While I’ve posted this before (I’m sure it’s around here somewhere) I thought it might be nice to update the list of some of the geeky things you might want to explore and my plans for some of my geeky passions for 2013.
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Podcasts-
Yes, these have been around for what seems like forever, but I’m always amazed at the number of people who still have no idea about what they are. A podcast is a simple interweb audio show it comes out on a regular basis and they cover a large number of topics. When I first heard about podcasting in 2005 I starting looking around and amazingly enough while I add a few here and there a few I’ve stuck with since the beginning- my top (not in any order) are:
Decoder Ring Theatre – Pure escapism from Toronto. The shows alternate (for the most part) between the Red Panda (Canada’s Greatest Super Hero) and Black Jack Justice (with Trixie Dixon, Girl Detective). Both are set in the 1930’s and 40’s and are in the style of the old-time radio serials. The Red Panda will actually get a comic book treatment in Comixology at the end of the month- an announced Feb 27 release date from Monkey Brain Comics. Many times this podcast is what makes me happy during the week.
Podcacher – Family friendly podcast all about Geocaching. When I attended a computer education conference in sunny San Diego I decided to stop in on a session that really changed my life. It was all about this thing called geocaching (gee-oh-cash-ing). Sonny and Sandy are now friends and if you are interested in learning about caching I highly recommend it. It is well produced, and filled with lots of great information.
White Roof Radio – The MINI Cooper podcast. I bought my first MINI in 2005 and started listening to the podcast around that time. The format is a roundtable discussion hosted by DB & Todd with regular appearances by Chad, Gabe, and Nathaniel. The topic is MINI Coopers. While sometimes it gets technical especially when dealing with wheels and tires its a great way to get to know what is happening in the MINI Community. I will admit there have been times when I have skipped a bit especially when they are discussing in depth events I can’t attend. I almost wish they would exercise the Zaxxon rule* but over the years, Todd & DB have become close friends (again one of those great things about podcasts is they are put together by real people) and I enjoy listening to the discussion each week.
Pop Culture Happy Hour – I’m trying to figure out how I stubbled upon this podcast, but it quickly became a favorite. PCHH is put together at NPR and is a weekly roundtable discussion about pop culture. Linda, Trey, Stephen, and Glen have opened my eyes to many parts of pop culture and have added some pieces to my vocabulary including “What’s making me happy this week” and the Zaxxon Rule*
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It’s a crowdfunding site in which you donate money to “kickstart” someone’s project. There are hundreds of options and the rule is the creator of the project set’s a goal. If the goal is met by a certain date- you get charged, if it isn’t you are out nothing. The cool thing for most projects the backers get a reward in return for their support. in some cases it’s something as simple as “gee, thanks!” in other cases it might be some really cool items. Every project is different. I recommend just checking out some of the Kickstarter geekiness there seems to something for almost every kind of geek.
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Comics-
I have always loved comics. For as long as I remember I have read comics. The problem right now as a long time reader of comics is that the major comics publishers seem to be trying to attract a new audience or bring back lapsed readers. So for me, I get confused as to what to read since the creative teams or story lines are getting all mixed up. I liked Captain America, but now he’s battling evil in another dimension. Don’t even get me started with what DC has done to the Teen Titans…
So while I still try to keep up with my old titles (though I keep bouncing between reading Batman & Superman) there are a few titles that I have stuck with- please note not all of these are “all ages.”
Fables- Bill Willingham’s story of what if the characters form fairy tales were real and had been exiled to our world? Not for kids, but frankly much better than some of the TV shows presently on with the premise (although I am a fan of Grimm)
Mouse Guard- David Petersen’s wonder tales of “mice with swords” but it is so much more than that. the artwork is wonderful and the tales compelling. I’m now being very patient waiting for the next issue about the “Black Axe”
The Walking Dead- Yes, it was a comic before it was a TV show. Robert Kirkman’s story of survival after the zombie apocalypse. while in black & white still not for kids.
Invincible- I’ve been reading this since issue #1 and issue #100 just arrived this week. to overly simplify it- it’s the story of Superman’s son, except… I don’t want to give anything away. Like Harry Potter where the first books were for younger kids, the same rule applies, not really for kids, especially as the story has become more violent and dark.
Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man- Again another one of those I’ve been reading since the beginning. This started off as a retelling of the Spider-Man story for a new audience. The villains may have the same name, but slightly different powers and origins, making it really cool. Until they decided to kill Spider-Man. THings then became interesting as we discover another spider in the lab escapes and bites another kid and what happens after that. The first part of the story parallels the final issues of Peter Parker as Spider-Man which makes it even better.
While I have issues (and have mentioned them before) about crossover events and how they tend to make me stop reading a title. Once or twice, I can understand, but most of these things cover multiple issues and frankly they don’t need to- the red sky issues in Crisis on Infinite Earths. Hence my hesitance to read Batman or Superman.
What’s on my pull list? (a pull list is what a comic shop has for regular customers, I’ve had a pull list at Comic Carnival for close to 20 years now- to the point where Dan knows when I’ve missed something and will add it back) So here’s what usually is on mine: Earth 2, Fairest, Justice League, Justice League of America, Fables, Flash, Teen Titans, Unwritten, Ultimate Comics: X-Men, Spider-Man and, Ultimates, Captain America… then there are various titles that I bounce around with.
As for comic conventions I’m planning right now on attending C2E2 in Chicago, but will be skipping SDCC this year.
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Games-
I’m still enjoying Fantasy Flight’s Star Wars X-Wing Miniature game. Cecil still thinks I should play an Imperial squadron… I like the game play, and while I have a few games on my shelf (right now Settlers of Catan, Munchkin, Quarriors, and Monty Python Fluxx) finding the time and the opponents seem to be the biggest issue. I am planning on attending GenCon this year (it’s local) and hopefully will branch out and actually play some games instead of just spending money in the Hall.
As for video games- I completed and throughly enjoyed “the Room” on the iPad. and when I think about it the Walking Dead and Bad Piggies are quick diversions.
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Lego-
Yes, this is new and while coming back to Lego after 30+ years it’s like finding an old friend. While I still don’t understand the cost or the various sets or story lines. I am enjoying myself. The thing I like the most is it tends to be relaxing. I can build a kit and really can relax while doing it. Although as with many of my interests I do go a little overboard. I have promised to put together a display for Brickworld Indy and it has required me to actually attempt to create MOCs (My Own Creation) that I’m not quite sure of how well I’m doing. This is also causing me to buy more bricks than I ever thought. It all started with a visit to Brickworld Fort Wayne and thinking about using Lego Brick more at school and now, I’ve working on two different displays of Lego projects at both schools and one of my own.
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Geocaching-
I still am caching and once the weather settles down have planned to put out a couple new series of caches. While I’m slowing down (weather related and other things) IndianaGeocaching.com is going well and keeping me busy.
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MINI-
My initial plan at the end of 2011 was to keep my 2005 Cooper S until the rumored new John Cooper Works GP out, trade it in and have a new GP. In June that all changed and we went with plan “B” which has been wonderful (although all the hype about the GP is tiring). I cannot say how much fun it was taking Alfie (the Roadster) cross country. I really do love this new car, almost as much as my first MINI. Once Spring starts I have a few things on my list. First is new tire for Alfie, then I’m planning on spending the summer working on a much neglected Tink. With everything that has been going on Tink is in need of a lot of TLC and that is the next thing. Besides new tires, she needs a new battery and just another once over in the shop. I really feel bad how much I’ve neglected the classic and I hope that this summer I’ll have the time to get out there and get her back into running order to keep some miles off of Alfie.
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Finally, I’ve made the decision in order to keep my sanity- My Geek Odyssey the comic will be posted once a week, this is at least a schedule I can keep up with.
SO I’ve thrown down my list of geeky suggestions and plans any thoughts? Did I forget something? Do have something you think I should try out? Tim at Comic Carnival did suggest this week that I read the Batman & Robin Annual #1 which was a wonderful story, so thanks for the suggestion.
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*The Zaxxon Rule: from Pop Culture Happy Hour. Limiting discussion (or in some cases eliminating discussion) on something that not everyone has the opportunity to experience. This came about in the “What’s making me happy” segment specifically when Stephen Thompson for weeks would talk about a classic Zaxxon arcade game he was purchasing from Craig’s List. I feel that many podcasts could benefit from adding this rule- one of the nice things about podcasts is you can add “Very Special” episodes focused on “Zaxxon” topics for those who care.