Flaming Baghead punches Daniel "Mr Magnum" Fairclough in a battle of power vs. finesse. Dr. Popular. ~Photos by Andrew Firestone Andrew Firestone There was a warrior's moon out on Thursday, January 25th, and at PA's Lounge there was a world-class Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament. No quarter was asked and none given, as the several dozen competitors, after paying their $4 entrance fee, engaged in one-on-one RPS excitement sponsored by Narragansett Beer and Union Square Main Streets. Their contested prize: some t-shirts. The event drew out competition from Quincy to Medford, with showstoppers, heartbreakers and championship-caliber play, all in pursuit of "glory everlasting" in the words of David Bard, a microfinance asset manager. The action, usually lasting anywhere between 2 to 9 rounds in a best of three style play, was set on the main stage of PA's lounge. After receiving various mockeries from all-star Irish MC Gerry Green who, characteristically of such a Spartan event, brought his wife and baby daughter to the bar, the challengers squared off under epic-crimson lighting, to the such soul-inspiring tunes as Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger." The host was quick to instruct the crowd on proper etiquette of playing, carefully explaining proper form. "Last year there were a lot of masterbaters," Green said, imitating the classical folly of "rattling the bones" in the build-up. "It's Rau-Sham-Beau! Pump, pump!" Despite Green's graphic demonstration, there were more than a few technical fouls as the night flew by.

Many of the RPS players used the opportunity to test out their personal styles in the game. A few, such as Daniel "Mr. Magnum" Fairclough, alluded to a deeper aspect of mental play. "I hope to show off my finger finesse and light this up," he said. "Never underestimate your opponent."

One of the most successful finalists, the enigmatic Flaming Baghead, also known as Owen Wartella, perhaps summed up his approach in the most utilitarian fashion, "I'm playing the person, I'm not playing the game. In a heated battle, The Flaming Baghead defeated Mr. Magnum, and later moved on to the finals.

The taste of victory was sweet, Paul "Goner" Richardson, contrary to his moniker, was especially gratified by his successful finals berth. "It was stupendous," he said of his 4-round victory, ending in the oft-seen "paper covers rock" ploy. "Like a bright light, coming from the heavens telling me I was meant to move on." His style, a classic hunched-shoulders, loose elbow approach, allowed him victory in the qualifier over Stew McDonald.

For those who were not so lucky, or perhaps skilled, a return to the audience only riled warrior-resentments, sometimes resulting in rematches. One such, occurring between McDonald and Matt Lenan, achieved a similar outcome, with McDonald besting Lenan again. "It's devastating," said Lenan. "I was building myself all week. I had rigorous off-season training."