Issue #45 March 2014

So, if you’ve been on Facebook lately, you might have seen a new Group: Outpost 10F Blue Report on Facebook. If you are wondering what it’s all about, fear not, I’m here to tell you all you need to know.

First off, I’ve noticed over the past several months that you’ve been posting stories about Sci-Fi topics on the Outpost’s Facebook Page . I thought that since the writing staff wants to make the Blue Report more than just a monthly thing, creating a “section” for breaking news seemed to be a logical first step. The Blue Report on Facebook serves a dual purpose. It will de-clutter the regular membership page and become the place for breaking sci-fi news under the Blue Report banner.

So, now were asking YOU to get involved by sharing interesting articles written by other publications, and sharing information gathered online. This is the everyday Blue Report. The staff will still work on the Monthly edition, with all the OTF tidbits, but we also want that to evolve eventually as well. As the Blue Report grows into the new publication we want it to be, so too will the Blue Report on Facebook.

It’s also our hope that you share our posts and point people back to the Outpost. You never know when one of your Facebook friends might want to check us out. You might even have a closet fan or 2 in your mist. So make sure to like the Outpost 10F Blue Report on Facebook and keep up on all that is news in Outpost 10F.

Always in the background and ever vigilant, the ISA are here to make sure we have an enjoyable experience in Chat. It’s been a few months since Admiral Iain handed the reins of ISA to Zildjian or Zild as he’s known where he makes his rounds. Zild was gracious enough to take some time out of his busy schedule and let us know what’s what, when it comes to life in the ISA.

BR: Zild, this is your second go around as the ISA director. What made you take up the mantle again?

Zild: I saw that the department needed help and made the offer. I guess I don't like to see things, that I've invested past time and effort in, struggle.

BR: What does the ISA Director do?

Zild: Oversee all aspects of the department. Including: Hiring and training deputies, monitoring the chat room, monitoring and processing armory usage, bans and statuses. Maintaining the ISA webspace. Engaging in Executive Council issues. Respond to people getting errors.. Also - redirect drama and gather dirt via chat saving you ALL -and- other classified activities.

BR: How does one become an ISA officer?

Zild: 30 Klingon pain-sticks. If you're still standing and you follow the Prime Directives at all times without inflaming situations, you've got a shot. ISA Officers are chosen carefully and invited into the department. Of course, letting me know of your interest doesn't hurt.

BR: What are some things you look for when choosing someone to become an ISA officer?

Zild: Someone who is often active and chats regularly. Someone who has common sense. Someone who believes in and upholds the Prime Directives. Someone who follows the rules without having to skirt them to try and look cool.

BR: Can you explain the correct way to deal with a lamer in chat?

Zild: It depends what they're doing in order give an exact answer. Typically - Two 'polite' warnings followed by a Lv2 shot if the warnings are not headed. Results may vary depending on status or severity.

BR: Are there any new projects that you're working on?

Zild: No new projects at the moment. Next up is to bring the training center up to date.

BR: How can other patrons help the ISA?

Zild: Mostly by not inflaming situations or creating more drama. Reporting poor behavior and PD violations with chat saves (proof), to the ISA Director is always best.

BR: Do you have anyone in mind for the Assistant Director Position?

Zild: I'll say I have criteria in mind.

BR: What are some of the other things you've done when kicking around OTF?

Zild: As in a resume? Lets see I've been in Research and Development, Engineering, The One Zero Division, Acting Deputy Sector Commander, the 2013 Yearbook team and countless graphics - including the Defiant in the Armory. ISA Director twice and probably some other stuff I'm forgetting.

BR: Tell us something that we might not know about you?

Zild: I'm The One.

BR: What is your favorite armory function?

Zild: Level seven armory functions are classified to those that hold level seven Armory clearance.

In the second part of Peter Jackson’s epic trilogy, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, you will find two responses from its viewers. Either “I loved it!” or “It’s not like the book at all.” I am of both minds because while I am a true Tolkien fan I respect and admire the vision and hard work it took to bring this story to the big screen. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is, unlike its predecessor, an action movie and little else. It has, as do the other Peter Jackson trilogies, a certain amount of back story, but any slow-moving scenes end there. Chase scenes and battles scenes are woven throughout the movie and take the viewer to only-dreamed-of scenes from the book. The 48 frames per second were so stunningly crisp that it was almost a distraction albeit a pleasant one. Scenes include vistas of Mirkwood and Lake town as well as a lot more of the goings on in Dol Guldur. Gandalf and Radagast are back and we get an up close view of the inner workings of Thranduil’s Woodland Realm. Also of note is the appearance of a new character Tauriel, a female elf, and the hint of romances brewing. Legolas is back and looking a bit umm… fake and there are plenty of orc bad guys for him and the rest of the cast to fight. Lake town has a down to middle-earth gritty feel to it as you see the regular people going about their day-to-day lives in the shadow of the Lonely Mountain. Last but not least, the movie’s namesake, Smaug is revealed in all his splendor and terrible majesty, but you kind of guessed that from the title.

Whether you are a diehard Tolkien fan or an action movie enthusiast you will find plenty to enjoy in The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug…It’s the “Hollywood Hobbit” for everyone who hasn’t read the book.