The Ottawa Panhandlers Union was formed in early 2003. It is a shop of the Industrial Workers of the World, Ottawa-Outaouis General Members Board. Andrew Nellis is the lead organizer of the union and its current IWW delegate and spokesperson. All of the panhandlers' union dues are paid for by the Industrial Workers of the World through donations and various organized events.
The Panhandlers union is not a conventional labour union in the sense that its purpose is not to bargain with a third party for a collective contract and higher wages. This misconception has led to a great deal of ridicule including an attack against the group by the Ottawa Citizen which asked if the panhandlers were fighting for -- "wider sidewalks?" The union had a chance to respond to these accusations with their own op-ed piece, which appeared in the newspaper on March 20 2006. The editorial was a collaborative piece written by several members of the IWW. It was credited to panhandler Proshanto
Smith.
More recently the Panhandlers Union and its organizer Andrew Nellis were featured in an article in the Ottawa City Journal. The newspaper also interviewed panhandlers and the executive director of the Bank Street Business Improvement Area.
The purpose of the union is intended to bring together panhandlers, street artists, buskers and any other street-affected person to lobby city hall. One of the aims was to create a counter-measure against some of the recent legislation which had been passed by Ottawa City Hall and by the Ontario government. The organization was largely a collaborative effort by Andrew Nellis, Jane Scharf and other long time anti-poverty Ottawa activists.
One of the main pieces of anti-panhandler legislature which helped inspired activists to form the Panhandler's Union was the Safe Streets Act. The other pieces of legislation have subsequently been introduced such as the Vending on Highways Law passed by Ottawa City Hall.
The union has continually stressed that its aim is to create an "entrepreneurial spirit" which aims to have panhandlers sell arts and crafts, books, compact discs or other donated material for money which they will use to support themselves.
History of Union events
The Union has meetings with panhandlers once a month at a local community centre. Additionally, the union holds demonstrations, primarily in the summer when there is a peak in panhandling activity. Since its formation the union has also held an annual May Day Event in Ottawa.
The earliest action the Panhandlers Union participated in was the Homeless Action Strike in the summer of 2004. The strike was organized by Jane Scharf and other poverty activists. Anyone who wished to pitch a tent on City Hall property was welcomed to do so to bring attention to the issue of homelessness. The camp was eventually moved to the property of the Human Rights Monument which is separate from City Hall.
There were negotiations between the homeless, activists and then Mayor Bob Chiarelli but they did not result in any agreement. The mayor then threatened to shut down the camp. Jane Scharf was arrested shortly before the camp was completely shut down in the middle of the night by Ottawa Police. One of the mayor's promises was the creation of a newspaper created and sold by homeless people. The newspaper prospect eventually fell apart under the new mayor and new city council which banned the selling of any goods on the street.
On May 1, 2006, Andrew Nellis, with the coordination and support of the Ottawa branch of the Industrial Workers of the World, organized a May Day protest by the panhandler's union to shut down Rideau Street. The action shut down Rideau Street in front of the Rideau Centre for more than one hour and was completely peaceful.
The action targeted the Rideau Centre because of incidents of violence against the homeless by mall security. These incidents of violence included attacks against members of the union. Two of the incidents of the attacks against the homeless resulted in litigation. Rideau Centre eventually settled the suit for an undisclosed amount of money.
The direct action also targeted the Safe Streets Act which the Panhandlers Union has criticized for being Draconian legislature which unfairly targets the poor. It also targeted a by-law passed by Ottawa City Hall which outlawed selling newspapers on street corners . Panhandlers and the homeless in Ottawa had been selling the alternative, Halifax-based . New laws which came into effect on May 1 restricted this action.
On the same day several members of the Panhandlers Union occupied the Ottawa Police station on Elgin Street. The goal of the organizer was to assist people who would otherwise feel intimidated to fill out complaint forms against the police.
Video of the occupation of the Ottawa police station:
A June 1st 2006 protest included a mass panhandle. It protested Ottawa vending on highways by-law. The media picked up quotes by Nellis and the Panhandlers Union for that day's events -- "Ottawa's homeless say they will disrupt business in this city if business insists on disrupting our business".
On July 1st 2006 as a continuation of the events on the first of every month the union organized a "No Justice No Peace" action. This action consisted of Panhandlers Union members and any other party interested in chalking "NJNP" on all the businesses located on Rideau Street. (BIA) was just one group lobbying for the removal of panhandlers and the homeless from in front of their businesses. This action was meant to show that as long as it wasn't "business as usual" for the panhandlers, it would not be business as usual for the business owners. The event was largely successful as many of the "NJNP" chalkings were visible months after the event ended.
Another May Day event took place in 2007. This time the target was the Bank Street Business Improvement Area. The organizers felt the BIA was complicit in targeting the poor and lobbying City Hall for legislation they wished to see pass. A rally was held outside of the BIA offices and anyone was allowed to speak to the issue of panhandling and poverty in Ottawa.
Emotions were high during the protest because of recent comments made by Mayor Larry O'Brien comparing panhandlers to pigeons. O'Brien commented that if people stopped "feeding them" the panhandlers would go away. The response by the union was to egg the offices of the Bank Street BIA. Organizers of the event said this was done because it's the exact behaviour to be expected by pigeons.
Laws and the Panhandlers Union
:By-Law No. 2005 - 358:
This is a by-law which was passed by Ottawa city hall which restricts vending on "highways". Critics of the by-law argue that "highway" in this case is a misnomer as the law in this case defines "highway" as "a common and public highway, and includes any bridge, trestle, viaduct, or other structure forming part of the highway and, except as otherwise provided, includes a portion of a highway."
The by-law was passed August 24 2005 without any public consultation.
The by-law prohibits selling of arts and crafts, flowers, street newspapers as well as prohibiting busking and street theatre. Oddly, the selling of newspapers by homeless was one of the agreements made with Ottawa's homeless after the Homeless Action Strike on City Hall. The Homeless Action Strike
was a political action by Ottawa's homeless whereby 15 homeless strikers camped out at the Ottawa City Hall for more than 55 days and struck a deal with the mayor for a task force on homelessness and the safe streets act before it was shut down with police violence on August 27, 2004.
The Homeless Action Strike attempted to protest the pending Vending on Highways bylaw on July 1, 2005 with a protest at City Hall. One organizer Jane Scharf was arrested for mischief and trespassing and issued two bylaw infractions within two hours after the protest was set up. She was arrested despite the fact that she was engaged in a peaceful non obstructive protest at City Hall. She was held in jail for 6 hours and all the protest property was confiscated. Upon release she was issued a trespassing ticket and threatened with arrest if she returned to City Hall before the Vending on Highways bylaw was due to be passed at the end of August.
The criminalization of panhandlers under the Safe Streets Act continues including the overzealous application of this act in Ottawa and the Vending on Highways Bylaw still prevails.
:Safe Streets Act:
The Safe Streets Act was a law passed by the former Conservative government of Mike Harris in 1999. It applies to all of Ontario. The act aims to stop "aggressive" panhandling but the law is seen by its opponents as vague in what it defines as "aggressive" panhandling. The law states that "aggressive" means "a manner that is likely to cause a reasonable person to be concerned for his or her safety or security." Critics of the law believe this is vague because not all people may feel threatened by the same situations. Some "reasonable" people feel threatened by merely being solicited by a panhandler for spare change while others have no problem with stopping to give a panhandler money. The Panhandlers' Union feels that the Safe Streets Act aims not to curb aggressive panhandling but to eliminate all panhandling whether it is aggressive or passive.
In Ottawa, panhandlers in the Panhandlers Union have been able to respond to the alleged harassment by the Ottawa Police by keeping a copy of the Safe Street Act and showing it to police to prove they are not in violation of the law. Nevertheless, panhandlers find themselves having to pay tickets which they cannot afford, for panhandling
Furthermore, the act does not apply to charities which solicit people for money. This is particularly true of the Shinerama campaign held every fall by university students which raises money for cystic fibrosis. The fact that charities are allowed to solicit for money on medians and on sidewalks shows, in the Panhandlers' Union view, the inherent classism of the Safe Streets Act.
It is not unusual for panhandlers in Ottawa to have dozens of tickets because of the Safe Streets Act. The Ticket Defence Program was formed in response; social activists attempt to have fines against panhandlers dropped. The program has been largely successful in the cities where it has been implemented.
Organizers
(see main article from Anarchopedia:
The Panhandlers union is not a conventional labour union in the sense that its purpose is not to bargain with a third party for a collective contract and higher wages. This misconception has led to a great deal of ridicule including an attack against the group by the Ottawa Citizen which asked if the panhandlers were fighting for -- "wider sidewalks?" The union had a chance to respond to these accusations with their own op-ed piece, which appeared in the newspaper on March 20 2006. The editorial was a collaborative piece written by several members of the IWW. It was credited to panhandler Proshanto
Smith.
More recently the Panhandlers Union and its organizer Andrew Nellis were featured in an article in the Ottawa City Journal. The newspaper also interviewed panhandlers and the executive director of the Bank Street Business Improvement Area.
The purpose of the union is intended to bring together panhandlers, street artists, buskers and any other street-affected person to lobby city hall. One of the aims was to create a counter-measure against some of the recent legislation which had been passed by Ottawa City Hall and by the Ontario government. The organization was largely a collaborative effort by Andrew Nellis, Jane Scharf and other long time anti-poverty Ottawa activists.
One of the main pieces of anti-panhandler legislature which helped inspired activists to form the Panhandler's Union was the Safe Streets Act. The other pieces of legislation have subsequently been introduced such as the Vending on Highways Law passed by Ottawa City Hall.
The union has continually stressed that its aim is to create an "entrepreneurial spirit" which aims to have panhandlers sell arts and crafts, books, compact discs or other donated material for money which they will use to support themselves.
History of Union events
The Union has meetings with panhandlers once a month at a local community centre. Additionally, the union holds demonstrations, primarily in the summer when there is a peak in panhandling activity. Since its formation the union has also held an annual May Day Event in Ottawa.
The earliest action the Panhandlers Union participated in was the Homeless Action Strike in the summer of 2004. The strike was organized by Jane Scharf and other poverty activists. Anyone who wished to pitch a tent on City Hall property was welcomed to do so to bring attention to the issue of homelessness. The camp was eventually moved to the property of the Human Rights Monument which is separate from City Hall.
There were negotiations between the homeless, activists and then Mayor Bob Chiarelli but they did not result in any agreement. The mayor then threatened to shut down the camp. Jane Scharf was arrested shortly before the camp was completely shut down in the middle of the night by Ottawa Police. One of the mayor's promises was the creation of a newspaper created and sold by homeless people. The newspaper prospect eventually fell apart under the new mayor and new city council which banned the selling of any goods on the street.
On May 1, 2006, Andrew Nellis, with the coordination and support of the Ottawa branch of the Industrial Workers of the World, organized a May Day protest by the panhandler's union to shut down Rideau Street. The action shut down Rideau Street in front of the Rideau Centre for more than one hour and was completely peaceful.
The action targeted the Rideau Centre because of incidents of violence against the homeless by mall security. These incidents of violence included attacks against members of the union. Two of the incidents of the attacks against the homeless resulted in litigation. Rideau Centre eventually settled the suit for an undisclosed amount of money.
The direct action also targeted the Safe Streets Act which the Panhandlers Union has criticized for being Draconian legislature which unfairly targets the poor. It also targeted a by-law passed by Ottawa City Hall which outlawed selling newspapers on street corners . Panhandlers and the homeless in Ottawa had been selling the alternative, Halifax-based . New laws which came into effect on May 1 restricted this action.
On the same day several members of the Panhandlers Union occupied the Ottawa Police station on Elgin Street. The goal of the organizer was to assist people who would otherwise feel intimidated to fill out complaint forms against the police.
Video of the occupation of the Ottawa police station:
A June 1st 2006 protest included a mass panhandle. It protested Ottawa vending on highways by-law. The media picked up quotes by Nellis and the Panhandlers Union for that day's events -- "Ottawa's homeless say they will disrupt business in this city if business insists on disrupting our business".
On July 1st 2006 as a continuation of the events on the first of every month the union organized a "No Justice No Peace" action. This action consisted of Panhandlers Union members and any other party interested in chalking "NJNP" on all the businesses located on Rideau Street. (BIA) was just one group lobbying for the removal of panhandlers and the homeless from in front of their businesses. This action was meant to show that as long as it wasn't "business as usual" for the panhandlers, it would not be business as usual for the business owners. The event was largely successful as many of the "NJNP" chalkings were visible months after the event ended.
Another May Day event took place in 2007. This time the target was the Bank Street Business Improvement Area. The organizers felt the BIA was complicit in targeting the poor and lobbying City Hall for legislation they wished to see pass. A rally was held outside of the BIA offices and anyone was allowed to speak to the issue of panhandling and poverty in Ottawa.
Emotions were high during the protest because of recent comments made by Mayor Larry O'Brien comparing panhandlers to pigeons. O'Brien commented that if people stopped "feeding them" the panhandlers would go away. The response by the union was to egg the offices of the Bank Street BIA. Organizers of the event said this was done because it's the exact behaviour to be expected by pigeons.
Laws and the Panhandlers Union
:By-Law No. 2005 - 358:
This is a by-law which was passed by Ottawa city hall which restricts vending on "highways". Critics of the by-law argue that "highway" in this case is a misnomer as the law in this case defines "highway" as "a common and public highway, and includes any bridge, trestle, viaduct, or other structure forming part of the highway and, except as otherwise provided, includes a portion of a highway."
The by-law was passed August 24 2005 without any public consultation.
The by-law prohibits selling of arts and crafts, flowers, street newspapers as well as prohibiting busking and street theatre. Oddly, the selling of newspapers by homeless was one of the agreements made with Ottawa's homeless after the Homeless Action Strike on City Hall. The Homeless Action Strike
was a political action by Ottawa's homeless whereby 15 homeless strikers camped out at the Ottawa City Hall for more than 55 days and struck a deal with the mayor for a task force on homelessness and the safe streets act before it was shut down with police violence on August 27, 2004.
The Homeless Action Strike attempted to protest the pending Vending on Highways bylaw on July 1, 2005 with a protest at City Hall. One organizer Jane Scharf was arrested for mischief and trespassing and issued two bylaw infractions within two hours after the protest was set up. She was arrested despite the fact that she was engaged in a peaceful non obstructive protest at City Hall. She was held in jail for 6 hours and all the protest property was confiscated. Upon release she was issued a trespassing ticket and threatened with arrest if she returned to City Hall before the Vending on Highways bylaw was due to be passed at the end of August.
The criminalization of panhandlers under the Safe Streets Act continues including the overzealous application of this act in Ottawa and the Vending on Highways Bylaw still prevails.
:Safe Streets Act:
The Safe Streets Act was a law passed by the former Conservative government of Mike Harris in 1999. It applies to all of Ontario. The act aims to stop "aggressive" panhandling but the law is seen by its opponents as vague in what it defines as "aggressive" panhandling. The law states that "aggressive" means "a manner that is likely to cause a reasonable person to be concerned for his or her safety or security." Critics of the law believe this is vague because not all people may feel threatened by the same situations. Some "reasonable" people feel threatened by merely being solicited by a panhandler for spare change while others have no problem with stopping to give a panhandler money. The Panhandlers' Union feels that the Safe Streets Act aims not to curb aggressive panhandling but to eliminate all panhandling whether it is aggressive or passive.
In Ottawa, panhandlers in the Panhandlers Union have been able to respond to the alleged harassment by the Ottawa Police by keeping a copy of the Safe Street Act and showing it to police to prove they are not in violation of the law. Nevertheless, panhandlers find themselves having to pay tickets which they cannot afford, for panhandling
Furthermore, the act does not apply to charities which solicit people for money. This is particularly true of the Shinerama campaign held every fall by university students which raises money for cystic fibrosis. The fact that charities are allowed to solicit for money on medians and on sidewalks shows, in the Panhandlers' Union view, the inherent classism of the Safe Streets Act.
It is not unusual for panhandlers in Ottawa to have dozens of tickets because of the Safe Streets Act. The Ticket Defence Program was formed in response; social activists attempt to have fines against panhandlers dropped. The program has been largely successful in the cities where it has been implemented.
Organizers
(see main article from Anarchopedia:
Andrew Nellis is the current delegate for the IWW. Andrew has been involved with organizing panhandlers in Ottawa, encouraging them to unionize. The Panhandlers Union is a modest success and has received coverage in the Ottawa Citizen and Ottawa Sun. The Panhandlers Union has also been mentioned as a human interest story in many of CanWest Global's other newspapers including the Winnipeg Tribune. Nellis has also represented the Panhandlers Union on various talk shows and news segments, generally on radio, with a few appearances on television.
A radio interview with Andrew Nellis on the CHUO program The 5 O'Clock Train:
Jane Scharf, who unsuccessfully ran for mayor of Ottawa in the 2006 municipal election, is a former organizer in the Ottawa Panhandlers Union.
The Diary Of Ancient Rites is a non-fiction book (ISBN 1-4116-0728-7) written by Kentucky born author and business woman, Melissa E Anderson and published in May, 2004. This book is the first in a series of six and is based on the subject that God created man and gave them knowledge of creation.
Within the first three chapters, the book explores the lost books of the Bible as well as common concepts on the topic of expanding Christian religions over the first religion of Animism or Paganism. This book is unique to the genre, in so much as it does not bash the Christian sect, but merely shows how their religion evolved. Itis not a book of devil worship or paganism, but a book of true magic.The book attempts to give the reader a basis for wanting to become a practitioner of what Christian society has broadly pegged as Witchcraft.
The book consists of a Christian religious history compiled from various sources. The book contains helpful information on using stones and herbs for self healing and well-being. As a complete Guide for the serious practitioners of life, the book searches passages of biblical history as well as other religious texts to point out the fact that Christians have tainted the real words of the creative force they call God. The book offers a practical guide for the reader to regress to a simpler life and live as the original people in a modern world. Chapters contain many helpful solutions to common problems as well as teach the reader how to work rituals for success.
Chapter Four gives a brief explanation of herbs and their usage, both magical and medicinal. The following chapters lay the ground work for the future volumes by giving the reader information on ritual practices as well as the Wiccan Rede. A good read for beginners and adapts alik
The second book, Diary of Ancient Rites, Volume Two - Living A Magical Life ISBN 1-4276-1299-4 will hit book stores Jan. 2007. This book is published in hardback and the first one was re-released as a hardback in December 2006.
Within the first three chapters, the book explores the lost books of the Bible as well as common concepts on the topic of expanding Christian religions over the first religion of Animism or Paganism. This book is unique to the genre, in so much as it does not bash the Christian sect, but merely shows how their religion evolved. Itis not a book of devil worship or paganism, but a book of true magic.The book attempts to give the reader a basis for wanting to become a practitioner of what Christian society has broadly pegged as Witchcraft.
The book consists of a Christian religious history compiled from various sources. The book contains helpful information on using stones and herbs for self healing and well-being. As a complete Guide for the serious practitioners of life, the book searches passages of biblical history as well as other religious texts to point out the fact that Christians have tainted the real words of the creative force they call God. The book offers a practical guide for the reader to regress to a simpler life and live as the original people in a modern world. Chapters contain many helpful solutions to common problems as well as teach the reader how to work rituals for success.
Chapter Four gives a brief explanation of herbs and their usage, both magical and medicinal. The following chapters lay the ground work for the future volumes by giving the reader information on ritual practices as well as the Wiccan Rede. A good read for beginners and adapts alik
The second book, Diary of Ancient Rites, Volume Two - Living A Magical Life ISBN 1-4276-1299-4 will hit book stores Jan. 2007. This book is published in hardback and the first one was re-released as a hardback in December 2006.
:For the TV Series of the same name, see .
The Movie Game or simply called Movie game is a quiz game that is popular for all ages and usually involves more than one person. Though some claim its origins came from internet forums, many have claimed to separately invent this game. For this reason many variations have evolved. It can sometimes be played in teams or in the more commonly played free-for-all manner.
Definitions
* Phase - This applies only to Selection format. A phase is a period when each player has not yet been selected. A phase ends once all players have been chosen or when a player receives a strike. Then the next phase begins and anyone can be selected again.
* Round - A round begins when a player names the first movie. The round is not considered over until a player receives a strike.
* Rotation - This applies only to Rotation format. The player who names the first movie of the round (Starting player) starts the rotation. The rotation is not over until it comes back to the starting player.
* Starting Player - The player who starts the round.
Gameplay
There is technically not a definitive rules set, however there are two general ways to play this game.
Rotation format
Rotation format is the more commonly and less competitively played variation.
The goal of the game is to eliminate each opponent until only one player remains. Players are elimintated by receiving three strikes. A player receives a strike by either failing to name an actor/actress or movie, naming an actor/actress that is not in the movie previously mentioned or naming a movie that the actor/actress previously mentioned was not in, or failing a "throw back".
The game begins by having a player name any movie. The next player clockwise to him/her will then have to name an actor/actress in that movie. The next player must then name a movie the actor/actress previously named was in and so on. Each player is given two minutes to answer (time may vary depending on what players agreed on). The same movie or actor/actress cannot be named in the same rotation. Players also cannot name the same movie or actor back-to-back-to-back, even if it is a new rotation. For example, if Player 1 says "Braveheart", Player 2 can say any actor in "Braveheart". Lets say Player 2 says Mel Gibson. Player 3 (even if it is a new rotation) cannot say "Braveheart" again. Same rule applies to actors/actresses.
If a player fails to name an actor/actress or movie, they receive one strike. Once a player accumlates three strikes they are eliminated. When a player receives a strike the round is immediately over and the rotation is reversed. For example, if a player receives a strike and the game rotation was clockwise it becomes counter-clockwise. If the game rotation was counter-clockwise it becomes clockwise.
The player who receives the strike, if not eliminated, then gets to restart and name any movie they want. If the player is eliminated, then the next player in rotation chooses a movie.
When only two players remain the rules change. See for more details.
Special rules:
Challenge - If a player feels the answer another player said was incorrect he/she may challenge their answer. In this event the internet or whatever other source is at hand may be used to verify or disprove the answer. Any player may challenge at anytime and as many times as they want. If the player whose answer is being challenged is incorrect, he/she receives a strike. Only the player whose answer is being challenged can receive a strike for being incorrect.
Throw back - Every player gets one "throw back" in the game. If a player cannot name another actor/actress (if the previous object was a movie) or movie (if the previous object was an actor/actress) then he/she may use a throw back. In the event of a throw back the previous player is forced to name another movie or actor depending on the situation. For example, if Player 1 says "Fearless" and Player 2 does not know anyone in "Fearless", Player 2 may say, "I throw back." Player 1 must then name an actor/actress in "Fearless". If Player 1 fails to name another actor/actress, he/she will receive one strike instead of Player 2. This is considered a successful throw back. If a player pulls a successful throw back, they do not lose their throw back ability and can throw back again. However, if the throw back fails and Player 1 is able to name another actor/actress in the movie then Player 2 will receive one strike and lose their throw back ability. The player being thrown back cannot repeat an actor/actress or movie that was previously mentioned in rotation. The same situation applies in the event of an actor/actress where the next player must name a movie that actor/actress was in.
Restart - If a new round is starting the player after the "starting player" may call an unlimited number of restarts until he/she can name an actor/actress in the movie. This eliminates the possibility of players who name obscure films to quickly give a strike to the player after them.
Selection format
Selection format is more competitive then rotation format.
The rules in selection format slightly differ from those in rotation format.
Instead of a set rotation any player may choose who they face next. A player may not choose the player who previously chose them unless that player is the starting player. Players may not choose a previously chosen player in the same phase. A phase is over once all players have been chosen or when a player receives a strike.
Everything else remains the same.
1 vs. 1 Rules
When it is a 1 vs. 1 game or only two players remain the rules change. The last two players must name an actor/actress and then a movie (in that order). Everything is based off the movie. In other words the player does not have to choice whether or not to choose a movie based off the actors/actresses mentioned. He/she must mention an actor/actress in the former movie.
For example, if Player 1 is the Starting Player and says "Minority Report", Player 2 could say "Tom Cruise, Days of Thunder" then Player 1 can only choose from actors/actresses in "Days of Thunder" and not movies Tom Cruise was in. So Player 1 could say "Robert Duvall, Open Range" and then Player 2 could say "Kevin Costner, Waterworld" and so on. The last two players may never name a previously named actor/actress or movie in the round. Once the round is over they may name anything again.
The Weinger-Parsons Project
In 2004, two former business interns, Alex & Justin, devised a new version of the Movie Game.
Game-play
The game begins by having a player name a movie. The next player in the rotation must then name another movie that contains an actor/actress that was in the previous movie. The game is designed to have as many players as desired. Part of the key strategy is knowing when to bluff an opponent. If you are stuck on film that you either do not know, or perhaps cannot think of another film that any of those actors/actresses has starred in, then you can simply name any movie of your choice, or make up a film name altogether. This tests the true skill of your opponent, as they then must decisively figure out whether or not to call your bluff. Likewise, if you are not sure whether or not your opponent is bluffing, you have the option of calling that person out, or simply continuing to connect movies at your own discretion. If the player is called out and found to be bluffing then you win that challenge, however if the connection was legitimate then the player that called their opponent on the bluff loses that round. The distinguishing factor between this version on the movie game and others, is that you connect movies to movies, and not actors/actresses in the movies, you simply use them as a background connection to link the movies together.
Special rules
*There aren't any specific time limits on turns, that is up to the discretion of the players.
*All movies must be listed on www.IMDB.com, and all actors/actresses must be listed in the cast.(please note that all actors/actresses are valid, even extras)
*The person to start off the round is the "Server", and the person to receive the first movie may ask to be "Re-Served" as many times as necessary, as the cardinal rule is that the first movie cannot eliminate a player from the game.
*Sequels may be used, but either the original movie or one of the sequels may be used, you cannot use both in the same round.(e.g. Either Rocky or Rocky II can be used, but only one or the other from any player in the same round) Likewise, a movie may only be used once in the same round, after the round is over you can go back and use it again.
*All movies, made-for-tv movies, dvd movies, are valid connections!
*If playing online, use the IMDB Random Movie Selector to generate the first movie of the game. The game can be played in person, or via email.
Esko High School Fan Bus version
The students of Esko High School have a different version of the game they play on long bus rides to various events (Field trips, fan buses, away games, choir trips etc.)
Game-play
The game is similar to the other versions, but instead of linking movies by actors they featured, movies are connected from last to first initials. For example if Player 1 said Batman Returns, Players two would have to name a movie the begins with the letter R. If the movie is a single word, for example Poseidon, the next player must name a movie with beginning with the letter P. If a title begins with or ends in a number, it is taken if it were spelled out. 8 Mile would start with an E, from being spelled out "Eight Mile". If Someone said Lethal Weapon 4, the next player would have an F, for four. If movies is not a fun enough category, others can be used. The game originated by using NBA players. All major sports can be used depending on what kind of fans you are. The longest lasting category was Caucasian athletes (The game lasted over a 2 day basketball tournament).
Special rules
Some rules can be ajusted by whoever is playing. "The sequel rule" is that if one movie is said, a numbered sequel cannot be named. For example if a player says Spider-man, nobody else can say Spider-man 2. "The Subtitle Rule" is that a movies subtitle can either be used, or not used(Example: Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, or Babe 2: Pig in the City). A special rule gives double points for Disney Channel Original Movies .The player must either say "Disney Channel Original Movie" or its acronym, "D.C.O.M.", followed by the title. These points mean nothing towards the game, but respect from your peers. Any kind of grouping can be used, depending on what is popular in your circle (Movies by a certain actor or director, or movies that were originally made for a t.v. channel). The point of this game is to pass time on long, boring, bus rides.
Elimination
When a player cannot think of a movie for his letter after two minutes (more or less depending on what players agree to), he is eliminated. The player gets an audible countdown of ten seconds before his deadline. A term known as "J-Rocking" is prohibited. "J-Rocking" occurs when another person (usually a player already eliminated, or a non-player) gives a player answers. "J-Rocking" is punishable by elimination, or insults if it is a non-player.
The Movie Game or simply called Movie game is a quiz game that is popular for all ages and usually involves more than one person. Though some claim its origins came from internet forums, many have claimed to separately invent this game. For this reason many variations have evolved. It can sometimes be played in teams or in the more commonly played free-for-all manner.
Definitions
* Phase - This applies only to Selection format. A phase is a period when each player has not yet been selected. A phase ends once all players have been chosen or when a player receives a strike. Then the next phase begins and anyone can be selected again.
* Round - A round begins when a player names the first movie. The round is not considered over until a player receives a strike.
* Rotation - This applies only to Rotation format. The player who names the first movie of the round (Starting player) starts the rotation. The rotation is not over until it comes back to the starting player.
* Starting Player - The player who starts the round.
Gameplay
There is technically not a definitive rules set, however there are two general ways to play this game.
Rotation format
Rotation format is the more commonly and less competitively played variation.
The goal of the game is to eliminate each opponent until only one player remains. Players are elimintated by receiving three strikes. A player receives a strike by either failing to name an actor/actress or movie, naming an actor/actress that is not in the movie previously mentioned or naming a movie that the actor/actress previously mentioned was not in, or failing a "throw back".
The game begins by having a player name any movie. The next player clockwise to him/her will then have to name an actor/actress in that movie. The next player must then name a movie the actor/actress previously named was in and so on. Each player is given two minutes to answer (time may vary depending on what players agreed on). The same movie or actor/actress cannot be named in the same rotation. Players also cannot name the same movie or actor back-to-back-to-back, even if it is a new rotation. For example, if Player 1 says "Braveheart", Player 2 can say any actor in "Braveheart". Lets say Player 2 says Mel Gibson. Player 3 (even if it is a new rotation) cannot say "Braveheart" again. Same rule applies to actors/actresses.
If a player fails to name an actor/actress or movie, they receive one strike. Once a player accumlates three strikes they are eliminated. When a player receives a strike the round is immediately over and the rotation is reversed. For example, if a player receives a strike and the game rotation was clockwise it becomes counter-clockwise. If the game rotation was counter-clockwise it becomes clockwise.
The player who receives the strike, if not eliminated, then gets to restart and name any movie they want. If the player is eliminated, then the next player in rotation chooses a movie.
When only two players remain the rules change. See for more details.
Special rules:
Challenge - If a player feels the answer another player said was incorrect he/she may challenge their answer. In this event the internet or whatever other source is at hand may be used to verify or disprove the answer. Any player may challenge at anytime and as many times as they want. If the player whose answer is being challenged is incorrect, he/she receives a strike. Only the player whose answer is being challenged can receive a strike for being incorrect.
Throw back - Every player gets one "throw back" in the game. If a player cannot name another actor/actress (if the previous object was a movie) or movie (if the previous object was an actor/actress) then he/she may use a throw back. In the event of a throw back the previous player is forced to name another movie or actor depending on the situation. For example, if Player 1 says "Fearless" and Player 2 does not know anyone in "Fearless", Player 2 may say, "I throw back." Player 1 must then name an actor/actress in "Fearless". If Player 1 fails to name another actor/actress, he/she will receive one strike instead of Player 2. This is considered a successful throw back. If a player pulls a successful throw back, they do not lose their throw back ability and can throw back again. However, if the throw back fails and Player 1 is able to name another actor/actress in the movie then Player 2 will receive one strike and lose their throw back ability. The player being thrown back cannot repeat an actor/actress or movie that was previously mentioned in rotation. The same situation applies in the event of an actor/actress where the next player must name a movie that actor/actress was in.
Restart - If a new round is starting the player after the "starting player" may call an unlimited number of restarts until he/she can name an actor/actress in the movie. This eliminates the possibility of players who name obscure films to quickly give a strike to the player after them.
Selection format
Selection format is more competitive then rotation format.
The rules in selection format slightly differ from those in rotation format.
Instead of a set rotation any player may choose who they face next. A player may not choose the player who previously chose them unless that player is the starting player. Players may not choose a previously chosen player in the same phase. A phase is over once all players have been chosen or when a player receives a strike.
Everything else remains the same.
1 vs. 1 Rules
When it is a 1 vs. 1 game or only two players remain the rules change. The last two players must name an actor/actress and then a movie (in that order). Everything is based off the movie. In other words the player does not have to choice whether or not to choose a movie based off the actors/actresses mentioned. He/she must mention an actor/actress in the former movie.
For example, if Player 1 is the Starting Player and says "Minority Report", Player 2 could say "Tom Cruise, Days of Thunder" then Player 1 can only choose from actors/actresses in "Days of Thunder" and not movies Tom Cruise was in. So Player 1 could say "Robert Duvall, Open Range" and then Player 2 could say "Kevin Costner, Waterworld" and so on. The last two players may never name a previously named actor/actress or movie in the round. Once the round is over they may name anything again.
The Weinger-Parsons Project
In 2004, two former business interns, Alex & Justin, devised a new version of the Movie Game.
Game-play
The game begins by having a player name a movie. The next player in the rotation must then name another movie that contains an actor/actress that was in the previous movie. The game is designed to have as many players as desired. Part of the key strategy is knowing when to bluff an opponent. If you are stuck on film that you either do not know, or perhaps cannot think of another film that any of those actors/actresses has starred in, then you can simply name any movie of your choice, or make up a film name altogether. This tests the true skill of your opponent, as they then must decisively figure out whether or not to call your bluff. Likewise, if you are not sure whether or not your opponent is bluffing, you have the option of calling that person out, or simply continuing to connect movies at your own discretion. If the player is called out and found to be bluffing then you win that challenge, however if the connection was legitimate then the player that called their opponent on the bluff loses that round. The distinguishing factor between this version on the movie game and others, is that you connect movies to movies, and not actors/actresses in the movies, you simply use them as a background connection to link the movies together.
Special rules
*There aren't any specific time limits on turns, that is up to the discretion of the players.
*All movies must be listed on www.IMDB.com, and all actors/actresses must be listed in the cast.(please note that all actors/actresses are valid, even extras)
*The person to start off the round is the "Server", and the person to receive the first movie may ask to be "Re-Served" as many times as necessary, as the cardinal rule is that the first movie cannot eliminate a player from the game.
*Sequels may be used, but either the original movie or one of the sequels may be used, you cannot use both in the same round.(e.g. Either Rocky or Rocky II can be used, but only one or the other from any player in the same round) Likewise, a movie may only be used once in the same round, after the round is over you can go back and use it again.
*All movies, made-for-tv movies, dvd movies, are valid connections!
*If playing online, use the IMDB Random Movie Selector to generate the first movie of the game. The game can be played in person, or via email.
Esko High School Fan Bus version
The students of Esko High School have a different version of the game they play on long bus rides to various events (Field trips, fan buses, away games, choir trips etc.)
Game-play
The game is similar to the other versions, but instead of linking movies by actors they featured, movies are connected from last to first initials. For example if Player 1 said Batman Returns, Players two would have to name a movie the begins with the letter R. If the movie is a single word, for example Poseidon, the next player must name a movie with beginning with the letter P. If a title begins with or ends in a number, it is taken if it were spelled out. 8 Mile would start with an E, from being spelled out "Eight Mile". If Someone said Lethal Weapon 4, the next player would have an F, for four. If movies is not a fun enough category, others can be used. The game originated by using NBA players. All major sports can be used depending on what kind of fans you are. The longest lasting category was Caucasian athletes (The game lasted over a 2 day basketball tournament).
Special rules
Some rules can be ajusted by whoever is playing. "The sequel rule" is that if one movie is said, a numbered sequel cannot be named. For example if a player says Spider-man, nobody else can say Spider-man 2. "The Subtitle Rule" is that a movies subtitle can either be used, or not used(Example: Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, or Babe 2: Pig in the City). A special rule gives double points for Disney Channel Original Movies .The player must either say "Disney Channel Original Movie" or its acronym, "D.C.O.M.", followed by the title. These points mean nothing towards the game, but respect from your peers. Any kind of grouping can be used, depending on what is popular in your circle (Movies by a certain actor or director, or movies that were originally made for a t.v. channel). The point of this game is to pass time on long, boring, bus rides.
Elimination
When a player cannot think of a movie for his letter after two minutes (more or less depending on what players agree to), he is eliminated. The player gets an audible countdown of ten seconds before his deadline. A term known as "J-Rocking" is prohibited. "J-Rocking" occurs when another person (usually a player already eliminated, or a non-player) gives a player answers. "J-Rocking" is punishable by elimination, or insults if it is a non-player.
Beggsy is a nickname for people with the surname 'beggs' or 'begg'.
The name Beggs is of Scottish background and originated when the Picts were granted land in north eastern Scotland
From their origins in north eastern scotland, some of the Beggs' moved to America, and some moved south as far as southern England.
The early Beggs' became part of the Drummond clan of Northern Scotland. Their motto 'Gang Warily' clearly means 'go warily'.
The name Beggs is of Scottish background and originated when the Picts were granted land in north eastern Scotland
From their origins in north eastern scotland, some of the Beggs' moved to America, and some moved south as far as southern England.
The early Beggs' became part of the Drummond clan of Northern Scotland. Their motto 'Gang Warily' clearly means 'go warily'.