Who Would've Thought? / Thank You!

When I started this semester at CSUF, the last thing I thought I'd be assigned was a blog. I've been totally anti-blogging for years, so you could imagine my feelings when I was assigned one...
However, I have had a lot of fun with this assignment and plan to continue it on past the class. I want to keep blogging on here, making video blogs, and doing other fun things like my "Lil Batman" Instagram page.

So, what I'm trying to say is thank you to Professor Scauzillo! Thanks for helping me see how fun blogging can be (even if you marked me down a point on my video blog, which I'm convinced is because you're a Superman fan!).

Now, to the Batmobile!

Awesome Battles!

Hey guys! Check out this series I've been watching on Youtube. Bat in the Sun presents Super Power Beat Down! two heroes, but only one can win!

Super Mega Concerns...

Power Rangers Megaforce concluded, which means that Super Mega Force is on its way early next year! What is particularly exciting about this upcoming season is that all previous ranger powers are to be featured through the use of the "ranger keys." In other words, the current ranger team can utilize and transform into any ranger that came before them. Pretty cool huh?

This season SHOULD be one of the best, but with my knowledge of Power Rangers and my knowledge of Super Sentai's Gokaiger (the Japanese equivalent to this season), there are a few lingering questions I have.

1. Who The Hell is This Guy?!?!?!?

The ranger above shouldn't be familiar to any ranger fans. That's because he isn't a ranger! He comes from the Japanese Sentai Dairanger. With the exception of the first seasons white Ranger and the Mega Zords, Dairanger was never adapted into a Power Ranger season. Yet, the Dairanger suits keep appearing in the commercials and in some of the toy line. I'm interested to see if Dairanger is indeed adapted, but I wonder if it is too little too late.

2. A Random Color Change

The Super Megaforce team is being presented as a "power up" of sorts for the current Megaforce team. Instead of all new teenagers, we get the same group who will morph into their original powers, and then into these powers (according to what the commercial looks like). One problem: Megaforce features a black ranger while Super Megaforce features a green ranger. Whats the explanation? I'd love to know...

3. The Fate of RoboKnight

In the season finale of Megaforce, we see RoboKnight seemingly make a self sacrifice to save the other rangers. However, the ending suggests that RoboKnight was able to get away, we just don't know where. With that being said, and since we know that Gokai Silver will be adapted into the Super Megaforce Sixth Ranger, one has to wonder what the new series has in store for RoboKnight, if anything.  

These are only three of the questions I have. I'm anticipating the upcoming season, but who knows what answers it'll hold.

Waiter! There's an Avenger in my Dole Whip...

Not too long ago, comic book fans everywhere cringed as Disney announced its purchase of the Marvel brand.

We feared the worst...

 ...but it hasn't been so bad so far. Actually, some of it has been kind of cool!

My only request: Keep the heroes away from the theme parks!

The Innoventions building at Disneyland now houses an Iron Man exhibit and a Thor meet and greet. Both attractions are admittedly cool, and I've enjoyed both. Both these interactions were great advertising tools for the release of Iron Man 3 and Thor 2: The Dark World. I have no issue with advertising! An occasional limited time engagement is kind of cool!

What I don't like is the Marvel merchandise that is now sold in the theme park stores. I've always liked that Disney didn't sell stuff that you could find anywhere. Most products were found only at Disneyland, or at least a Disney Store. The Marvel merchandise now sold at the Disney Resort can be found at a local Toys R Us or Target; just sayin...

I love my Disney and I love my comics, but I don't necessarily want them at the same time. The small exhibits are cool, but I fear an eventual "Marvel Land" or a permanent home for the Avengers in Innoventions. 

Deck the Halls with Guts of Reindeer

If you're anything like me (which if you are I'd see a professional...), you love the Holiday season, but your heart still belongs to Halloween...

Fear not my demented little elves!

Sinister Pointe is holding their annual Not so Merry Christmas event December 13th, 14th, 20th, and 21st. 

This event takes the Christmas Spirit and massacres it with the fun and terror of Halloween. fair warning, this event is not for the squeamish, or easily offended. I wouldn't recommend taking children under 13...unless of course you're just that much of a horrible person.

I attended last year and had a blast! I should be there with my girlfriend and hopefully a few other friends on the final weekend.

Video Games and Marching Band?

I'm an Oregon Duck Football fan, but right now my musical heart belongs to Ohio State...

Geeky Things on My Holiday Wishlist

Tis the season everyone! With everyone writing a list to Santa, I figured I should do the same. Here are three things I hope to find under the tree...

 1) Power Rangers Super Mega Force Legendary Morpher

We just saw the conclusion of Power Rangers Mega Force, which means Super Mega Force is on its way early next year. With a new season comes new toys! This ranger team will harness the power of every previous power ranger using their new legendary morphers and the ranger keys...Any hardcore ranger fan should plan to do the same.

 

2) Disney Infinity Figures

 I am a big fan of the Disney Infinity game. I hope to expand my collection of figures with the addition of Rapunzel, Venellope, Buzz, Perry, and Elsa! Some new Power Disks would be awesome too! Waves two and three of the Infinity franchise have too kind to fans of the game.

 

 

3) Man of Steel

I may be a hardcore Batman fan, but even I can admit what an awesome movie this was! This should be a priority on any super geeks movie list.





The Day Thor Opened a can of Worms...

This past week while dress shopping with my girlfriend Joni, she spotted and pointed out a sweater that portrayed Batman and Robin in an Adam West / Burt Ward style. Before she could say, "Holy cold weather Batman," I was at the register making my purchase. My girlfriend then went on to surprise me even further by suggesting that she buy one of the same sweaters so we could match the next time we went to
 Disneyland. I know, isn't she great?

Anyways, that Friday, we went to the Happiest Place on Earth with our matching sweaters, and unintentionally matched jeans and black shoes. Yeah, we were THAT couple!

One of the things we went and saw while there was the Thor Exhibit and Meet and Greet in the Innoventions building. When we approached the God of Thunder, he immediately acknowledged our matching attire.

"Who is this Batman?" he asked.

Joni quickly replied "He's a super hero, like you!"

"The best superhero, no offense...," I corrected.

Thor chuckled and said, " You consider me a superhero?"

At this point, Joni started to back away; she knew where this was going.

"Yeah, but you're not batman..." I said with an ornery grin.

Anyways, he got me back by saying to pose like a super hero like Batman would for our picture. He copied, and then said, "I feel rather silly..."

Thanks to the individual playing Thor. Our interaction was a lot of fun and definitely a highlight of our day.

Can Pokemon Lose its Pokefun?

I bought Pokémon Y the day it was released alongside Pokémon X. I haven't kept up with the show in years, but I have consistently played the games out of habit and tradition. Besides, I do genuinely enjoy them.

The new game is awesome for many different reasons. We FINALLY have 3-D graphics and pokemon; not just "sprites." We FINALLY get some player customization. We FINALLY get to explore a new region with all the old pokemon we love and not just an overwhelming number of new species we know nothing about. Plus we got friend safaris, wonder trades, Mega Evolutions, and a whole lot of other goodies.

Trainers, breeders, and fans alike...I got bored.

As soon as I "completed" the game (aka I beat the elite four), I started training pokemon for a concept we had at school; The CSUF Pokémon League. We were to have a tournament, and the top five players would become our champion and elite four. If placed in the elite four, you were to have a team full of one type. I chose my favorite type, which is also one of the biggest challenges to train: Dragons.

I have my team, but I'm not exactly having fun. There's almost too much to put into a good, competitive team. EV's, IV's, sweepers vs tanks, physical vs defense, friendship, pokeamie....it all makes my head spin...

I guess my main concern is that maybe by putting all these different elements into the game we lose the essence of the fun, but maybe that's just me...

Things to do at a Con besides the obvious....

You're walking around a crowded convention center, surrounded by fellow geeks dressed in spandex they probably shouldn't have squeezed themselves into. You walk around to each vendor, but you're not buying anything, since "you don't really need that, as cool as it is" (but lets be honest, you'd be purchasing those movie replica batarangs if it weren't for the fact that you blew all your cash the first day). There may be a panel or two that you want to attend, but they're not for a few hours...what do you do?

Play one of the games that my Uncle Chazz and I play!

1. Stages of Life Wonder Woman

 

True, there are some very awesome cosplays out there, but for the other 90%, a super hero t-shirt from Hot Topic should have sufficed. Most people, good cosplay or not, are more than happy to take a picture for you. Maybe there's a "get your hand out of the cookie jar" Wonder Woman, or an Iron Bieber: The Avenger We'd All Like to Forget. Whatever it is, snap a picture, and throw it on your Instagram and / or Twitter with a funny caption. Just don't forget to hashtag #stagesoflifewonderwoman.

2. Bag Bombing
 

 We all get crap from random vendors that we don't want; business cards, little pins, assorted writing utensils, you name it. Don't want it? Drop it in some unsuspecting guests bag without them noticing. It's not always easy, but its a holler and hoot when pulled off! See how good you can get at it!

3. Comic Con on a Budget
 





This can be a little difficult, but a lot of fun and a super cool story once you've done it! Take $5 and go around to each vendor. Pick up as much as you can with the little cash that you can. The trick is to get something cool, and not just a rinky-dink comic or toy. Get something that you want; something that's you. My uncle picked up several Crisis on Infinite Earth's books with just a little cash, and was completely satisfied taking them home and reading them! Find something that will do the same for you!

 

See you at the next con guys! Make sure you're cosplay's good; I'll be watching!

Personality Crisis!!!!!

Ever since last night, I've been waging an internal battle, and here's why....

Last night, I finished reading Super Man: Red Son.

 

Ask my family, closest friends, girlfriend, and nerdy cohorts; I HATE SUPERMAN!!! He's nothing but an overrated cheater with a cape and a "S" on his chest!

 

That being said, Red Son has now overtaken The Watchmen as my favorite title.

 

This particular epic takes the All American hero Superman and asks "what if he had landed in Soviet Russia instead of the U.S.A." The combination of politics, superheroes, and an all around well written story with just as phenomenal art left me speechless and my jaw on the ground. I was almost sad that I had completed the story...

 

The Batman fan in me is utterly disgusted!

 

All joking (and some seriousness) aside, this is a phenomenal story.  Anyone who likes Superman, or who is just looking for a great read should definitely add this to their comic book to-do list.

 

Now, somebody get me a cape and cowl before I start talking about birds, planes, and speeding bullets...

 

 

Check out this little guy on Instagram...

Villains big and small beware! Lil' Batman has made his way to Instagram! Follow him as he makes his big adventures!

Happy Thanksgiving From The Geek and the Nerdy!

Hope you all have a great day eating good quality food with better quality company!

Now Go get Fat!

Nerd Alert Presents: Batman versus Superman

Originally, this was just an assignment, but I enjoyed it so much I'm gunna try my hand at video blogging. Anyways, I present the first installment of Nerd Alert! Enjoy!

CD Review: Dreams Aren't Real but These Songs Are

If there are two things I love, it's ska and Disney! So...

One of my favorite bands, Suburban Legends, recently released a CD that took some of the most popular Disney songs and gave them a skankin' new tune...

It's called Dreams Aren't Real but These Songs Are

 

This fun CD features six songs, five from Disney movies and one from an old Disney Channel TV show that my generation should be very familiar with.

 

This isn't the first time that Suburban Legends has released Disney covers. This CD is preceded by a release of Gummi Bears (a cover of the Theme Song of the Gummi Bear TV show) and Just Can't Wait to Be King and Under The Sea on their previous record, Day Job. They have also already released two music videos off the album.

 

Suburban Legends also frequents Tomorrowland Terrace at Disneyland, and is one of the more popular performers at the venue.

 

The CD is tons of fun, especially when you're listening with a car full of obsessed Disney fans on the way to Disneyland. My personal favorite is Colors of the Wind.

 

The CD can be purchased on ITunes or the band's website, suburbanlegends.com, as well as at their shows. They are going on tour soon, so keep an eye out!

 

http://youtu.be/BgMG-hg7UpE

https://www.facebook.com/suburbanlegends

 

 

Movie Review: Bad Grandpa

Sorry I've been M.I.A. readers. I worked Rob Zombies Great American Nightmare during October, still had school, and then had to catch up on school and return to "civilian life" once November hit. With all that plus some personal stuff going on, blogging has been the last thing on my mind...

But anyways, I'm back with your ultimate geeky utility belt, so lets get back to speed with a movie review...

About a week ago, I was in a bad mood and looking for an excuse to get out of the house. I ended up at my local movie theater, wasting money on what I am now here to warn you about...

I learned that there are two things that should never go together: Jackass and plot.

 

 

Bad Grandpa features Jackass star Johnny Knoxville as Irving Zisman, an elderly widower who is suddenly stuck with his grandson at his side.

 

The film attempts to give a flowing plot while still incorporating the regular hijinks and shenanigans of the popular Jackass franchise...

 

...It doesn't work...

 

Some of the pranks are semi-funny, but the effect is lost without the usual lovable cast. I'll admit, some of my laughs were forced in an attempt to make me feel like I hadn't wasted $11 and an hour and a half of my time.

 

If you want the old Jackass that you know and love, don't bother. True, the old Jackass movies and TV show were bad, but hey, at least they were funny...



Reporting Live from Knotts Scary Farm in 3...2...1...

4:55 pm Dinner at Chilis with Taylor and Joni

5:52 pm We've arrived!

 

6:20 pm We've entered the gates! Met up with my favorite Trickster. Good ol' Lunchmeat...

 

7:20 pm Black Magic was AMAZING!!!

 

7:22 pm Walking Through CarnEvil...my old home...I miss it...kinda hard...

 

7:40 pm Walked through Forevermore...kinda disappointed. Long, bland, and boring
7:52 pm Gunslingers Grave! Enjoyed it so much, we went again!
8:05 pm Trapped: The New Experiment! Wish us luck!

8:34 pm No Boysenberries here! Going in again, just cause we liked it so much!

 

10:17 pm Just Walked through Dominion of the Damned. It was a lot darker than last year...still too pretty though...
10:46 pm All mazes except for Slaughterhouse completed.
11:00 pm Citizens of Calico...Are you ready for a hanging?!?!?!?!?

11:35 pm Verdict? GUILTY!!! HANG HER!!!!

 

11:42 pm Fiesta village is a scare zone now...if you can call it that...
12:56 am Possessed show was just ok...
1:00 am Park is closed for the evening. Monsters go and get some rest; great job tonight!


FINAL REVIEW:
What can I say, it was an enjoyable evening at my old stomping ground (for those who don't know, I worked Knott's Scary Farm for 3 years). Good company, good scares! A few notes:

Scare of the night goes to...

 Cowboy Bobby!

 

I don't scare or startle easily, but Bobby came out of nowhere, causing me to shout a few choice words. He got an even better response out of my friend Taylor, who wanted to avoid Ghost Town at all cost after Bobby crossed our path. I quote:

 

"I don't like it here! There's fog! And Sliders! And Cowboy Bobby!"

 

Mazes of the night go to Black Magic and Dominion of the Damned. Both were high energy, had amazing detail, and were dark and creepy. I loved Black Magic's storyline and DotD was just as pretty as ever. Kudos to the Talent.

 

Trapped was amazing! Not as scary as last year, though way more hands on and interactive! Worth the $60 we paid to go in, BOTH times! I almost boysenberried...almost...

 

Gunslinger's Grave gets an honorable mention. It wasn't the best maze, but the talent were very interactive. It was enjoyable enough to get right back in line after we got out.

 

Whenever Knott's hit, it hit! However whenever it missed, it missed! This was probably the most inconsistent that I've seen Halloween Haunt. Usually, Knott's offers many attractions that were not too far off of each other in terms of quality and thrill. However there was an extreme difference between attractions this year.

 

The new Village of the Dead scare zone (or as monsters have been calling it, Dia De Los Scare Zone) is an absolute joke. The costumes are either ridiculous or extraordinarily plain, and that was when we actually saw talent. There was little decorating, and any talent I saw was dancing with the crowd. It just seemed like an excuse for "The Farm" to put in a dance floor. I say nix it, or give the territory back to Camp Snoopy. No offense intended to any of the talent.

 

I found Forevermore to be bland, boring, and extremely long. Not to mention all the talent looked almost exactly the same through the entire maze. I didn't like it, but I should note that I was the only person out of my group and who I talked to who felt this way.

 

Slaughterhouse is a good maze. It has been since it debuted in 2009. However, its on its last leg. I was bored walking through it. The only reason we chose to go in was to say we did all the mazes. It wasn't much different if at all from last year. The theme is tired, along with the walls of Uncle Willy's BBQ. It's time to let the cannibals be put to rest.

 

Scare zones were kind of a disappointment as well. With the exception of Necropolis, talent was sparse. However Ghost Town was high energy whenever they were around, which made up for it. And CarnEvil, I love ya with all my heart, but you were looking a little green around the gills...

 

These are just my opinions of course. I recommend the 41st Halloween Haunt to anyone who loves Halloween; Knott's is the original after all.

 

I wish all Haunt Monsters a safe and fun Haunt season. Just don't get too comfortable sitting at the top. There's a new nightmare brewing at the LA Fearplex, and when we open next week...

 

...we're coming for ya...

 

 

This post is dedicated to the memory of longtime Haunt and CarnEvil Talent

Our Mamma Clown

Mark "Sumo" Sagato

 

Sumo Slap the Sky

 

 

 



Morphenominal Blue

What's up readers?

It's been a long day. I was out into the early hours of the morning last night with the lovely Miss Joni White (yes, even geeks have love lives), even though I knew damn well and good that I had to get up early today. On top of being exhausted, I was finally eliminated from a Yu-gi-oh tournament I have been participating in, and one of my classes is becoming frustrating as all hell. So, as you can guess, I was in no mood to be at school, let alone for nine hours...

Therefore, I have decided to talk about something that always seems to put me in a good mood tonight...

Guys...It's Morphing Time!

 

Around 20 years ago, five teenagers with attitude were summoned by Zordon to protect the world. As the years have gone by, different teams have used their weapons, megazords, and brightly colored spandex to do just that. These teams have conquered foe after foe, calling upon the powers of dinosaurs, cars, magic, ninjas, and other various archetypes.

The Power Rangers have been a mainstay in the childhoods of the past couple of generations. I am one of the privileged individuals who has been with them every step of the way, from Rita Repulsa to current villain Admiral Malkor.

Through these past 20 morphenominal years, I have picked up a few personal favorite rangers...

Go figure, they're all blue!

I'll start with the original Blue Ranger: Billy

 

 

Billy was selected as one of the original five rangers. He wasn't the biggest, or the toughest, or the best fighter for that matter...

 

He was the smartest.

 

Billy was often in his lab inventing different tools and weapons to aid the rangers during their mission.  He is credited with the development of the classic ranger communicator, seen throughout many different seasons beyond his time.

 

Billy's powers originally came from the Triceratops power coin. He controlled the Triceratops Zord and eventually the Unicorn Thunder Zord.

 

When their original powers were lost in battle, Billy and the other rangers traveled in search of legendary warrior Ninjor. Upon their arrival, each ranger was given a new coin with new ninja powers. Billy was given the power of the Wolf, granting him access to the Wolf Ninja Zord and eventually The Blue Shogun Zord.

 

 

Upon the arrival of the Zeo era, Billy gave up his ranger duties and took a support role as a technician and weapons designer. When one of his experiments went awry and caused him to age uncontrollably, he joined the Alien Rangers to their home planet of Aquitar to search for a cure. This was the last we saw of Billy, the original Blue Ranger.

 

 

After Billy, there was Rocky.

 

When Rocky assumed the blue zeo powers, it was not his first time as a ranger. Rocky was given the red Mighty Morphin' powers when original Red Ranger Jason was selected to go to a world peace conference along with original black and yellow rangers Zack and Trini.

 

Many ranger fans will admit that Rocky was a less than desirable red ranger. He was fun loving, high energy and often bit off more than he could probably chew, though he didn't seem to be a great fit for the leadership role that a red ranger usually fulfills. However, blue seemed to suit him just fine. 

When the then Ninja Rangers were turned into children by the evil Master Vile, they were sent on a mission to find the Zeo Crystal. This crystal helped reverse the effects of Vile's spell, and granted all new powers.



Rocky became Zeo Ranger III Blue.

 

Shortly after the new powers were granted, a new threat put Angel Grove and the Earth into peril.  With new weapons, a new color, and spiffy new spandex, Rocky and the Zeo Rangers took the fight to King Mondo and the evil Machine Empire. Rocky piloted The Sphinx Zeo Zord and Super Zeo Zord 3.

 

At the beginning of the Turbo era, Rocky suffered a devastating injury during a martial arts practice match and was forced to retire from his ranger duties.

 

Our last ranger of discussion comes years later in the 11th Power Rangers installment, Ninja Storm.

 

This is Blake, The Navy Thunder Ranger

 

Admittedly, I'm not into Blake's backstory as much as Billy's or Rocky's. However, I am immediately fond of this ranger for one particular reason...



Navy is my favorite color, and seriously how badass does this guy look?

 

Anyways, Blake and his adopted brother Hunter were students at the Thunder Ninja Academy. Technically, they were not a part of the original team. In fact...

 

They started off as villains!

 

Blake and Hunter were tricked by the evil Lothor into believing that the Wind Ninja Rangers and The Wind Ninja Academy were responsible for their parents death. This caused the Thunder Rangers to attack the Wind Rangers, and honestly give them a run for their money. However, eventually it is revealed that it was in fact Lothor who was responsible for Blake and Hunter's parent's deaths. This causes them to join the Wind Rangers and fight on the side of good.

 

Blake controls the Beetle Zord.

 

As a side note, I've always said that if Power Rangers ever became a reality and I were to become a ranger, I would assume the Navy Thunder Powers.

 

Whew...all that talk of Power Rangers has definitely made me feel a lot better than I was before. I guess that's it for now guys. Until Next time,

 

May the power protect you.

 

Violent Video Games

I'm sure some of the people who read this may have picked up their copy of Grand Theft Auto V by now...

...so did I!



Grand Theft auto is not a game installment that was worth losing sleep over, so I didn't partake in the mass campouts and midnight releases. No, I picked up my copy the day it was released, sometime in the afternoon, like a normal person.

The GTA games are not ones that I usually play. I was in elementary school when the original game made a giant splash in the worlds of video games and yes... PTA. My mom, being the dedicated, loving, over-involved parent that she was (love you mom!) was a huge part of my elementary school's PTA. When the game originally made its appearance, it sent the PTA community into a fury, which caused my mom to forbid me from playing it, before I even knew it existed.

As you can guess, this caused a childish curiosity that lasted for the entirety of my youth; still, being a good, parent-loving, God-fearing, respectful son, I did not play (except for once at a friend's house, shhhh!)

Fast forward to when I was 17+ and had some extra cash to burn (well, at least I thought I had it to burn). Admittedly, I was feeling a little rebellious, so I bought Grand Theft Auto 4. The result?...

...I didn't like the game too much.

For my semi-pure, kind of innocent, Christian raised brain, everything going on was a little hard to swallow. The combination of that, plus the fact that the game honestly kind of sucks did not leave me a GTA fan.

I had no intention of buying GTA V until I saw the online play.

The online play was so appealing to me that I buckled and hopped on the band wagon. The joke was on me though! GTA Online has not been released yet.

Bummer!

I've played through the story a bit at this point. I hate to admit it, but the game is amazing. I've played enough to fall a tad behind on my studies (sorry professors!).

I'm not here to talk about my hours of logged gameplay though.

No, I want to talk about a controversial topic that this game rests at the very heart of:

Do violent video games promote violent behaviors in the children, teens, and adults that play them?

Honestly, I don't think so.

I've played many violent video games in many different formats. These include anything from my personal favorite Gun to Call of Duty. None of these titles have ever caused me to want to do anything out of the ordinary.

Sorry PTA, but just because I play GTA, doesn't mean I want to steal a car, hold up a bank, or beat up the nice, pretty lady standing at the corner.

It's always bugged me that games like GTA are accused of promoting its players to take up a violent lifestyle. Other games that could be said to promote other activities or actions tend to fly under the radar at times. For example, Call of Duty has run into some opposition, but not as much as games like the GTA or Saints Row franchises. Occasionally, it gets thrown in the mix, but not always. There is also not much of an argument for a more positive influence, such as CoD promoting military enlistment. No, violence seems to be the only subject of dispute, and a select few games take most of the flack.

An excuse can be made for any argument for any game. I bet you didn't know that even children's games such as Pokémon take heat for taboo topics. In the case of Pokémon, its animal cruelty.
That's right trainers, when you send your Torchic into battle and then return it to its pokeball, you are going against everything PETA stands for.

 I wonder if the above battle would be considered Cock Fighting or Dog Fighting...maybe both?

 

Gamers, its not hard: have fun, play in moderation, and distinguish what is real and what is fantasy. If we all can do that, then the gaming and real worlds would be a much nicer place. I hope to see you all somewhere in the gamer world, whether in online play or on the leaderboards. Until then...

 

AFK 

Music Profile: The Maxies

Disclaimer: The following post may offend some. If you are easily offended by crude and vulgar language or humor, either do not continue to read, or STOP BEING A PUSSY!

You have been warned!

Music isn't generally something that that you might consider to be a part of geek or nerd culture. However, every once in a while a band may come along and spark just enough silliness or playfulness to...oh, who am I kidding, sometimes a band just has a kick-ass gimmick that needs to be shared with the world.

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you The Maxies.

 



Seals and rude boys beware, Greenland's (no, really, Greenland!) biggest band has crash landed in Southern California. They're better than any of your other favorite shitty ass bands, and they'll gladly tell you why (the even have a song entitled My Band is Better than Your Band).

 

The chaotic power pop punk band is made up front man Maximum, guitar players Android and Donnie Debauchery, bass player Mad Maxie, and drummer Stix.

 

They've even brought their mascot Bi-Polar Bear Tom

(Oh, btw, that's yours truly in the bear suit).

 

This band is not for the easily offended (or for PETA either, for that matter). These guys love to sing about their ice covered native homeland, drinking and partying, and of course, their favorite pastime: clubbing baby seals. The band is known to frequent small clubs and bars, though they have also toured with bigger names such as Reel Big Fish and Suburban Legends (who yes, they are still better than).

 



See anyone familiar in this photo? :)

 

The Mighty Mutha F*ckin' Maxies are currently at it again, getting ready to release new music and head out on tour. If you happen to see them head into your town, I recommend you pop in and have a great time! These ice cold immigrants put on a great show and are loving and faithful to their dedicated "Frozen Army." ...just don't forget your lube when you do.

 

Go ahead and check out the group's Facebook and follow them on Twitter. However, beware the infamous caption action photos you may get tagged in...I swear, I've had to talk my way out of my fair share of awkward photos on my Facebook. Check out some of their work on ITunes and Youtube as well.

 

https://www.facebook.com/TheMaxies

 

https://twitter.com/themaxies

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5xfw_1ncG8

 

Until next time, I'll end this post like every Maxie show ends...

 

I'd like to ask you all one question...are you ready? F*ck You!

 

 



 

 

The Problem with Playing Batman

In case you didn't hear, former Daredevil star Ben Affleck will dawn the cape and cowl in the 2015 Man of Steel sequel. Not surprisingly, it has sent shockwaves across Nerdvana. The general consensus amongst the comic expert and elite seems to spell doom for the big screens caped crusader and the upcoming film. I mean, there always has to be a hater right?

Personally, I don't like the casting choice either. However, this posting is not to bash poor ol' Ben. Rather, this is to explain my opinions on why it is extremely difficult to play and/or cast the world's greatest detective. Let me explain...

 

Anyone who knows anything about Batman knows that throughout his long career, there have been many adaptations of the Dark Knight. There's Batman, Batman and Robin, The Dark Knight, Batman Beyond, so on and so forth. Through these stories, you will also find different individuals as Batman (No, Bruce Wayne is not the only Batman out there). With all this rich comic history, Batman can easily take many personality styles and features when he hits the big or little screens.

 

Who can forget Adam West? Campy as he was, he made his way into the hearts and living rooms of the public in the 1960's. By no means was this the tortured soul that most Batman fans are accustomed to; yet it still worked! Admittedly, Adam West is by far my favorite Batman incarnation. Instead of what movie goers have come to expect, West played Batman as a corny, old fashioned good ol' boy.

 

 

Since the announcement of Affleck as Batman, I've come to the conclusion that I could easily see him fill the role... if it was played similar to West.

 

However, that's not what we want for Man of Steel 2, and rightfully so.



 

What we want to see on the big screen in 2015 is the hero that is haunted by his parents cold blooded murders. We want to see the orphaned billionaire playboy who turns into the hero that Gotham City deserves.

 

We had something close with Christian Bale.

 

Anyone who hopes to play a decent caped crusader to the extent we want has a job ahead of them. We can't forget that the dark past that molded Batman is hidden under a rich and flashy persona that is Bruce Wayne. Batman / Bruce Wayne should be able to be elegant, flashy, tortured, intimidating, and as close to a broken man as you can get. If any of these traits are lacking or missing, you may get Batman, or you may get Bruce Wayne, but the fully dimensional character won't be believable. That's the problem with playing Batman. 

 

Bale did a good job portraying Bruce Wayne, the billionaire. He also did a decent job showing some  of Bruce's emotional scarring. However, his Batman needed work. Lets be honest, the voice was annoying, and he was kind of scrawny...

 

Nothing against our new Batman; I believe the task given to him would be difficult for anyone. Many have tried, and some have done decently where others failed (here's looking at you Clooney). For what fans want and expect, Affleck was probably not the best way to go. But who knows, maybe he'll surprise us. I just hope they don't bring back the nipple suits...



 



 

 

 

 

 



 

Introductions / The What and Why / A Brief Profile on My favorite Comic Character

Greetings! Salutations! Aloha! Hola! and all that other "hello" jazz! Welcome to what I have decided to call "The Lifestyles of the Geek and the Nerdy!" For those of you who are immune to sarcasm, yes, I know that this is the best blog title ever...but more on that in a minute.

Without giving too much detail, I have never been interested in blogging, reading blogs, or anything of the sort; in fact, I have been very much "anti-blog" up until this point. Alas, you and I are here (well, at least I know I am). In all honesty, this is an assignment for a class I am currently enrolled in. Despite this fact, I admittedly am excited for this new venture...

Oops sorry, I'm babbling aren't I? Let's move on!

 

So what is the "lifestyles of the geek and the nerdy?" This blog is my personal "nerdiverse" that I am sharing with the world-wide web, the blogger community, the "twittersphere," and anyone else who may care. Let me forewarn you; this is not meant for primarily comic books! I wanted a place where I could share all the quirky and geeky stuff that I'm into. This may include: music, comics, movies, TV shows, haunted attractions, Disney, random adventures, and quite honestly anything I damn well please. Just consider this the ultimate utility belt for the dork inside all of us.

OK, so since I've made you sit through all this boring crap, lemme give ya something fun to read!

My absolute favorite comic book personality is not a super hero. Initially, she is not a full fledged public menace either. Most people know her as the faithful sidekick to Batman's arch nemesis, the Joker.

I, of course, am referring to Harley Quinn.

 

Whenever I talk about Harley, I always start off by saying the same thing...

 

"Harley isn't just a criminal, she is a tragic love story!"

 

Dr. Harleen Quinzel made her debut in Batman: The Animated Series. Ms. Quinzel was initially an intern at Arkham Asylum, looking to make a name for herself as a psychiatrist. Ignoring all warnings of how Arkham's strong personalities would eat her alive, she ultimately sets her sights on the infamous criminal and lunatic, the Joker. Through her interactions with the famous deranged clown, she quickly and quite easily gets tangled in Joker's web of lies, deceit and manipulation. Inevitably, she falls head over heels in love with her project. This leads to her dawning a new name, breaking Joker out of Arkham, and committing herself to a life of crime alongside the Clown Prince of Crime.

 

Of course, it is blatantly obvious that Joker has no reciprocated feelings towards poor Harley and is simply using her. Through the years, our poor oblivious sidekick has cut the chord and developed other friendships amongst the Gotham criminal elite, as well as her own notorious reputation. Even still, hints of her infatuated loyalty to her true love still exist. This is evidenced by Cat woman and Poison Ivy's somewhat reluctance to completely accept Harley as a team member in the DC comic series "The Gotham City Sirens" (which I highly recommend).

 

Unfortunately, I haven't read up on Harley since her placement in The New 52's Suicide Squad installments. Once I do, I'm sure I'll end up reporting on it. Oh! and you can find Harley's origin story in Batman: Mad Love, which was adapted from the Batman : The Animated Series TV episode of the same name.

 

Harley's Origin presented by Mojo