Geek
Medieval Land Fun-Time World
You can probably guess I’m a big fan of the HBO series Game of Thrones. If you know me at all, ever heard my podcast or read most anything I’ve written, it should be pretty obvious I’m a geek/nerd. And geek/nerds love GOT.
The show is really fun and I enjoy pretty much every minute of it. In fact, I can’t wait until it starts again with season four.
I never read the books before I saw the series, but I don’t really see that as a problem. I think the series stands on its own as one of the best on TV.
That said, I can also see the potential humor in a lot of what goes on during the show. Some of it, although taken very seriously, could be very funny if presented in a different way. Apparently, the folks who made this video agree and have taken the idea and run with it. Far.
I haven’t laughed this much in some time. That could be because I’m extremely tired (we do have a new baby in the house after all), but if so, that doesn’t take away from the fact that this video is extremely funny. Enjoy.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Krz-dyD-UQ?rel=0&w=560&h=420]
Nerdapalooza 2013
Sadly, I’m not going to the Nerdapalooza event in Orlando next week. I would if I could, because it looks like a great time with a lot of bands, and other nerdity, I would enjoy. Plus, hello, I’m a nerd from way back.
But, as many of you know, there’s this new man in my life (his name is Max) who needs lots of attention right now and also a steady supply of clean diapers and nipples. So, no trips for me right now.
However, not being able to go doesn’t stop me from talking about the event or from posting a video about it. It also doesn’t stop me from posting this link to Z’s article at Geek Dad about what to bring to the show if you’re one of the few, the happy few, to be going.
Plus, I like cool events that cater to my people and I like to promote them when I can. I don’t get anything for it other than a warm feeling inside and the satisfaction of knowing I did what I could to help out a worthy event. So there.
Oh, before we get to the video, my pal Joe Dilworth and I managed to crank out a new episode of our podcast this week. I think it’s pretty cool. You might too.
Okay, enough self-promotion, here’s the video.
[youtube www.youtube.com/watch
The D&D Animated Series Is 30 Years Old This Week
I still remember that day in 1983 when this show graced the Saturday Morning Cartoon airwaves. To be perfectly honest, I can’t remember for sure if I loved it or not. I think I did, but that was a long time ago.
No matter, it’s always fun to check out things from my past, especially the mostly innocent ones. Here’s a bit of the series in all of its 1983 glory.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YacKar7y3mc?rel=0&w=550&h=413]
A New 'Robocop' Trailer for a Friday
As movie remakes are as inevitable as death and taxes (I won’t try to fight it anymore), there’s a remake of the sci-fi movie Robocop that’s out there in the world and on the way. No, it hasn’t been released yet, there’s just a trailer.
But it does exist. So yeah, there’s that. Anyway, here’s the first trailer. Can’t say I’m wild about the new suit, but to be honest, the movie doesn’t look all that bad. Hmmmm, curious.
Have a nice weekend.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INmtQXUXez8?rel=0&w=550&h=413]
Hit Girl vs. Mother Russia In 'Kick-Ass 2'
As I said recently, I was (and am) a big fan of Mark Millar’s comic Kick-Ass. It’s a great series and became a very good movie in the hands of director Matthew Vaughn.
The second Kick-Ass movie is on the way now and the marketing department has been working overtime putting out lots of promo stuff to get fans in the mood and excited to see it. And that’s just what you’d expect them to do, right?
I’ve watched quite a few of said promos, but this new one featuring Hit Girl fighting Mother Russia is quite a good one. It also gives you a bit of insight into the filmmaking process, which can be a good thing.
Although, some people just like to come into these things cold and not take a peek behind the curtain, and that’s cool too. But with all the outlets for information available these days on the Internets, and elsewhere, that’s probably pretty hard unless your a luddite who lives in a cabin somewhere. Of course, if that describes you, you’re probably not reading this either, so let’s move on, shall we?
But if you really want to have no info or “spoilers” of any kind, I won’t try to change your mind. I don’t blame you. I get it. I sometimes wish I didn’t know anything either or that I didn’t know how movies, TV and “The Business” work, but I do.
Sometimes it can take the fun out of it having all this knowledge and experience. But most of the time it’s still a heck of a lot of fun. And even though I’m not often surprised, I still manage to have a great time.
So, for those interested, here’s the video. For the rest of you, just go outside or something. It will all be over soon.
[youtube www.youtube.com/watch
An Awesome TOHO-Style 'Pacific Rim' Trailer
When I was growing up, one of my favorite things to do was watch giant monster (aka Kaiju) movies from Japan’s TOHO Studios featuring Godzilla, Mothra, Rodan and more in titles such as Mothra vs. Godzilla, King Kong vs. Godzilla, War of the Gargantuas and my personal favorite: Destroy All Monsters. They were great fun. Still are, in fact.
This was mostly possible because of two TV stations in Los Angeles I was able to pick up using rabbit ears from my bedroom north of San Diego. To this day, I thank old school Channel 5 and Channel 13 for bringing me giant monster movies and also for first introducing me to the original Star Trek series, which I distinctly recall ran right after Gilligan’s Island at the time.
Anyway, all this nostalgia brings me to this trailer for Guellermo Del Toro’s Pacific Rim. But not just any trailer, because why would I bother with that now that the movie is out?
No, this one is special. It’s done in the Toho Godzilla style and it’s pretty great. Still love the music too.
Enjoy.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3Qygyy4204&w=560&h=315]
8-Bit 'Kick-Ass'
I’m a fan of all-things Kick-Ass. I thought the comic by Mark Millar and John Romita, Jr. was great and the movie, directed by Matthew Vaughn and starring Aaron Johnson, Chole Moritz and Nicholas Cage, captured the spirit of the comic and was a fun ride in and of itself.
Naturally, I’m also interested in the sequel to both the comic and the movie. But before I get all into that (which I will at a later time), there’s this:
Enjoy.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKZgWdBK8-A?rel=0&w=560&h=315]
Happy Birthday Gary Gygax
Gary Gygax, the co-creator of Dungeons & Dragons and the man most closely associated with the boom in popularity of roleplaying games, would have been 75 today. When he died in 2008, I wrote two pieces about his death and my personal connection and experiences with him.
You can read my piece for ComicMix right here. I’m including the one from this site below. He would have been 75 today.
Sad news today. E. Gary Gygax, the man widely considered the “Father of Role-Playing-Games,” has died. He was 69 years old. I already wrote a piece about Gygax and his death over at ComicMix. What I didn’t mention in that piece was that, like ComicMix’s Glen Hauman, I also had a personal connection to the man.I was fortunate to meet Gary Gygax after some friends of mine and I decided to have a D&D marathon at my house one Summer weekend in the late ’70s. We decided to invite Mr. Gygax to join us by writing him a personal letter. We even enclosed an article from the local paper (the Coast Dispatch in case you’re curious) featuring our upcoming marathon in order to try and entice his participation a bit more.
Sadly, he wasn’t able to attend, but he did write me a personal letter with his regrets and also graciously included several D&D adventure modules, as yet unpublished, for us to use during the game. We used them and had a great time, all the while praising Gygax for being cool enough to not only respond to us, but for caring enough to send us stuff to help make our marathon D&D session a success.
Several years later, I was able to actually meet Gygax in person at GenCon after I had convinced my parents it was a good idea to drive me across country so I could play D&D with a bunch of other kids in Wisconsin. My parents were cool like that and did it not only once, but twice.
When I met him the first time at GenCon we spoke for several minutes and he even remembered me from when I had invited him to our game. He was a great guy to talk to. Over the years I would run into him again at various events and each time he would, somehow, remember me and we would have another very nice conversation. At each and every meeting he was gracious and generous with his time.
The magnitude of Gygax’s influence on gaming and pop culture, both directly and indirectly, isn’t something that can easily be measured. He was extremely popular among those who played his games, of course, but his creations, particularly D&D, also had a profound effect on kids of my and later generations.
D&D helped us learn to think logically, to solve problems, to work as a team and, more importantly, to use our imaginations. As someone who has the privilege of using his imagination on a daily basis and gets paid for it, I , for one, have a debt to Gary Gygax that can never be repaid.
I feel confident there are others out there working away creating the current and next generations of games, comic books, movies and TV shows that feel the same way I do.
Thanks for the help and inspiration Gary. We need more people around like you. You will be missed.
Scooby Doo Walking Dead
More often than not, you come across things on the Internets that are lame and not worth the time it took you to see them and decide they were lame. Things like that are a waste of time and that time is something you will never, ever get back.
But then, once in a while, you find something that is really cool, worth the time and makes you smile. That’s right kids, this is one of those times.
I won’t say too much more about these images, created by the very talented Jeff Zoet, except to say that I wish I’d thought of this. It’s really quite clever and makes perfect sense. Combining Scooby Doo with The Walking Dead (sorta) is a brilliant concept and a is deftly captured in these images.
Jeff has got plenty more great concepts, videos and photos at his website, so be sure and check them all out. Hey, maybe you’ll even hire him to do some work for you? That would be a nice thing to do. And no, before you ask, I don’t know Jeff at all.
I just like what I like.
D&D Players Can Be Ruthless In This Trailer for 'Zero Charisma'
Long ago, when Dungeons & Dragons was just called D&D and about the time the first edition of Advanced Dungeons & Dragons arrived, I started playing the game. Back then it was a group of like-minded friends who gathered around the ping pong table in my parent’s garage and had adventures.
It was a simpler time and I don’t remember the games ever getting violent, or even very confrontational, except when we were engaged in epic battles for our band of adventurers very survival. In the game, of course.
So when I saw this trailer for the indie film Zero Charisma (a title which works for me on several levels), I had to think if I ever had these kinds of problems as a young D&D player. I was pretty sure I didn’t, but perhaps I was remembering it wrong? Or, was I just lucky that none of the people I played with back then were bona fide sociopaths as, unfortunately, the character of Scott (the terrifically creepy Sam Eidson) seems to be.
I like to think we were all just good friends brought together by our love of role playing games, the desire to use or imaginations and because we liked to have fun. I really hope it wasn’t that other stuff. I don’t like to think that I can’t remember things or that I could have misjudged people’s character so badly back then.
As I still keep in touch with most of the guys I played with “back in the day,” I guess I can just check with them and see if my recollection of events jives with their own. I’m pretty sure it will.
You can call a prison directly, right? I kid, I kid.
Check out this trailer for Zero Charisma and some scenes from the movie. It looks like a lot of fun and I look forward to seeing it when I get a chance.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRRCt0tbQvw?rel=0&w=560&h=315]
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgbLhDUqAXM?rel=0&w=560&h=315]
LEGO Super Star Destroyer Timelapse
I’ve been into LEGO since before it was cool. Back when the blocks were bigger and they only had a few basic colors. In fact, I still have some of my original sets of blocks. One day I will get them out, take a few pics and post them here. But that’s for another day.
Moving on I’m also, surprise, a big fan of Star Wars. Or, in this particular case, The Empire Strikes Back. I’ll wait while you recover from the shock of that revelation.
So, when these things are combined, as they are in this pretty awesome video, I take notice. What is this video you may ask? Well, it’s a timelapse recording of Jeff Needles, who works at TWiT, assembling a LEGO Super Star Destroyer.
I think it’s pretty cool. Perhaps you will too.
Now to scrounge up an extra $300 to get one for myself.
Picking Up the Pieces and Putting Them Away
As I mentioned previously, we moved. In fact, we did the whole thing last Saturday on what was, up to that point, the hottest day of the year. Not a great day to be hauling boxes and whatnot from one place to another.
In truth, we had movers do the majority of the actual hauling. We just have way too much stuff and, more importantly, H is gestating Project M at the moment so she shouldn’t really be lifting anything. And as we know, I’m extremely lazy (and have a useless back). So, movers.
The movers were mostly okay and managed not to break 99% of our stuff. Sure, a couple things were damaged, but it could have been a lot worse. Most importantly, they got everything in the truck, got it to the new house and put it pretty much where it goes. All for a reasonable fee. I’m calling it a win and moving on.
Although, I did call the moving company to tell them about the few broken items (again, none of them were critical or irreplaceable) just to see what they would say. They haven’t called me back yet. I suspect I will be politely told to suck it up, but we’ll see. I could be surprised.
Now we are in the process of unpacking and putting stuff away. I only hate this part a little less than packing. Although, one highlight for me was finally being able to install my Nest thermostat and get it going. Yes, I did it myself and managed not to be electrocuted.
Plus, starting to set up my office and getting Internet installed were also very good first steps. It’s amazing how much we’ve come to rely on having super speed Internet. You really miss it when you don’t have it for a couple days.
There are many other aspects (good and bad) of moving and home ownership I won’t get into now. Suffice it to say we are slowly getting back to normal.
Or, as normal as we get.
'009ノ1: The End of the Beginning' Looks Pretty Crazy
I’m a fan of movies from around the world, and this trailer for 009ノ1: The End of the Beginning is one reason why. Sure, it doesn’t have the high dollar production value of a Michael Bay “epic”, but it does have one important thing going for it: heart.
I know, I know, but I can tell these actors, and the rest of the team, are really having a great time here. And that, to me, is pretty important.
I think it makes for better, more entertaining, movies. Plus, I firmly believe loving what you do, and having a great time doing it, applies to pretty much all parts of life, not just work.
We’re all here a relatively short time so let’s try and not get so caught up in the BS and have a little fun along the way, okay? Good.
Turing back to the trailer, no, I can’t tell you what they’re saying or really, what the movie is about. I can tell you it’s based on a classic Manga from the late ’60s, early ’70s and that the movie is hitting Japan in September. Oh, and it has cyborg girls and other interesting bits too.
But all that doesn’t really matter at this point, does it? It just looks cool. Check it out below.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1zDPd10YIg?rel=0&w=560&h=315]
I'm Undecided About 'The LEGO Movie', Here's A Trailer Anyway
I loved, loved, loved LEGO as a kid (That’s a lot of love, I know). I’m pretty sure I’ve spent thousands of hours building things with those little multi-colored plastic bricks over the years.
I still have all of my sets too. They are currently in boxes in storage until H and I move into the new house. Then, I will be able to fully unpack all of my sets of bricks and marvel, once again, at the vastness of my empire.
That brings us, somewhat indirectly, to the upcoming LEGO movie. Yes, a LEGO movie. I don’t know about this. What do you think?
[youtube www.youtube.com/watch
Jon Snow's 80's Style Training Montage
There’s lot of examples of ‘80’s movies with great training montages like Rocky III, The Karate Kid and Breakin. Heck, even Scarface had a montage. Although, that one wasn’t so much about actual training – unless you count training to be a drug dealer. I do.
But what if you could combine Game of Thrones with an 80’s style training montage? What would that look like? Fortunately, we don’t have to wonder becuase someone on YouTube has already gone ahead and done it. Did you expect anything less?
So, without further delay, here’s Magooch86’s Game of Thrones ‘80’s style training montage featuring everyone’s favorite man of the Night’s Watch, Jon Snow.
That’s right, we’re gonna need a montage.
[youtube www.youtube.com/watch
(h/t to Star Foster for the link)
The History of the Superman 'S' Logo
In honor of Man of Steel, Zach Snyder’s take on Superman (which opens tonight at midnight), I thought it would be fun to take a look at the evolution of Superman’s “S” logo over the years. Fortunately, someone has already thought of the idea and created a handy infographic showing all of the logos since the character was first introduced in Action Comics #1 in 1938.
Yes, there’s a lot of them. And yes, I think they’ve gotten better over the years. Of course, I do have a special place for the one from 1978. That’s the one worn by Christopher Reeve in Richard Donner’s classic Superman, which I saw in the theater with my parents on opening weekend.
That’s the logo, and the movie, that made a young boy truly believe a man could fly. As cliche' as that may sound today, after a heavy dose of Star Wars the year before and a whole host of other sci-fi, fantasy and comic book influences and input on a daily basis, I was ready to believe . . . And I did.
Let’s hope Snyder’s Man of Steel can work that same magic again on the much older and somewhat cynical (yet still a kid at heart) adult I’ve become. I don’t think it’s too late for me. I think there’s still a chance.
Because, dammit, I want to believe again.
Is 'RWBY' the Future of Animation?
The man behind it is none other than Monty Oum, whose work on Red vs. Blue: Revelation and Dead Fantasy pretty much defined what this kind of animation can be.
But don’t take my word for it, check out the RWBY trailer called “Black” right here. Is this the future of animation? It just may be.
[youtube www.youtube.com/watch
A Few Interesting Things For a Friday
It’s almost the weekend. Pat yourself on the back for making it this far. It’s been an interesting week for sure.
But let’s put all that aside for a minute and take a look at some fun things for a Friday. Next week we can all go back to the usual BS.
Don’t worry, it will still be there. Promise.
First up is the cool LEGO Star Wars Ewok Village Set (pictured above). Sure, I felt the same way about the Ewoks as you probably did, but this is still pretty cool.
In more LEGO news the company apparently doesn’t want to rest on its laurels by having the worlds biggest LEGO space ship. They also want to build the ultimate LEGO house. Sure, why not?
If you like comics as I do, you may want to, occasionally, read them on your iPad. But what’s the best app to accomplish this? Well, the gang at Lifehacker recommends Comic Zeal. I like it, but as it’s only for non-DRM comics, I also use the Comics app from ComiXology to read my Marvel, DC and other publisher’s stuff.
With Apple’s WWDC coming up next week, there’s lots of speculation as to what the company may announce. I think we’re going to see iOS 7, a new Pro desktop, maybe a new laptop and a new music streaming service, but what else? Wired has the full compliment of predictions. We’ll know if any of us are right next Monday.
Finally, are you a science geek? Or perhaps you have a child (or two) that needs to learn the periodic table of the elements? Well, what better way than with a music video. Watch and enjoy. You just might lean something. I did.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUDDiWtFtEM?rel=0&w=525&h=295]
Happy weekend.
Seven Coffee Mistakes You Might Be Making
If I made a list of the things I love it would have to include, of course, many things geek such as Star Wars, Star Trek, Sci-Fi in general, Apple, Google, Comics, D&D and a whole lot more. Another prominent item on that list would have to be coffee.
In truth, I’m kinda obsessed with it. Not just drinking it but with the whole process of bringing it from bean to cup. I’m also obsessed with getting the best cup of coffee I can at home.
Turns out, there’s others like me.
In fact, one of them has written a list of the seven mistakes people make when preparing coffee at home. Yes, this is a list of bad things you should stop doing so your coffee doesn’t suck.
Here they are (with my notes as applicable):
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Dirty Equipment: Make sure all parts of the machine have been rinsed thoroughly and no coffee or soap residue remains. (I clean my stuff daily).
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Old Beans: If you can’t remember when you bought your coffee, it’s time to buy some new beans. Only buy as much as you will consume in 1 to 2 weeks. (I get my beans fresh from these guys, these guys or these guys.)
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Pre-Ground Coffee: Coffee that has already been ground is more susceptible to oxidation. Grinding your beans as close to brewing as possible ensures freshness. (You’ll need a grinder for that. I use this one).
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Wrong Size of Grounds: Each brewing method requires a different size of grind. Coffee that has been ground too fine is often bitter, but if ground too coarse it may be weak. Check the machine’s manual to find out which size is ideal. (Again, get your own grinder and RTFM).
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Wrong Coffee-to-Water Ratio: For every 6 ounces of coffee, you’ll need 2 tablespoons of coffee grounds. Using more, your coffee may be too strong and taste bitter; use less and you’ll end up with watery, weak coffee. (To measure, I use this
. Or, you could weigh your ground coffee with one of these
).
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Improper Water Temperature: If the water is too hot, you can scald your coffee, and if it’s too low, the flavors will be mellow. The water should be around 200 degrees Fahrenheit, or just before boiling (water boils at 212 degrees Fahrenheit). (I use one of these
and let it get just to the point of boiling, then I turn it off, wait a few second, then pour).
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Impure Water: Tap water often contains minerals that can alter the flavor of your coffee. Use bottled spring water or filtered drinking water. (I don’t have a sophisticated walter filtration system at home, yet. I just use Arrowhead drinking water. It seems to work well).
While we’re on the subject, my current preferred method of making coffee at home is the French Press. This one
Yes, it takes a bit of time and you need to clean up a bit after, but it’s so worth it if you do it right. Of course, for the real coffee geek, the next step is to start making espresso at home. I’m going to do that after the move. But that’s a topic for another time.
Until then, go make some great coffee!
Even An Alien Needs a Day Off Sometimes
Even though you’re an Alien from, you know, Alien you can’t spend all your time ripping arms off, crushing skulls with your explosively protruding jaw or impaling people with your barbed tail.
Sometimes, you just need to take a break. And heck, what better place to take that break than a nice park?
He likes the rides. How sweet.
While we’re on the subject of Alien, I want to mention how much I love this lamp. I love it for many reasons, one of which is it makes me laugh.
I will admit that it’s probably funnier if you’ve actually seen James Cameron’s movie Aliens. But if you haven’t, it’s still a cool lamp.
Although, you really should see Aliens too.
(h/t to Fashionably Geek for the Alien vacation photo)