fu films, his onscreen skills show that no one can match the hands and feet he was born with. (Photo by: Orange Sky Golden Harvest Entertainment)

8. Indiana Jones’ Whip

Indy without his whip is just any old archaeologist with a cool hat. The globe-trotting adventurer uses his bullwhip to evade booby traps, climb out of sticky situations, and fight off bad guys. Then again, sometimes a regular ol’ gun works in a pinch against sinister sword-wielding men. (Photo by: Lucasfilm Ltd.)

7. Sting

Featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, Sting is Bilbo Baggins’s trusty Elvish blade, which glows blue when orcs and goblins are near. It may be just a dagger for men and elves, but for a hobbit, Sting is the perfect sword. Wielded by Bilbo, Frodo, and even Sam, Sting plays a crucial role in ensuring the defeat of the evil Sauron and the One Ring. (Photo by: Warner Bros.)

6. Identity Disc

You have to hand it to Tron and Tron: Legacy: They may not win any screenwriting accolades, but they sure have awesome gadgets. The multifunction Identity Disc or Light Disc isn’t just a sleek throwing weapon and gaming device. It’s also the soul of the Program who wields it. They’re like weaponized smart phones; they do it all! (Photo credit by: Disney)

5. Scarface’s Machine Gun

Scarface’s little friend is anything but amicable. The M-16A1 equipped with a grenade launcher allows the Miami drug kingpin Tony Montana to go out in a blaze of glory on his terms. (Photo by: Universal Pictures)

4. The Elder Wand

While all of the wands in the Wizarding World hold an innumerable power, at least for Muggles, it is the legendary Elder Wand that stands above all the rest. One of the Deathly Hallows, legend has it that it’s the most powerful wand ever created. (Photo by: Warner Bros.)

3. Captain America’s Shield

Not to be confused with S.H.I.E.L.D., Captain America’s shield is just as iconic as the superhero who wields it. Made from near indestructible vibranium metal, the shield serves as the perfect defense for a near-indestructible hero. In the hands of Steve Rogers, the shield can also reflect back energy from collisions and bounce around as a giant flying discus—much to every villain’s chagrin. (Photo by: Zade Rosenthal/Marvel)

2. Katniss Everdeen’s Bow And Arrow

Katniss Everdeen takes matters into her own hands, hunting for her family’s survival and defending herself when fighting in the Hunger Games. Her skill with the bow and arrow also marks her as an inspiration for the people of the Districts as a symbol against the totalitarian Capitol. (Photo by Murray Close/Lionsgate)

1. All the lightsabers

The combination of an unforgettable sound effect with an illuminated sword that can cut through anything and anyone makes for one of the most badass movie weapons ever. Blue, green, red, or purple—every lightsaber tells something about the warrior. Even the most critically panned of the Star Wars movies, The Phantom Menace, features mind-blowing laser sword moments starring Darth Maul’s double-bladed red lightsaber. (Photo by: Corbis/Lucasfilm Ltd.)

Added: 17.07.2015 0:35 | 10 views | 0 comments

15. The Death Star

That's no moon. It's a space station—a space station that houses the greatest weapon in the galaxy. The Death Star has the power to destroy whole worlds in a single burst from its superlaser. Princess Leia learns that the hard way when Governor Tarkin orders the destruction of her home world, Alderaan. But thanks to her brother’s connection to the Force, and a crucial design flaw in the Death Star’s plans, the Empire loses its greatest power. (Photo by: Lucasfilm)

14. Dirty Harry’s Revolver

No punk should feel lucky to face a .44 Magnum pistol, especially when it's in the hands of antihero cop Dirty Harry. The Smith & Wesson Model 29 revolver remains popular after famously debuting in the hands of Clint Eastwood’s gritty action star. (Photo by: Warner Bros.)

13. The Ghostbusters’ Proton Packs

Fine: It’s more containment device than full-on weapon. Just don’t call the proton pack a toy—at least in front of Egon. When there’s something strange in your neighborhood, the Ghostbusters don their proton packs to suck up unseemly ghouls. With a half-life of 5,000 years, the packs are the best long-term defense against the immortal dead. (Photo by: Columbia Pictures)

12. The Noisy Cricket

Despite its comically tiny size, The Noisy Cricket packs quite a punch against the most aggressive aliens. At first, Agent J is disappointed to receive the small gun, given the massive MIB arsenal. Little does he know how powerfully it can shoot ... or how far the recoil can throw him backwards. (Photo by: Columbia Pictures)

11. Beatrix Kiddo’s Katana

In the hands of The Bride/Beatrix Kiddo, the samurai sword illustrates exactly why she is also known as Black Mamba. The former assassin takes her vengeance to a legendary level at the House of Blue Leaves thanks to her "Japanese steel." The Crazy 88 never stand a chance. (Photo by: Miramax Films)

10. Thor’s Hammer

"Whosoever holds this hammer, if he be worthy, shall possess the power of Thor." Mjolnir isn’t just a fancy hammer. It’s quite literally what makes Thor, Thor. Imbuing the worthy Asgardian with the ability to fly and direct bolts of electricity, Mjolnir’s also pretty good at just plain hammering. When Thor and Captain America join forces with their respective awesome weapons, as they did in Avengers: Age of Ultron, no HYDRA agent can stop them. (Photo by: Zade Rosenthal/Marvel)

9. Bruce Lee

Martial arts action movie legend Bruce Lee popularized nunchucks on the silver screen, but the most imposing weapon he shows off in his films is his own unadorned body. Despite starring in only a handful of kung fu films, his onscreen skills show that no one can match the hands and feet he was born with. (Photo by: Orange Sky Golden Harvest Entertainment)

8. Indiana Jones’ Whip

Indy without his whip is just any old archaeologist with a cool hat. The globe-trotting adventurer uses his bullwhip to evade booby traps, climb out of sticky situations, and fight off bad guys. Then again, sometimes a regular ol’ gun works in a pinch against sinister sword-wielding men. (Photo by: Lucasfilm Ltd.)

7. Sting

Featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, Sting is Bilbo Baggins’s trusty Elvish blade, which glows blue when orcs and goblins are near. It may be just a dagger for men and elves, but for a hobbit, Sting is the perfect sword. Wielded by Bilbo, Frodo, and even Sam, Sting plays a crucial role in ensuring the defeat of the evil Sauron and the One Ring. (Photo by: Warner Bros.)

6. Identity Disc

You have to hand it to Tron and Tron: Legacy: They may not win any screenwriting accolades, but they sure have awesome gadgets. The multifunction Identity Disc or Light Disc isn’t just a sleek throwing weapon and gaming device. It’s also the soul of the Program who wields it. They’re like weaponized smart phones; they do it all! (Photo credit by: Disney)

5. Scarface’s Machine Gun

Scarface’s little friend is anything but amicable. The M-16A1 equipped with a grenade launcher allows the Miami drug kingpin Tony Montana to go out in a blaze of glory on his terms. (Photo by: Universal Pictures)

4. The Elder Wand

While all of the wands in the Wizarding World hold an innumerable power, at least for Muggles, it is the legendary Elder Wand that stands above all the rest. One of the Deathly Hallows, legend has it that it’s the most powerful wand ever created. (Photo by: Warner Bros.)

3. Captain America’s Shield

Not to be confused with S.H.I.E.L.D., Captain America’s shield is just as iconic as the superhero who wields it. Made from near indestructible vibranium metal, the shield serves as the perfect defense for a near-indestructible hero. In the hands of Steve Rogers, the shield can also reflect back energy from collisions and bounce around as a giant flying discus—much to every villain’s chagrin. (Photo by: Zade Rosenthal/Marvel)

2. Katniss Everdeen’s Bow And Arrow

Katniss Everdeen takes matters into her own hands, hunting for her family’s survival and defending herself when fighting in the Hunger Games. Her skill with the bow and arrow also marks her as an inspiration for the people of the Districts as a symbol against the totalitarian Capitol. (Photo by Murray Close/Lionsgate)

1. All the lightsabers

The combination of an unforgettable sound effect with an illuminated sword that can cut through anything and anyone makes for one of the most badass movie weapons ever. Blue, green, red, or purple—every lightsaber tells something about the warrior. Even the most critically panned of the Star Wars movies, The Phantom Menace, features mind-blowing laser sword moments starring Darth Maul’s double-bladed red lightsaber. (Photo by: Corbis/Lucasfilm Ltd.)