Other stuff we think you should know about.
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Jorvik Games
Set up by a couple of SF&Fers (from the ranks of the Great Old Ones) Jorvik Games offers a wide selection of gaming materials at good prices. Service is excellent and they really know their stuff. They stock a lot of things that other gaming shops don't (check out the dice bags) and will happily get hold of anything they don't have in stock. And UK firstclass postage is free.
Travelling Man
The local gaming store, it resides down Goodramgate (map) and has an online shop here. They sell most things geeky, dice, source books, CCGs, comics, boardgames, etc. It's a fair bet that on a weekend you'll run into a society member on their way to/from or in Travelling Man. This may have something to do with the 10% discount members usually get on source books.
Games Workshop
A worldwide company that has been going since 1975. They are best known for their Warhammer line of wargames, but have also been responsible for some of the best games ever published (e.g. Talisman) and the Citadel Miniatures line. Games Workshop has been criticised for dumbing down its products, over-focusing on a few game lines and releasing new editions while the old one is still warm off the press. This trend has been reversing over the last few years as they try to appeal to old and new gamers alike. The York branch can be found here.
eBay
It will eat your soul, time and money, but you'll have lots of shiney stuff. Probably the cheapest place to get anything, if you put in the effort, just don't get into a bidding war (if a fiver's your limit be prepared to let it go at five pounds and a penny).
Terry Pratchett
One of the few authors whose entire works are recommended. One of the sharpest wits in literature, Terry's books are funny, action packed and deeply insightful.
J. R. R. Tolkien
George R. R. Martin
David Eddings
The Princess Bride
"Asss Youuu Wishhhh."
A typical fairy story with princesses and giants, princes and pirates, fencing, fighting, true love, and rodents of unusual size. Ok, less typical, more...amazing. It's a testament to it's utter awesomeness that large numbers of society members can quote most if not all of it, and consider themselves to have 'not seen it in forever' after a couple of months. A really fun film you mustn't miss. Now, where did I put my apocalypse cloak?
Labyrinth
"Through dangers untold and hardships unnumbered, I have fought my way here to the castle, beyond the goblin city."
Ever been babysitting and wished that the Goblin King would come and take the screaming child away? No? Well this film shows you what happens when you do. Sarah has just thirteen hours to solve the labyrinth before her step-brother becomes a goblin. Nothing is quite as it seems and taking anything for granted is dangerous. Ever-changing passageways and strange creatures confound and confuse at every turn while the Goblin King looks on. An awesome film with some great music, and acting, from David Bowie, and puppets. Had I not mentioned the puppets? Some of Jim Henson's best work.
The Matrix
"Unfortunately, no one can be told what the Matrix is. You have to see it for yourself."
Leather, latex, sunglasses, kung-fu and guns. Lots and lots of guns. The origin of 'bullet time', The Matrix is among the best action films ever. Combined with a first rate plot and high quality acting it is far more than a series of fights, explosions and special effects (though it has those in abundance as well), it is in fact one of the best films ever. This is a film you will happily watch again, often straight after the first time round, and you will be rewarded for doing so by the amazing attention to detail that went into making this film (it starts in room 101). It's a shame that the sequels didn't live up to expectations.
Pirates of the Carribean
"Gentlemen ... m'lady ... you will always remember this as the day you almost caught Captain Jack Sparrow."
Conan the Barbarian
"What is best in life? To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentation of their women."
Pretty much the original fantasy film and one of Arnie's first. He plays the title character off on a quest for vengeance, by CROM! This film has survived the test of time well, at least partly because it doesn't rely on any special effects just big swords and big muscles. Magic is subtle, and the plot is neither overly complicated nor stupid. A very good film. Conan: the Destroyer? Not so good.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
"No growth without assistance. No action without reaction. No desire without restraint."
Highlander
"There can be only one."
A bunch of immortals sword-fighting across the centuries. Take an immortal's head, take his power. Last one standing wins the prize. What could be better? A Queen sound track? Yep, it's got that too. Sequels? Nope, none of those, there can be only one.
The Lord of the Rings
"One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them. One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them. In the Land of Mordor where the Shadows lie."
The book in film form, minus a few bits (it was more than ten hours long anyway for Pete's sake, and Tom wasn't that integral to the plot). An Epic in every sense of the word.
Star Wars
"May the Force be with you."
If you haven't seen these films then ..... OK? The original trilogy, Star Wars (A New Hope), The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, is still some of the best cinema ever made.
Firefly
Dr Who
Star Trek
Stargate
Red Dwarf
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Angel
Heroes
