Wonder Woman & DC's Rebirth
The (latest) reboot of DC's universe, called Rebirth, is designed to gear their comics more towards their new cinematic universe. It was only a few years ago that we rode the emotional rollercoaster of the New 52 relaunch, so most DC fans have been waiting for details with great anticipation. Finally the time for answers came at WonderCon this last weekend.
Lots of changes are coming! Old characters are returning, new characters are being added, and the inevitable costume redesigns are happening. Titans is a new book (not replacing Teen Titans) with a more mature cast of characters, including the reunion of Donna Troy and Nightwing as teammates. Batgirl & the Birds of Prey has an all-female creative team, and I'm digging Huntress' redesign by Yanick Paquette. Superwoman is adding a new female character to DC's lineup and will be headed by Phil Jimenez, one of my all-time favorite Wonder Woman artists. And speaking of Wonder Woman...
SHE GOT THE DREAM TEAM!!! I am so excited!
Greg Rucka is going to return to DC as the writer for Wonder Woman. He wrote Wonder Woman: The Hiketeia, one of the best Wonder Woman stories of all time. The Hiketeia completely nailed the conflict between Diana's roles as an ambassador, hero, and leader of an ancient culture living in the modern world. He spent three years successfully writing Wonder Woman's regular comic and it was a huge success. Based on his previous runs, I am totally confident that Rucka can lay a great foundation for Wonder Woman by incorporating elements from her comic book history and new additions from the cinematic universe. He also wore a Hamilton hoodie on stage at WonderCon! Just when I thought he couldn't get cooler...
Veteran artist Nicola Scott will be returning to draw the Amazon Princess. You may have heard my squee of joy all the way from WonderCon at this news, because I'm a HUGE fan of her work. Her Diana is athletic, capable, beautiful, and expressive. Scott's panels show a woman who can comfort a child in one moment and then go toe-to-toe with Superman the next. It's a challenging task and Scott has proven herself many times over with her work on Wonder Woman, Secret Six, Birds of Prey, and Earth 2. She has also successfully partnered with Greg Rucka on Blackest Night: Wonder Woman, and Black Magick #1 by Image Comics. They both seem to have a talent for creating strong female characters, and I can't wait to see how their partnership works on a longer run of Wonder Woman.
Liam Sharpe will be partnering with Scott to bring Diana's image to life on the page. His resume is Marvel-heavy, but he has done work for DC with both Superman and Batman. He isn't an artist that I've followed before, but when I saw the images he created for Wonder Woman I was blown away. His art reflects the iconic images from George Perez' run of the Amazon princess but with a more modern style. I love that he draws Diana in a way that exudes confidence and strength.
This team will be taking a unique approach to Wonder Woman with two storylines running simultaneously. Odd-numbered issues will be done by Rucka and Sharpe, and will tell the adventures of Diana in the present day. The even-numbered issues will be created by Rucka and Scott and will describe Wonder Woman's origins approximately ten years in the past. Two Wonder Woman comics will come out a month, one from each timeline.
Rucka reportedly has plans for at least 24 issues, so we should be able to enjoy his work for at least the next year. After the disappointment of Meredith and David Finch’s takeover of the series, it's good to know that Diana will be in trusted hands.
Olivia Munn Takes Credit for Xmen Stunts
Recent articles on comicbook.com, cinimablend.com, and etonline.com have given Olivia Munn credit for doing all her own stunts on the upcoming movie, Xmen: Apocalypse. They quote her as saying:
"Psylocke is such a powerful, lethal character," said Munn. "It was important to me that I was able to do all of the stunts because the more believable it is, the better it is for the audience -- and the only way to make it believable is for me to actually do it."
The etonline.com article goes on to say that, "You might expect the badass move to require a stunt double, but Munn made sure to take on the task herself."
Unfortunately, Olivia Munn lied.
Julia Rekaikyna, a stunt woman and actress, was Ms. Munn's stunt double for the movie. The proof?
Yep. That's Ms. Rekaikyna standing right next to Olivia Munn on the set of Xmen: Apocalypse. Her IMDB page lists her as Munn's stunt double for the movie. Maybe the Psylocke that we see on screen isn't really Olivia "from beginning to end" as these articles quote Munn as saying?
You can watch Julia Rekaikyna's stunt reel below. It's impressive, and the stunt 26 seconds in looks REALLY familiar...
This incident has the stunt community privately fuming, although it is nothing new in their line of work. Stunt workers are one of the most overlooked communities in the television and movie industries. It's not surprising that the audience doesn't know the stunt performers by name, because if they do their jobs well they are indistinguishable from the stars they are keeping safe. However, it is completely inappropriate for an actor or actress to openly take credit for the work of a fellow professional.
Olivia Munn has made a big deal about how hard she has trained for this movie, but a few months of work cannot replace the years that it takes to master stunt skills on a professional level. Ms. Munn probably did SOME of her own stunts for this movie. She probably did some sword twirls, wire work, and some rolling around on foam mats. What she didn't do was test all the stunts over and over again to make sure they were safe. She didn't practice group fight sequences for hours until a star with limited training could step in and look good on camera. Every wire she dangled from was pretested by stunt people to make sure it was safe for her. With a few insensitive, attention-seeking comments, Olivia Munn has taken credit for the work of a whole team of professional stunt workers, including the work of Ms. Rekaikyna.
This comes at an especially sensitive time for the movie industry and stunt workers alike. The Academy Awards has been under scrutiny because they still have no category for stunt work, despite decades of people asking for one. It seems especially unfair when you consider that this year's action-heavy Mad Max: Fury Road was nominated for 10 Oscars and won 6, which is more than any other film of the evening. Many would argue that Fury Road's success was heavily dependent on the stunt teams that blew audiences away with incredible action sequences, and yet those stunt people are being ignored by the Academy. Even recent protests and petitions have fallen on deaf ears.
There are lots of invisible hands that help create movies. We almost never hear the names of the stunt teams, makeup artists, painters, set dressers, grips, stitchers, editors, camera operators, and the others who make the magic happen. Their one moment in the spotlight is when their names appear in the credits after the movie, and most of us get up and leave before those even start rolling. Stunt people put their lives on the line to keep us entertained, and even in today's high tech world, horrible accidents happen. These professionals know the risks and accept them willingly, but they should be recognized by the Academy and they should DEFINITELY be given credit by the professional actors that they keep safe, including Olivia Munn.
Do-it-Yourself: Easy Metal Etching
A simple, safe way to etch designs into metal costume and cosplay pieces. This will also work for metal knives and tools!
Materials:
1 9 volt battery
2 low voltage wires
4 alligator clips
1 cup salt water
Many Q-tips
Electrical tape/nail polish/vinyl sticker
Metal object
Post any questions in the comments below or reach out on social networks! Thank You for Watching! Subscribe if you want more Golden Lasso Girl videos!
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Do-it-Yourself: Crafting Safety
Safety is something that many of us slack on when we are crafting! Check out this short video to learn the 5 things you should have to keep yourself safe while creating your cosplay or other craft project.
Post any questions in the comments or reach out on social networks! Thank You for Watching! Subscribe if you want more Golden Lasso Girl videos!
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Do-it-Yourself: Metal Armor & Accessories
My first YouTube cosplay tutorial is up! I often am asked about my metal Wonder Woman armor, so I decide it would be a great topic! Check out the video to see how I make metal armor and accessories without power tools and on a small budget!
This tutorial does have some sharp edges! Please use the proper safety gear. Crafters under the age of 18 should only attempt this tutorial with parental permission and supervision.
Materials:
Craft Foam
Scissors/Exacto Knife
Pencil & Sharpie
Aluminum Kick Plate
Aviation Snips (min.18-gage)
Block Sanders
Hammer & Nail
Dremel (optional)
If making Wonder Woman tiara you will also need:
Metal Star
Stain Glass Window Paint
6 inches of 1/4 inch elastic
Adhesive Putty or Double Sided Foam Adhesive Strip
TO ADD THE ETCHED LINES INTO THE METAL USE THIS TUTORIAL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOQM9kBG2JA
Post any questions in the comments or reach out on social networks! Thank You for Watching! Subscribe if you want more Golden Lasso Girl videos!
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Volumizing Your Hair for Cosplay
I struggled for years with styling my long hair. When I started cosplaying, I tried everything to get great "comic book" hair consistently, but completely failed. Some days I looked great and other days I was left with a stringy mess! Finally, I had a hair stylist teach me this trick for getting the perfect sexy hair style every time!
You will need:
- Hair dryer
- Mousse
- Rubber Hair band
- Hair Spray
- Curling Iron
- Aluminum Hair Clips
- Scissors (NOT for your hair)
Step 1: Hair Prep
Start by washing your hair and hand drying it with a towel. It should be damp but not dripping wet. Measure an egg sized amount of mousse in the palm of your hand and work it though your damp hair. Spread it out evenly starting at the roots and moving towards the ends, if you have long hair you may need to use a little extra mousse. Once this is done, blow dry your hair in sections until it is completely dry. Now your blank canvas is ready to begin!
Step 2: High Ponytail
For step 2, be sure to select a low cost rubber hair band. It will get cut later in the process, so don't pick one that you aren't comfortable destroying.
Think 90s ponytail for this step. Bring all your hair up into a tight ponytail on the very top of your head and secure it with the rubber hair band. The tighter you can get it, the better! Give your head a light spritz of hairspray when it's done. (Please ignore the complete lack of makeup in this picture! I was taking pictures for a makeup tutorial that same morning!)
Step 3: Curling
Start taking small sections of the ponytail that you made and curling those sections with a curling iron. The smaller and tighter the curls, the smaller and tighter the waves in your final style will be. Start at the end of the section of hair and curl up to the base of the ponytail. Hold the curling iron there for a moment and then CAREFULLY slide the curling iron out from the center of the curl without unraveling your hair. Don't burn yourself! Keep the hair curled up at the base of the ponytail and hold it in place with an aluminum hair clip (right). Spray each curl lightly with hair spray after it is pinned.
Step 4: Wait
The hard part is done and this is by far the easiest step in the process. Once all of your hair has been curled and clipped around the base of your pony tail, give your whole head one more light dusting with hair spray and then do nothing to it for a while. The longer that your hair is in these curls the longer your style will hold later.
I usually start my beauty prep with steps 1 - 4, then I finish getting ready by getting dressed and applying my makeup while I'm giving my hair more time to set.
Step 5: Take it Down
Carefully pull the hair clips out of your ponytail and let each curl fall. You can straighten them a bit with your fingers, but don't run your fingers through them or brush them out. Handling them is the deal of the curls!
Once all your hair is down use the scissors to cut the rubber band and let your hair fall. Again, avoid running a brush or fingers all the way through it, but you can shake your head or use your hands to shake your hair until it loosens up a bit. You can also use your fingers or a comb to create a part, if needed. Lock it in with hairspray when you're done! (Woohoo! I have makeup on in these pics!)
Step 6: Enjoy!
Enjoy your sexy look! Rest easy knowing that you can look this good whenever you want and without spending all morning on your hair!
Working with Photographers
Photographers are an important part of the convention experience for most cosplayers. Whether it is a prearranged photo shoot or a photog wandering the lobby of a convention, it's important that cosplayers realize that the photographers are artists too. There are rules of etiquette that should be followed while working with photographers if you want to get the most out of your shoots.
Do's:
Label Yourself
Photographers will shoot dozens of cosplayers throughout the day. Unless it's a planned shoot and they know you well, it helps to have a label to remind them of 
who you are. Asking them to take an extra shot with you holding up your badge or a small sign with your contact info can help them identify you later. Business cards help too, but photographers can have a hard time identifying you when they are sifting through a stack of cards a few days later, especially if your photographed costume does not appear on your card.
Know your Character
Photographers cannot be experts in every character that appears at a convention. It's up to you to know your character and have some appropriate poses ready for photographers in the hall and on private shoots. If a private shoot is happening, tell the photographer a little about the character so they can capture the mood correctly. Pro Tip: Never shame a photographer for not knowing your character. Duh.
Be Patient & Relax
Photo shoots take time and a lot of adjustments. The photographer will probably change the settings on their equipment, move around to different angles, and may even ask you to move or adjust your pose. These things do not mean that you are doing a bad job! Most often, they are working to optimize the lighting or the background of a shot. Let them know upfront if you have a strict timeline, but otherwise, be patient while they practice their art. You wouldn't like it if someone sat next to your sewing machine looking annoyed that you weren't going faster!
Have some Ideas Prepared
If you've hired or asked for a shoot with a photographer, be sure that you have an idea of what you want from the pictures. Have some locations in mind and schedule it for a time with good lighting. You don't want to waste time wandering around looking for a spot to shoot, or waiting for the light to be right.
Communicate
You are the photographer's partner during the photo shoot. Be respectful, but contribute to the process. If there is a side that you don't want them to shoot, if you'd rather they only get full body shots, if your costume is damaged somewhere and you don't want it in the shot, or if you are running late, let the photographer know! Most of them are really amazing people and will do their best to make you happy.
Know your Rights
In most cases, the photographer owns all the images that they take. Unless you hired the photographer and have a contract saying that you own the images, you will need to get the photographer's permission before using the picture for 
prints, using the pictures to sell products, or for use by third parties like magazines or TV shows. Most photographers don't care if you put the images on personal blogs or social networks, but you should check with them first. (Read this great article by BGZ Studios for a full breakdown of the laws and how they impact photographers and cosplayers.)
Credit the Photographer
No matter where you post or share an image, you should make sure that the photographer is credited with either a watermark on the image or with a caption of some type attached to the picture. There is no excuse for not giving credit to the artist who made the image possible. Be especially careful of this when you share images on Instagram since watermarks sometimes are not able to be fit in the square limit of the pictures! Add a tag and credit in your text!
Don'ts:
Alter Pictures
The picture is the property of the photographer. Just like you wouldn't want someone repainting your car without asking, it's not right to Photoshop or alter images without the permission of the photographer. This includes cutting out watermarks, changing backgrounds, tweaking the colors, or adding your own watermark. Talk to the photographer before you do any of these things. BEWARE OF INSTAGRAM! The filters and picture proportions there can significantly alter an image.
Change a Planned Shoot without Asking
There is a lot of prep work involved in setting up and planning for a photo shoot and changing details without talking to the photographer can really mess up the final product. Changing a location can completely alter the lighting that a photographer sets up and changing your planned outfit or the number of models in a shot can change what lens a photog needs to use. Don't make changes without giving your photographer some notice.
Leave them Hanging
Life happens. Make sure that you have a way to contact your photographer in case something happens and you will be late or miss a shoot. Wasting their time during a busy convention is one of the fastest ways to insure that a photographer will never shoot with you again.
Ask for Raw Photographs
The photographer has made the pictures look a specific way because that was their vision. It is their art and you should respect their vision. Don't ask for the raw pictures so that you can edit them a different way. If you're not a fan of their style, then be polite but don't shoot with that photographer again. Note: This is not the same as asking for larger file sizes for prints, etc.
Crash a Shoot
A photographer with a nice setup draws cosplayers like moths to a flame. However, it is very rude to interrupt a shoot to see if you can "be next," or to stand right next to the shoot talking loudly or tapping your foot. Move a little way off and wait patiently. When you see the shoot finishing up, politely ask if the photographer has any openings to shoot that day. Be understanding if the answer is no.
Go off Alone with a Stranger
Most convention photographers are totally legitimate professionals and hobbyists, but an impressive camera does not always mean that the person has good intentions. Never go to an off-site or secluded location alone with a photographer that you don't know well. No professional photographer will object to you having friends tag along to make you comfortable and help insure your safety. TRUST YOUR GUT FEELINGS ON THIS! If something feels off or if a photographer is trying hard to get you alone, STAY AWAY!
Do Anything that makes You Uncomfortable
If you feel uncomfortable with the actions or attitude of a photographer, stop the shoot. Pictures are not worth your pride, or the humiliation that might come later if the photographer is taking advantage of the situation. You are partners with the photographer and respect goes both ways.
Thank you to Photographers Sonny Meas, Deborah Kountz, Dwain Linden, Mike Rollerson, Eddric Lee for their input and contributions to this article. Special thanks to Sam Balcomb for the uncredited images in this article, and to Andrew Ho and Cesar Vivid Photography for appearing in those pictures.
Fighting Food Cravings
Cravings are a common hurdle to fitness in a world where unhealthy choices are often the easiest. The leftover box of donuts in the staff room or the candy by the checkout counter are so convenient and appealing. How can we make good choices when our bodies call out for something we know is unhealthy?
DRINK WATER & SLEEP
When we are low on energy or dehydrated, our body reacts by making us crave foods that will give us energy! Usually, we reach for foods high in carbs and sugar. If you are thinking about snacking, drink a glass of water first to see if that's what your body really needs. Make sure that you are getting enough sleep, or if you can't get your 8 hours, try drinking unsweetened tea or black coffee to give you a boost without adding to your sugar intake.
EAT MORE FREQUENTLY
There is a difference between emotional cravings and real hunger. Fend off hunger by spacing out your healthy meals and having planned snacks throughout the day. Be sure to measure servings and keep track of nutritional values. The idea is to eat more often, not to eat more.
EAT MORE PROTEIN
Protein is a great way to fight food cravings, because it keeps you feeling full for longer! Protein also contributes to lean muscle mass, and it actually uses up more calories just to digest it, so it’s a great option when you are working to get fit. Every meal of your day, including snacks, should include protein.
UNDERSTAND YOUR CRAVINGS
Most cravings are caused by emotional factors, like stress or boredom. Do you suddenly want candy before a meeting with your boss? Do you end up snacking while you're watching Netflix at home? Maybe when you think about your ex you binge on ice cream? Once you identify the root of your cravings it is easier to resist them. Try elevating your mood in other ways, like creating an upbeat or relaxing playlist of music to listen to whenever a food craving strikes. The songs provide an emotional release AND won't add regret to your feelings later in the day!
DISTRACT YOURSELF
Food cravings behave like waves: They build, crest, and then disappear. If you can distract yourself for a 10-15 minutes, it's very likely that your craving will subside and you will be able to move on with your day. Distractions that involved moving are especially effective. Try taking a short walk, some simple cleaning, or making a phone call to take your mind off of food.
BE PREPARED
Study your daily routines. If you get cravings every afternoon around 3pm, make sure that you are prepared! Arm yourself with healthy pre-portioned snacks so you don’t overdo it when your cravings inevitably strike. Fiber-rich or nutrient-dense snacks are longer-lasting pick-me-ups than the sugar- and fat-filled treats we tend to yearn for. Make sure to keep track of nutritional values and servings, and make sure that protein is a part of those snacks. Having these smarter snacks on hand will also help you make good choices when cupcakes or donuts unexpectedly show up at the office.
BE HONEST & KEEP TRACK
It's easy to lose track of how much we eat throughout the day. We tell ourselves that the 5 Jelly Beans we grab from the receptionist's candy jar don't count, a drink after work can't have THAT much sugar, or that having a larger portion than the prescribed serving won't really matter, but it adds up. Be honest with yourself about how much you are consuming throughout the day. A few impulsive choices can undo a lot of hard work, but remember...
TOMORROW IS ANOTHER DAY
There are times when enjoying a piece of birthday cake with a friend or sharing ice cream with your kids is worth it! Let yourself indulge sometimes! It helps keep life fun, but be sure to be honest with yourself about how often and how much you are indulging.
I wrote this article for the NerdstrongGym.com blog!
Top 5 Moves for Healthy Hips
The hips are one of the most important joints in the human body. Our hips are responsible for supporting our body weight and they are the most important point in our body for maintaining balance and for correcting the alignment of the spine to maintain healthy posture. Hips do a lot!
Unfortunately, most of us aren't very kind to our hips. We spend long hours sitting at desks or on the couch which weakens our hip muscles and starts limiting their mobility. Humans were not made to sit in a chair position for hours on end and most of us don't realize how limited our hip mobility has become until we start trying to get back in shape.
BEFORE YOUR WORKOUT:
1) THE COUCH STRETCH
Do not let the name of this stretch fool you! It is not as comfy as it sounds, but it will do wonders for stretching out your hips and improving mobility. Start with short amounts of time, such as 2 reps of 20 seconds on each leg, then build up as your comfort and flexibility increase.
2) THE HIP OPENER STRETCH
This video has a lot of information! Watch it all! The specific move we love starts at 1:55 and really works wonders to improve mobility.
3) BANDED HIP FLEX
The muscles that flex a joint are called "flexors." This move will help stretch your hip flexors and make prep them for whatever your workout throws at them!
FOR AFTER YOUR WORKOUT:
4) PSOAS MUSCLE RELEASE
The psoas muscle is one of our hip flexors. If we constantly contract the psoas due to stress, tension, or sitting for long periods of time, the muscle eventually begins to shorten leading to a host of painful conditions including low back pain, sacroiliac pain, sciatica, disc problems, scoliosis, hip degeneration, knee pain, and more. This awkward looking move helps release and relax the psoas muscles and can combat chronic lower body pain.
5) ILIACUS RELEASE
This super simple move releases the iliacus muscle which is important for flexing the femur forward. Prolonged sitting with the iliacus in a shortened state, or just the lack of stretching over time, can lead to the iliacus adapting to its shortened position and cause many lower body mobility and pain issues. (It is connected to the psoas, so do moves #4 and #5 together!)
Making time for a few minutes of mobility work before and after your workouts can be a game changer! No matter how strong you become, you will not be able to do most movements correctly without muscle mobility. Make these five moves a part of your regular routine and your hips will be healthy and happy!
I wrote this article for the Nerdstronggym.com blog!
Tabletop RPGs: Tips for New Players
"I'd love to play D&D but I don't know how and don't want to mess up the game."
I've heard this statement from many people over the years, many of whom became avid gamers with a little assistance. Playing tabletop RPGs is a lot of fun, but it can also be intimidating for new players. Unlike most board games with a set goal and predicable player experience, RPGs change with every choice that the characters make during the game session.
Not having a "right way" or rails to fall back on can make inexperience players feel unsure and self conscious, but don't let that keep you from joining a game!
Nobody learns to play a tabletop RPG without sitting at a table and actually playing.
You can memorize everything about the game, but becoming a good RPG player takes practice. You will learn as you go, and even after playing for decades you will keep learning from new experiences. Just like the characters we play, we get XP as we go!
It always helps to have some guidance though, and so, I'd like to impart some knowledge that will be helpful to new players.
Who is in charge?
The Game Master (GM), or Dungeon Master (DM) if you are playing D&D, is in charge of running the game. It is their job to make sure that the game is engaging, follows the system's rules, and that everyone is having fun. They are, in many ways, the "god" of your game world. They create the setting, non- player characters, monsters, situations and everything else that you and your fellow players will face in the game.
It is important to note that the GM does NOT get to make your choices for you.
They can create the dungeon with a dragon inside, but they cannot make your character walk in and slay it. That has to be your choice. If you want your character to head to the local tavern instead, you have that right! (But I can't guarantee the GM won't turn around and make the dragon attack the tavern!)
It's a good idea to befriend your GM. They are the best resource for everything related to your campaign and can help you with any questions you have along the way. Work closely with them as you learn the system and show your appreciation for all the hard work they put in to keeping the game going. You show up and play once a week, but they spend hours prepping before every session. Without the GM, there is no game.
How do I build my character?
I could write a whole post about creating a character (and I probably will in the future!) but for now, I will try to keep it short and sweet.
Talk to your GM before you start making your character and ask for their advice. Different games have different flavors and you don't want your character to bring a gun to a magic fight, or be an evil character in a group of holy paladins. Or maybe you do want that, but you should get permission from your GM before adding that type of complexity to the game.
All systems have a set of mechanics to help you build a character's abilities, so make sure that you read that section of the players handbook thoroughly. If you have questions about the process, your GM and fellow players are your best resource to help you make your character. There are also many online forums where you can ask any questions that you might have during character creation.
Make sure that your character's stats (strength, intelligence, etc) support the skills and abilities that you select for them. For example, most fighters will need a lot of physical stat points, such as strength and constitution, while magic users or investigation types will need more intellectual stats. It's not helpful to have a fighter who isn't strong enough to wear their armor! Chose your stats and abilities wisely, because they change slowly once the campaign starts!
Next, develop your character's personality. Hopefully, you had something in mind while you were working on his/her stats and skills. Some game systems have personality stuff built in to character creation which give you a basic framework for a personality and back story. If so, great! Just use that as a basic structure and add in some smaller details. If not, you have a bit more to do to create your character.
What can my character do?
Your character can TRY anything that you'd like, but they won't always succeed. Take chances and think out of the box. Every problem should have multiple solutions. Success is determined by your dice rolls and the GM's choices. Choose wisely! Saying, "I shove a sword up his butt!" may not be as funny as you expect when it actually happens in the game.
Be an active participant!
Tabletop RPG game sessions can last a long time, usually several hours for a single session. The time can sometimes pass slowly, especially during combat, it's important to take an ACTIVE interest in everything that is happening during the game. That means listening and participating in character, maybe even taking notes so that you can remember important details later.
Combat can take time, but it's important that you are paying attention to what other players are doing on their turns!
There is nothing worse than being in the midst of a difficult combat and having a player do something useless because they have no idea what the last player did on their turn. Be aware of what players are doing so that you can make good tactical choices and contribute to the battle!
What is metagaming? Why is it bad?
Metagaming is making decisions based upon out of game knowledge. For example, you saw your GM's notes and know that there is a dragon in the dungeon. If you have your character avoid the dungeon, you are metagaming. Your character doesn't know there is a dragon waiting to eat you. You are using PLAYER knowledge to make a choice in game, not CHARACTER knowledge. For obvious reasons, metagaming can really mess up a game. DON'T DO IT!
Ask Questions!
Nobody expects you to know everything! Asking questions, in character or out of character, is a natural part of the game. Everyone does it, no matter how long they have been playing. Why do you think gamers carry around the game rule books all the time?