Hiya, Batman!

For the sake of leveling up my geek factor, since after all that was the initial purpose of this blog, I've started reading comic books and graphic novels.

Classic

And I love it. Maybe too much (ha, like that's a thing).

I've only dabbled in the past in my days of working at a library; I had to shelf-read the graphic novel section to make sure they were in order. This was when the 2nd and 3rd X-Men movies came out, so it was inevitable that I would read a few. But I never really stuck with any of them once I left that job. But I'm still a fan of the movies, and am always drawn to the artwork and covers. I even made a comic book once in college, but that's another story, I suppose...

Anywho, I found on Netflix the biography of Stan Lee, and watched it with The Fiance. With Great Power: The Stan Lee Story. Check it out. It's really fascinating and on instant play. And it was a nice change from re-watching episodes of Archer for like the 10th time...So yes, Stan Lee. Super awesome (heh).

After watching it, I was like- man, maybe I should get into comics. But I'd tried in the past and was always so confused and had no idea what was going on; so originally I thought I'd vent about how hard it is to get into comic books if you weren't into them growing up...

BUT THEN, I went to the comic book stores in town. Just to check it out. Why not, right? ...And it was awesome. A revelation! A comic book fiesta! (One that my bank account is still trying to recover from...). I gave up on my usual plan of trying to find some random issue with a cool cover and hoping to goodness I'd recognize the story from what little I knew, or perhaps saw in a movie version (not a good plan, by the way). Instead I focused on what I now know are trade paperbacks- those collection of issues within a certain story arc. (A good idea!) I ended up with a pile of them - Batman, Avengers, more Batman, the original Iron Man, and Walking Dead. Boo-yah! And they were all so good, and I read them all in like 24 hours, so I went back to the store and got more! (Bad idea! The suckers aren't cheap!)

The first comic for Iron Man. So racist. Lol

Comics and graphic novels are like the happy place between movies and novels. After a while of reading them, I was like "man, did I even look at the pictures??" but obviously I had otherwise the dialogue alone wouldn't let me know what was going on. It was just so...second nature? I dunno. It was weird. But I still stopped to appreciate the really amazing panels that were crazy detailed and fantastic. Bonus.

And now I'm hooked. I can't believe I've been missing out on this for so long. I admit I've given up on trying to catch up on everything I have missed (with a few exceptions). I'm totally taking advantage of the New 52 from DC, and the Marvel NOW issues. And then I'm hoping to still work on trade paperbacks...you know, without going broke. Haha. And to support my local comic book stores in some way. Yay.

I've even set up a pull list with Midtown Comics (Here's the link.) I don't know if I can recommend them just yet, as I haven't received any yet; but I do like the variety and that I can manage it all from my computer. Also, LOVE that I can add back issues to my subscription shipment (Like The Red Star, which sounds pretty neat)...The only problem now is staying with my budget and being patient enough to receive them! Shipping monthly?? What was I thinking?!?

My pull list: Batman, Wonder Woman, All New X-Men, A+X, Deadpool, Hawkeye (so excited for this one!), Iron Man, Mighty Thor, New Avengers, Punisher/War Zone, Ultimates.

That's amazing...

Monthly subscription?? What was I thinking?!

-BeetHats

Picture...Wednesday?

While the interview is going to be tough to beat, I think it's time for another edition of Picture Friday...er, Tuesday....Wait, it's Wednesday. Ha!

Haha!



For those who don't know (a.k.a. any one reader who doesn't know me personally...if you do exist), my fiance and I are getting married at the end of this year. It will be a very geeky event, and I secretly kind of hope our officiant makes this same mistake... Just sayin'.

Happy Wednesday!

-BeetHats

Interview with a Star Wars Jedi Master

If you have been to a book store in the last few decades, walked the Science Fiction section and NOT noticed the many shelves dedicated to Star Wars - just stop reading here. I have nothing for you...

Seriously.

We are talking 100+ books. Dozens of authors. And a lifetime of devotion from millions of fans. How can you miss it??? (list of star wars novels)

No one I know compares to the level of my brother, Rodney, who I feel very confident in naming as a Jedi Master. He has been collecting and reading Star Wars novels for as long as I can remember. He has read (almost) all of them. I'm sure that if George Lucas saw the amount of money my brother has spent over the years, he'd be reclining in the Skywalker Ranch thinking that it really is easier than stealing a kid's milk money... Fortunately my brother is lactose-intolerant. So win-win.

After so many shelves in our house dedicated to Star Wars (I, myself, began to treat his collection as a little library), and so many losses to him in Star Wars Trivia Pursuit, my family has appropriately dubbed him an authority. So what better resource to discuss the legacy of Star Wars and their novels? I've only read about eight. Rodney has informed me there are about 120 published (of which he has read, and owns 84). So I'm certainly not qualified.

When I started the interview (a.k.a barrage of questions after dinner), my first question was "why Star Wars?" Sure, I remember the movies as a staple of our childhood; I don't think either of us remember seeing them for the first time. But I never felt compelled to read any of the novels, and to this day have refused to read anything but the Episodes (except for two: The Courtship of Princess Leia and Tattooine Ghost). Rodney insists his hobby started at the suggestion of our mother. (Go Mom! I mean, I always knew she liked SW, but this is still a surprise.) As a parent concerned with their child's lack of interest in reading as a kid, she took him to the Star Wars section at Barnes & Noble and made him pick one. Smartly, he went with the Original Trilogy (IV, V & VI). But he says that it was Shatterpoint that drew him in completely... Understandable since the only series he'd really enjoyed prior was The Series of Unfortunate Events. No contest. So again, "why SW?" Because Series of Unfortunate Events had a lull in publishing of the series, and Lego Bionicle didn't have books for adult-level reading, and our mom rocks.

Surprisingly, his favorite novel is still Shatterpoint. For being his second book, wasn't that kind of a disappointment? I was certainly bummed to hear that he doesn't think it ever really got better (that's a lot of years to read something that's just "good" but not great). He explains that to no fault of the other stories and authors, nothing compares to the initial excitement of reading the first book to draw you in; to make you realize this story is more than just fan fiction for a well loved movie series... It's also a Mace Windu book. That can't hurt anything.

For the record, he also really liked Death Troopers. His favorite series involved the Republic Commando Squad. But he testifies this in particular is the best "horror SW". Which I didn't even know was a thing. But apparently the secret to the series success is that even though it is one giant story arc and universe, each mini-series is very different and each author's style of writing is different. So it never gets dull. And fortunately  by the end of the '90s they retired their formula of presenting a evil doom-bringer that seemed unstoppable, giving the main character (i.e. Luke) some personal growth point to overcome, and by doing so they are capable of stopping the otherwise unstoppable foe. The newer antagonists are bigger and badder, and stick closer to the Empire's structure in that it takes many novels for the characters to work together to defeat.

Which ones did he keep avoiding or hasn't read yet? He hasn't kept up with the new ones that come out much, since they mostly deal with the Clone Wars and early SW events. Lucas has made it apparent he's more focused on recruiting new generations of SW fans than keeping his long-time fans happy. The new books don't come out as often, and while they keep consistency (apparently mistakes are few and far between), they are geared more towards the new generations of fans. This strategy doesn't seem to bother Rodney. In fact, he even has respect for the authors who only wrote one or two before realizing the force just wasn't strong within them (in other words, they sucked at it). Sure, they are a pain to read, but they must have made huge efforts to study SW to maintain their great record for consistency; a feat which only those really dedicated to SW would even attempt. For those he likes, I asked if he ever crossed-over to read anything else non-SW they have published? Not really. He enjoyed James Lucerno and Aaron Allston, but he doesn't read any non-SW authors unless they've contributed to other series he's dabbled in.

When I asked for specific books he disliked, he confessed that he couldn't finish the last of the Han Solo Trilogy. I agree that they aren't very well written. (Add the first one to my list. I guess that makes nine.) And the non-Chewbacca side-kicks are annoying. Like the cat guy. No good. And the Lando Calrissian Trilogy apparently includes flying whales. I dunno. Other least favorite characters? We agreed that Darth Bane's apprentice sucks- the whiney little girl with a bad temper. Yeah, her. (Ten! I've read ten!). And the Sorcerers of Tund. Who knew...

What am I saying? Rodney knew. Of course.

So where does he see the future of the SW universe? He isn't sure, and he doesn't think LucasArts is either. When Old Republic's MMORPG came out everyone focused on that particular arc. And Clone Wars TV shows are generating more revenue than the novels ever did; but they are also leading the way on the story's canon, pushing the books aside or even forcing re-writes when there are discrepancies. Now that Disney has acquired SW, it doesn't look like the way is any more clear. With the promise of future SW movies VII, VIII, & IX (well, that just looks weird...) that will very likely ignore the books, he's not sure what room they've left for new books at all.

But for those who are wanting to get into the book series now, he recommends reading the Episodes first, and then branching out to the other SW series that have the same authors.

It will be interesting to see where they go, and if Rodney follows. He's currently focusing on Tolkien's works; having read The Silmarilion three times now. (He does not re-read SW, other than for reference and study.)
Finally, I asked, "Do you think you'll ever read the Star Trek series?" Everyone at the table got quiet, and waited for an answer...

"No."


May the Force be with you!

-BeetHats

Ice & Fire. Ice & Fire. Ice & Fire.

Not Fire & Ice, as I always seem to think is the case. Alas.

Anyway. I've finally finished Clash of Kings. So it's time for a review, eh?

Let me start with a fun little story. I was just at annual work trip that I've been going to for years. But two years ago I went and had my interview and got my current job. And at that trip, I was reading Game of Thrones. (Review: it's frickin' awesome). So just a week ago, I was back at the same hotel for the same event...and only just started book two! Are you kidding me? The series has been out for more than a decade. There is no excuse for this! But there you go. Two years. Two books. I hope to finish three a little faster, within the next year. Geez.

Even though my pace in this book was dismal and after reading about 40% through on an old E-reader, I had to give up, wait two years and try again, I'm so very glad that I finished it. I still love Martin's writing style, which results in massive books that, even in paperback, are carried as a badge of honor for achievements in mental and physical prowess. Just sayin'.

I don't want to bore you with a summary, so I'm wondering what else is worth mentioning... For one, all the characters are amazing and their development beyond compare with any other series I've ever read. They all just seem so real. No one is pure evil or good. It's all a mish-mash of morals. You get halfway through this book, and you'll be like..."what, did I just cheer for a jerk??" (I'm looking at you, Theon.) or "was Sansa really that clever? who knew?!"

This book almost brought me to tears, a rare feat. The story was paced really well, and it didn't seem to have any characters whose chapters I wanted to avoid (unlike in Games). I may have stopped reading every day once I got to a Bran chapter, but I still picked it up the next day and kept on truckin'. Boo-yah! And before you know it, even his story got a lot better! ...My favorite was probably Jon Snow. I know Tyrion and Arya are both badass, but Jon chapters were always a nice respite from the political drama. I'm sorry but I can only learn so many Lords and Sers.

Also, I think the 'smut' was a lot less frequent in this book than Games (and definitely a lot less than any episode on HBO. Ugh.). So, honestly, that was a nice change.

Overall, I definitely recommend this series. And this book in particular (so far). I'm totally excited to read the next one (already have it started!). I know a lot of people have been telling me that three is a lot better than two, since it's "got more action". But I think two was awesome. So now I have no idea what to expect...Although I love that three just jumps in right in the middle of the end of two (if that makes any sense at all, without mentioning events).

In case you have seen the show, or read the books, and haven't seen these pics floating around the internet (particularly HERE). A few of my favorites:




Winter is coming!

-BeetHats

STILL Dead

Apparently Fridays are for pictures!

I'm reading A Clash of Kings right now, and I found this super hilarious photo:



And because cats are still awesome, even when they're evil:


(not my drawing at all, by the way. here is a pseudo-source for you: link)

Have a very merry weekend!

-BeetHats

Sheldon Cooper is on My List

Let's be honest, this commentary was going to be inevitable; even if I have only just started to really watch the Big Bang Theory...

My initial stance: intrigue. At the time when it really started to gain popularity, I was in the middle of getting my Bachelor's degree in Philosophy. Apparently some of the field's "catch-phrases" were being used as punchlines. So many friends, family and professors brought this show to my attention, often in the form of, "this Sheldon guy sounds just like you!" (or from my professors-- "...sounds just like US!" followed by a happy dance and an awkward attempt at a high five.)

Then I watched the show...And thus began, which I know now to be (thanks to BBT) as Schrodinger's Friendship (see: Big Bang Theory Wiki). In this case- I simultaneously like and dislike The Big Bang Theory (and even more specifically, Sheldon Cooper).

After my introduction to the show's existence, I just had to see it for myself. Unfortunately, I was disappointed. I couldn't find the humor using philosophical or scientific terminology as a punchline, when it's being used in (usually) a correct way. This is just how people talk, right? (Although in this case people = geeks, I suppose. But those are my people anyway). Sure, I should be relieved that they were using it correctly, but that doesn't mean it's funny. It's just dialogue at that point, and I couldn't understand why it was always being followed by a laugh track. Are they laughing with them or at them?

Also, Sheldon is a kind of a jerk. Not a villain, but definitely disturbed (I don't care if his mother had him tested!) He's rude, stubborn, arrogant, and rude again. Who cares how brilliant his character is supposed to be; I'm pretty sure a comparison is not a compliment. (Thanks a lot friends and family...although in a moment of fairness, anyone who knows me personally may be justified at times in making said comparison. Except my mortal enemies.) So why would I want to watch a show where the alpha-geek is such a jerkish and unlikeable character? Sheldon Cooper, you are on my list!

Plus, the show's growing popularity has seemingly created, or enhanced, a sub-culture of geek wanna-be's (I wanted to call them "wanna-be-geeks", but then it turned into "wannabeeks".) Geek culture has now become mish-mashed within pop-culture. Generally speaking, geekery's trademark is not being cool (and if I may say so, not caring if one is cool). And there hasn't really been any desire from outsiders to imitate. But now that being a geek has become a trend, thanks to shows like Big Bang Theory, it's created a horde of wanna-be's. There are now people who have fake interests in our hobbies and pursuits. They laugh every time Wil Wheaton is on an episode, but they wouldn't watch an episode of Star Trek (any generation!) if you paid them...well, maybe if you paid them. It's become very frustrating to try to talk to someone about geek interests, when their interests are so insincere...Or conversely, they will only like something because Sheldon and his gang like something, but would never even considered it otherwise (no matter how many times you may have recommended it before).

Simultaneously, and as I've watched more episodes, I've started to actually appreciate how relate-able the show can be at times. I'm not a scientist by any stretch, and I've given up on staying in academia, but I am drawn to the show for it's smart dialogue and witty banter. Sometimes it really can be funny; e.g., Schrodinger's Friendship is pretty darn hilarious, I think. Plus, watching them play D&D or shop for comic books is kind of awesome. I remember how awesome it was on How I Met Your Mother when Ted confessed to meeting his then-girlfriend on World of Warcraft. So to it's credit, Big Bang Theory is like that just all the time...

And I've decided that it's laughing both with and at them. And sometimes it's even at ourselves. But that's okay. It means we aren't taking ourselves too seriously, which means we are on track to avoid becoming even more like Sheldon than we all probably are.

And that's another thing. Sheldon is kind of a intellectual badass. I haven't figured out why yet specifically. But I suspect it's because he 100% reflects the notion that a geek doesn't care if they are cool are not, or popular or not. He just is geek for the love of geek. And a balance of smarts and smart-ass. Could it be that perhaps I've become envious of my mortal enemy for attaining a level of geek-awesome that I can only hope to achieve? Probably. Dammit.

Lastly, I do have to give major props to the writers and actors of Big Bang Theory for bridging the gap between geek culture and pop culture so successfully. I mean, not many shows have had such a widespread audience that includes both geeks and non-geeks alike; they seem to have mastered their formula by incorporating Kaley Cuoco's character, Penny, and showing that we really can all get along. Most of the time. So there is no denying that the lines have been blurred; especially with the mass appeal of comic book heroes' movies, and other similar shows like the IT Crowd. And the wannabeeks? I suppose it's not so bad to have people want to be a part of what makes us so awesome, you know? And if it does result in someone actually learning to appreciate our hobbies and interests and pursuits then it's not so bad. The more the merrier, right?

Geek out-

BeetHats

Happy Friday.

Grumpy geek is grumpy.

Partly because I had thought of a great lil' post last night, but forgot it when I woke up this morning. I've got nothing. Except I remember something about being grateful that Pinterest is not Pin-tryst... I don't even know what that's about though. Even if it is a fun play on words.

So with nothing left to even closely compare to my awesome Alfred impersonation from earlier (which still makes me laugh by the way), I'ma use cats for cheap laughs:

Hopefully by next time I'll be more like this instead:



Happy Friday,

-BeetHats

Go Semi-Sedentary!

I was wrong. Calling the work day an 'instance' does not make it more adventuresome...I love my job, but still. Not a video game. Or D&D session. And I'm pretty sure my office-mate would be bothered if I wore a snazzy helm all day.

In other news, this geek is going to workout! After my cheer for my new years resolution of more geekiness,  I apparently muttered something to the effect of "...and get in better shape." *Sigh* I will definitely be calling my workouts 'quests', for the record. And hope that a chocolate-y snack is my reward (doubtful).

So, in the spirit of resolutions and a new year, here are my suggestions if you too are a geek looking to work out a bit this year as well:

Go crazy-action-super-star with it. Let me be very clear- lifting weights is boring. And I couldn't do a push-up if my life depended on it. Like, if I was Bruce Wayne in Batman Begins when Wayne Manor was on fire, and the giant log/beam thing was laying on top of me, and Alfred was all "hey, watcha do all 'em push-ups for if you can't lift this?" ...I would have died.

So what do I mean? Well, I've found that instead of doing a decent job at lifting weights (small, very light weights), it's much more enjoyable to do a kick-boxing workout without any weights. I'm not saying go and jump into something like P90-X. But find an all-around full-body work out that may or may not include weights. And then if includes weights, do it without them. I found RushFit- which is pretty much a Taebo type thing without Billy Blanks yelling at me to 'bend my knees'. So it's pretty much cardio and kickboxing.

And I suck at it. Hardcore. I'm sure I look ridiculous and am only burning half the calories I'm supposed to. BUT, I don't care. I just imagine I'm some crazy chick version of Chuck Norris. Plus, I'm moving around and being way more active than the crazy couch-potato version of me on a Tuesday. So that's got to count for something right??? I think so.

Alternatively, go semi-sedentary. If you don't want to jump around your living room or at all, then I suggest that you don't. Because you won't. Also, there is another way! I've discovered Spinning, and Rowing. Apparently, these are both really good sources of cardio, which is a good thing for people like me whose 'instance' includes sitting at a desk all day. Spinning is just indoor biking and helps build your leg muscles. And rowing is...rowing, but its great for your core and back. And here is the very best part! Although these workouts may not make you feel like an action star, they are workouts you can do while watching action stars! Boo-yah!

Seriously. I love the reviews for the recumbant spinning bikes, because they are often a dude that's like "I lost a mega-ton of weight on this thing, while playing video games..." What?! That's like the definition of win-win. I can now sit on my butt after work watching an episode (or two...or three) of Doctor Who...but it's good for me (and not just for my soul!)?? Sign me up. NOW.

So, that's my thoughts on that. I suppose I should say that you should talk to your doctor before you start any workout regimen...I didn't. But I don't know you! So, maybe you should do that first...Damn it Jim, I'm a blogger, not a Doctor...ha.

Wish me luck!

-BeetHats

World of Warcraft (now with less war, more craft!)

I spent most of yesterday playing World of Warcraft, for the first time in a few months. This was awesome. I even played enough that my fiance decided he wanted to revive his account. This was equally awesome.

But then I realized I had been playing on his laptop. Bummer.

So here I am, back on my own computer waiting for the latest patches to install, and I thought I would say hello again. Really get in the habit of updating this thing, you know? ...Also, I had a thought that I figured was worth sharing...

WHY IS WOW SO ADDICTIVE????
The most of yesterday that I spent playing- I didn't even do anything worthwhile! I spent half my time queuing for dungeons, and the other half roaming around trying to find rough leather because I didn't want to buy it in the auction house and I was super behind on my leather-working... are you kidding me? We're talking hours. HOURS. I only took breaks to work on laundry, so I could pretend to be equally productive in real life. And yet, it was a totally satisfying afternoon. Let's be honest, dungeon loot is way better than laundry loot- it never drops money for me since I never carry cash; and instead, all I found were the remnants of a pair of earrings that I had borrowed from my mother and apparently tucked away in a pocket for the dryer to destroy. Not nearly as fun...

So why? I really think it's just because it isn't real. I think that's the simplest explanation for why it's so enjoyable. You die? Meh, go find your body and hope you don't get ganked again. You tight on coin? No worries, sell a bunch of random stuff you don't need but always seem to have. Plus, you never have to clean, and the 'chores' are brilliantly called quests, so that it's an adventure to even go find some stupid carp thing that even the local fisherman is too lazy to go retrieve (and it's like, his job!).

Maybe this can give us clues as to making real life for "addictive"- perhaps I should start calling all my real chores 'quests' and going to work as an 'instance'. It just might be the trick...

Anywho, patch is loaded. I'm out of here!

-BeetHats