​Hello again, dear reader. It’s been quite a while since we’ve talked about experiences that break down the fourth wall, the kind that allow us to get as close to our favorite stories as possible. That’s due in large part to the fact that I really haven’t visited a genuine movie location in ages, but the other day, puttering around on the internet allowed for me to remember a particular location that allowed for fans to step into a genuine, movie like experience.
 
Because thanks to the wonderful advent of social media and YouTube and the like, I’ve been able to get a taste of what Star Wars fans are able to enjoy when it comes to the ‘Rise of the Resistance’ ride that’s now open, and I have to admit, this looks like a pretty awesome experience for the fans. And seeing what this ride has to offer, has made me a touch nostalgic for the days when Star Trek fans had their own experience in this vein waiting for them for in Las Vegas. For there was a time when a city dedicated to good times and a chance to strike it rich, played host to an immersive experience that helped you to venture to the 24th Century.
 
For off to the side of the Las Vegas Hilton from 1998-2009, there was futuristic looking segment of the hotel that just so happened to house a unique attraction known as Star Trek: The Experience. Which was an interactive world where a Trekker/Trekkie could lose themselves in the universe they so adored and this is a spot that I visited as often as I could back in the day simply because it had so much wonder to offer the loyal fans of this storied franchise. For example, just walking into the ride provided you with wonderful sights since there were massive replicas of Federation ships hanging high above you, the kind that prompted you to stare in awe at their detail and outright beauty and that was really a taste of things to come.
 
Because just below those ships, was a small replica of the Promenade deck from Deep Space Nine, complete with computer displays and shops that offered up all kinds of official gear to take home, and most importantly… it also had a replica of Quark’s famous bar where one could get all kinds of DS9 themed treats and an adult beverage if you so wanted, which also had that wonderful futuristic feel. But while it was nice to get a steak and a Romulan Ale at place you’ve only seen on television, the rides that this experience offered are what truly made it worth your nerdy while. In part because there was a museum on the way to the queueing lines that offered up all kinds of props from the franchise’s illustrious history. But once you got past admiring the quality of the uniforms used on screen, the magic got underway.
 
Because you had the opportunity to immerse yourself in two separate adventures within the Star Trek universe, an encounter with the Klingons, or a battle with the Borg and both were amazing for different reasons. For if you chose the first option, you were magically whisked away via transporter to the 1701-D, wherein you were able to stand on that historic bridge during a Red Alert to take part in a story that involved you and your fellow tourists surviving a calculated Klingon attack. One designed to alter the future and remove Captain Picard from the 24th Century since someone in your group was an ancestor of his and this was just… a magical treat through and through. Because that bridge replica was a true sight to behold and being able to run around the decks of an Enterprise was a dream come true and while the other part of this adventure is fun in its own right, since you get caught up in a fight with the Klingons while you’re on board a shuttle, it was standing on the bridge of a ship that captivated my imagination growing up, that left my spirit soaring.
 
As for the other ride, well that had its merits as well, since the Borg Encounter offered up a vastly different experience than the Klingon Encounter. For while the first one plays upon nostalgia and wonder, this particular ride wanted to you feel a sense of fear and danger and while that’s damn near impossible with a ride, since part of you knows it is safe, this one came close to accomplishing its goal. Because you’re on a remote space station when the Borg attack in this interactive tale, and that means you got up close and personal with the Borg as you worked to evacuate post haste and I won’t lie, it was super cool to see drones walking next to you, and chilling for certain since the costumes were screen worthy. But what truly made this ride eerie, was the fact that the environment changed as the Borg assimilated it and the crew that was working to save you, and the ride gets props for making use of some baseline special effects to try and terrify you.
 
But sadly, this whole experience is gone from the Las Vegas Hilton and that is truly a shame. Because this was about as close as one would get to being part of the show and honestly, I wish all the parties involved would have come to an agreement to update it with new experiences and sets to motivate fans to visit it often. But it is what it is, and this really was quite the special ride, one that honestly… I took part in obsessively. In fact, I remember the last time I was in Vegas on my own, I straight up bought their day pass and just alternated the rides nonstop for hours. Because it was just a joy to get lost in my favorite science fiction franchise and man, I really do hope something like this for Star Trek returns someday. Because I know there are other Trekkers and Trekkies out there that would love a chance to take part in a modernized version of this unique experience.    

​I really need to get this off my chest so massive Spoiler warning for Steven Universe: The Movie.

If you’re new and you don’t already know, I stumbled upon this show at a very low point in my life and ever since, have been obsessed. If you don’t know the show, you should give it a try! It follows the story of Steven, a half boy, half alien, in his quest for peace in the universe! I mean kind of? There’s a lot of twists and turns and it’s just a really good show. The thing I’ve always loved about this show is how deep its storylines run. It handles some genuinely heavy topics in such a magnificent way. From unhealthy abusive relationships, to dealing with the death of a parents, to even LGBTQ+ issues. This show doesn’t pull its punches and that’s what I absolutely love most about it. Steven solves things with talking instead of brute force. In a show that has almost anime style fights, Steven uses a shield instead of a weapon and his main power is healing. I always felt that Pearl had the absolute saddest story of all the characters on the show. And then the movie gave us Spinel. Now, I’ve watched this movie a lot more than I’m willing to admit, and I still sob when we finally see her back story. To say that Pink Diamond was the worst of all the Diamonds is an understatement. I have never bonded with a character quite like I bonded with Spinel. I saw myself in her so much and in so many ways that she just hit too close to home. Buckle up kids, we about to get real personal in this blog. Like probably more personal than I’ve ever been.

When we first meet Spinel, she’s the typical villain. Right? Because that’s how Steven Universe goes. Only when we finally get her story, finally see what made her the way she was, we get brutally stabbed in the feelings. Spinel isn’t just a random villain out for revenge on Rose. Spinel is literally damaged from Pink Diamond’s actions. She was left alone for 6,000 years while Pink went and led her life. She even brings her Pearl with her, but Spinel? Spinel gets left alone because Pink seemingly outgrew her. Spinel was created to be Pink’s Best Friend, which means she was designed to bring Pink joy and entertainment, and she did. At one point in the movie, Spinel even comments that she thought everything between them was great. When Pink got her colony, Spinel was so excited to be on this new adventure with her best friend. Only, Spinel literally got left standing alone for thousands of years. Her actions following the incident are reactionary to what she’s been through. The trauma of being abandoned like she was and what she experienced trigger anger, hysteria, and leave her quick to relapsing into those mental states. She admits to wanting to kill Steven, but later even asks herself what she’s doing and says that she only wanted to be his friend.

To someone who’s never experienced anything like that severe of abandonment, the things Spinel exhibits look a lot like a borderline personality disorder. To me, these are all symptoms of severe abandonment, something I’ve experienced personally. My biological father left at a very early age and literally wanted nothing to do with me. And while that’s not being left alone on a planet for 6000 years, some of the behaviors I’ve developed from it are similar. That one thing has set the course of every relationship I’ve ever had in my life. It’s made me paranoid, clingy, desperate to be a people pleaser and a fixer, self-sacrificing to a detrimental level, and above all, angry. You also learn to push people away before they can hurt you, and there’s this sense of little self-worth, depression/anxiety, and self-loathing that gets covered with self-deprecating jokes, and humor. Having friends do the same thing to you doesn’t help either. The storyline within this movie between Pink and Spinel hit home for me because I’ve had a few close friends abandon me like this. The worst was someone whom I was really close with. Granted, I was going through a ridiculously tough time in my life. The death of someone really close to me triggered so much. The second I felt like this friend didn’t care I shoved a barrier between us, but I had never expected to come home and find they’d moved out and left a note. At least I got a note, unlike Spinel.

During one scene, right after Spinel helps Steven save his planet, he says something that triggers her. She asks if that’s all he needed her for, and he says sort of. Spinel is sent into a regression of rage and to be honest, I really understood that. What Steven does, however, is not fight her. He defends himself sure, but he doesn’t actually attack her. He listens, blocks blows, and even tells her that she can make this right. When Spinel yells that he can’t change how she feels, I also lost it. Steven is the friend that is there even when you don’t want them to be. He doesn’t fight you, he just listens and helps you want to be better. Which is absolutely amazing and everybody needs that friend. I’m so lucky to have my Steven. The only good thing that came out of that very dark period in my life, is John. Truthfully speaking, we became the type of best friends that have been through everything together. Without him I wouldn’t be here or be the person I am today. So, for that, John, I thank you from the bottom of my soul.

Spinel is a character with a lot of depth and in her I saw not only myself, but other friends I’ve had in my life. The friends that shove you away the second you say something slightly wrong or that is misinterpreted. And while that can be hurtful, my advice is that sometimes we just need to be compassionate and understanding. I never knew how deep my own abandonment issues ran until I went to therapy and finally worked them out. Like Spinel, I’m not cured. Friendship isn’t easy for me, and it’s something I too have to work at. But I have friends that make me want to try. I have people in my life now who encourage me and love me even when I’m having a bad day. The anxiety that comes with abandonment is something that never goes away. I’m always worried I’m replaceable, because I’ve had people in my life who’ve fed that insecurity. I worry that I’m not good enough or that I’m not invited places because I’m not as fun. The truth is, I don’t need to be liked or have a lot of friends. I am enough for me, and I can make a change. People can’t fix you, that’s something only you can do. True friends aren’t going to abandon you. They’re not going to leave you because you had a bad day or even because you tried to push them away. A true friend will always be there for you. Steven said it best when he told Spinel she deserved a better friend than Pink.

After the movie, I understand that Pink has her side, but what she has continued to do to the people she supposedly cared about is unacceptable. Spinel broke my heart because I literally am her. The best part of this show, aside from the deep topics it showcases, is its ability to redeem the characters in it. I genuinely hope we see Spinel again and that she did find her better friend. While I don’t think the Diamonds are good for her, I do think a fresh start is. Sometimes, that’s what we all need.

​Let’s talk about trauma and how it’s handled in media! Why? Because we need to. It’s very important that media show cases traumas and how they’re handled so that we all realize it’s something people go through. And for those who’ve been through any trauma to know they’re not alone. Please note some of these topics can be triggering for some and also slightly spoiler-y for shows and/or movies and what not.

When it comes to portraying trauma through any media form, it can be quite difficult for the both the creator and the audience. A large number of things can easily go wrong on both ends, so it’s a tricky situation to have things play out just right. If you’ve been here for a while then you’ve definitely seen many an article of mine proclaiming my love of Steven Universe, and the shows delicate way of sneaking things in. One major theme through the show is how it brings to light many different types of trauma and difficult topics with a positive look. The subjects that are showcased within this cartoon are utterly deep and resounding for such a “lighthearted kids show.” They tackle everything from loss to abusive relationships and even some PTSD. Recently The Steven Universe Movie aired and it brought a whole slew of other messages with it. The show has a bright shine on mental health and has interconnected characters and relationships with their own varying connections to really bring home that being not okay all the time is okay, and that leaning on others for help is also okay. Steven is able to deal with a lot of different traumas himself and always finds a way to connect with someone else and make them feel better by relating and understanding. However, while he doesn’t always have the same feelings and experiences as whoever is going through something, he does have a wealth of empathy and understanding. It’s a wonderful message to really show people. We may not always get what someone is going through, but we can be kind and listen. With this amazing trait, Steven is able to turn the most vicious enemy into a friend.

Not all shows are as fluffy and loving, however. In the Amazon series, The Boys, which is an adaptation of the comic, we see a different take on trauma. When Hughie’s girlfriend is killed by a superhero he snaps. This show doesn’t really sugarcoat anything, including violence. Driven by loss, rage and a bad influence, Hughie goes to some pretty extreme lengths for what he thinks is revenge. Hughie experiences his own PTSD which isn’t helped when he meets Billy. In fact, Billy pushes him after some reluctance and then completely projects his own issues onto Hughie. Truthfully, Billy seems to be pulling everyone down with his trauma by feeding on everyone else’s and manipulating them into working with him. Oddly, it’s Homelander, the hero of all hero’s, that is the most traumatized. Homelander is a sociopath with a number of issues, all of which were brought on by the people who raised him. It’s a really good look at what happens when people are treated like objects and nothing more. Homelander lacks empathy and is a narcissist, for sure, but he also has emotional problems.

Speaking of emotional problems, Batman and the entire Bat Family have those and then some. Granted, seeing your parents murdered is never fun and has some long-lasting effects. Both Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson had the same experience with that type of trauma and yet they turned out different. While they both seek vengeance, Grayson is far more chill about certain aspects of it while Wayne is cold and detached. Batman is quite an interesting one considering he dresses like the very thing that terrifies him. Which is pretty hardcore because I absolutely could not dress as my phobia, ironically clowns. Then you have Harley who is manipulated into being dependent on the Joker, which later she finally breaks off. The abuse she suffers at being the Joker’s girlfriend deserves its own lengthily blog to be honest. Harley has thankfully evolved with the times and pulled herself free, but that doesn’t mean those traumas have vanished.

Creatively, many writers have managed to showcase different types of traumas in their allotted story arc’s without making them seem like flaws. I think, for me, that’s the most important life lesson. These traumas aren’t used to define a character, but rather show how a character deals with them and grows with them. While a trauma can lead to mental changes, it never is a defining characteristic, and nor should it be. Still, these things can often be hard to see or triggering for those who’ve been through specific or similar traumas. I’ve mentioned this in another blog, DoesTheDogDie.com is a wonderful site that offers warnings for various possible triggers and traumas in many media forms. It’s a wonderful resource and I highly recommend it for literally anyone. The site is thorough and even includes warnings for phobias, like spiders and clowns! Not to mention, it does let you know if a dog dies in a movie, which is pretty helpful.

While sidekicks get a lot of love in comics and media, we often overlook the best types of sidekicks, animals. Recently, I sadly lost one of my animal sidekicks, and this got me thinking as to how often we see animals featured in media and how much they truly mean to us. So today, I’m going to shed some light on some amazing animal buddies in honor of my Bella. As a Great Dane, Bella was funny, sensitive, and beyond the gentlest animal I have ever met in my entire life. Just like Scooby-Doo she was also easily frightened. Now Scooby was one of the inspirations for wanting a Great Dane for a lot of people, his wild antics and gestures are very cartoonish and genuinely quite realistic. These dogs are beyond loyal and have extremely expressive faces can easily con anyone into passing some treats. Let me tell you, these gentle giants can easily reach the dining room table and happily share a meal. Scooby-Doo loved to eat anything Shaggy did, and despite being scared easily, he still went along for the Mysteries. Thankfully for Scooby, most of the scary monsters and ghosts turned out to be people. Which, if that isn’t the most real thing, I really don’t know what is. Scooby stole the hearts of millions and he deserves to live on in infamy for being the coolest best friend.

Speaking of really cool dogs that love people food and have really cool best friends, Pizza Dog. Okay, truthfully his name is really Lucky, but he’s the absolute best. Lucky was introduced in the 2012 comic, Hawkeye. That’s right, Clint gets a dog in the comics. He actually rescues Lucky and gets him back to health before deciding to keep him. The comic series even gives Lucky his own issue where everything is from his perspective, which is the coolest thing ever in my opinion. Fair warning, Lucky does experience some abuse which is very sad and off putting, even if he gets a happy ending. Lucky is a wonderful side kick that definitely deserves his own spot in the MCU, just saying, maybe a Hawkeye movie or a cameo in the new Hawkeye series on the upcoming Disney+? Maybe Lucky needs his own spin off!

Okay, while Lucky may never get his own spin off, there is at least one dog that has, that’s right, Krypto. Krypto has had his own comics and even cartoon, and to top it all off, his best friend is Superman. This super powered super dog has been around since 1955 doing all sorts of doggy things. Unlike others, Krypto does indeed have his own set of superpowers that happen to coincide with Superman’s, making the two the perfect match, which is fair and probably does make him the most recognizable of all the comic dogs. Like his human counterpart, he’s had many a struggle with many a villain and even his own death scene or two. Which, legit, can we not do that to poor comic animals?

Move over Krypto, because he’s not the only super dog on this list. Ace the Bat Dog probably isn’t as renowned, but he certainly deserves his own award. Also introduced in the ripe year of 1955, Ace hopped onto the comic scene by being lost and then found by Batman. The dog was later returned and eventually found his way into the Bat Family, where he then became the world’s coolest dog. Okay, working with Superman is pretty cool, but working with Batman is much cooler. Ace made his small screen appearance on Batman Beyond, where he was Bruce’s loyal hound. Bat Dog seems far more likely to bite first and ask later, and what’s probably why I love him more. Ace isn’t the only dog Bruce has ever had though. When Damien is introduced, we also get Titus, a Great Dane and great addition to the ever-growing Bat Family.

Dogs aren’t the only companions many of our heroes have. Redwing happens to be a robot bird type device created by Falcon in the MCU, however in the comics, this bird is just that, a bird. Sam Wilson buys him and through some wondrous comic magic of epic per portions, the two become telepathically linked. Okay, weird? Maybe. But cool? Definitely. The two can actually see through each other’s eyes and Redwing is able to understand Sam. That can come in really handy when taking down bad guys or picking up take out. I’m just saying, I’d probably use a telepathic connection with an animal for the greater good and that often includes pizza.

There are so many more amazing animals in comics, so don’t count this as the only blog! But I wanted to end this with something that’s a bit not my norm. Earlier I mentioned that there was animal abuse towards one of the comic dogs, and that can be quite sensitive to people. I’d like to introduce everyone to a website called DoesTheDogDie.com. This website lets you know if a dog dies in a movie and/or show, and so much more. It offers a variety of possible triggers, such as sexual assault or child abuse, animal abuse, and on and on. I found this site through social media and was really impressed. This site has saved me from a lot of shows that have things I cannot watch as it triggers me. I really want people to know about it in hopes of saving someone from those awkward moments of having a trauma or phobia thrown out there by a movie or show.

​When it comes to Geeky Gifts, I've been trying to think of some more interesting things to share with you guys. Gifts are always fantastic and wonderful to give as well as get, but sometimes there are other uses for the things I find. This week we're going to explore the fun and wondrous world of geeky parties, the kind that celebrate the end of summer!

I guess there's a few things you all should know about me. 1. I love Star Trek more than Star Wars (but they're both epic) and 2. I will never steer you wrong when it comes to anything involving food. Because, food is in my blood! I'm Sicilian, so that's a total possibility. As I was looking for some fun recipes, I got caught up in the fun world of Geek and the wide selection of cooking utensils that go along with just about anything. 

Given the fact that it's still summer, and a million degrees outside, there are a few key must haves I utterly encourage everyone to have in their kitchens. One of them being ice molds! I happen to have a Batman one myself (I don't have an obsession, it's more like a collection) and they're awesome. These molds come in all kinds of fun shapes and sizes. From Batman to Gummy Bears, and even Star Wars and Doctor Who. Nothing says Geeky Summer like a giant TARDIS in your lemonade. Or how about a giant Death Star? Believe it or not, they even have bullet shaped ice trays, a giant 20-sided dice mold, and a wonderful mold that makes glasses…out of ice. Now that is cool. Thanks to the material these molds are made out of, they can be used for just about anything. Jell-O, chocolate, candies, even caramels. Anything you can think of, can be made out of these fun geeky molds.
 
Also, you should definitely have some really awesome glasses at your party. Because they help to add a layer of geekiness to the event and it’s just nice to see everyone drinking from themed glasses. But, if you don’t have those, thankfully, glasses with nerdy things on them aren't hard to find. A wide array of them can always be found on the internet, but they can be found in the most surprising of places. I suppose this also falls into that category of 'what do you count as a party glass?' because we're all different. Obviously disposable glasses win out because of how easy a clean-up they are, yet those are often not my top pick. Amazon features a large selection of nerdy glasses to drink your favorite beverage out of. Here, though, is not where my large selection of cups taking up the top shelf of my cupboard has come from. Walmart, oddly, has a great choice for plastic nerdy cups! 

Yes, I know, they're meant for kids, and that's awesome too. But when you're having a party, nothing says, 'great party' like having a nice drink in a Batman cup (seriously, it's not a problem. I can stop when I want!), or maybe you just want to chill at a party that has the all the Avengers on cups! That's not all, feeling in a Disney mood? Good news! They have those too! Even cute, random, little monster's and all kinds of fun things. Now, I know what you're thinking… where can I find these and how much will they set me back? I don't know where they're located in Walmart, but you can find them on their website, or wander the store until you find them (and maybe some fun kiddie birthday party decorations. Because you're an adult and you can party however you want to), but I do know these cups aren't that pricey. I’ve found a few for under a dollar, and I'm pretty sure they're just always like that. So, if you're interested in having a fun cup for your fun party, find a theme and find a glass. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.
 
Drinks and ice covered? Brilliant, now it's time to talk snacks. There are plenty of fun things to have at a party, chips, dip, and of course… cookies. Why cookies? Because they're tasty for one, and for another, because maybe it's time to break out those really cool cookie cutters you bought. Whatever nerd theme you're going with for your party, I guarantee you can find some nerdy cookie cutters. With many a fun shape, you can make any fandom themed cookie you so wish to. Amazon has a huge selection of specific cookie cutters, but I've also found these geeky cookie cutters in random stores around malls. Just remember to bake safely! And by safely, I mean share… because nothing says, "we're friends" like "here, have a cookie".

I hope you guys enjoyed these picks! If you've found anything you want to share, feel free to tweet me @NerdsThatGeek or comment here and hopefully this helps make your end of summer parties as geeky as can be! 

​With it being, well into summer, I thought it was time for a search for some 'just because' gifts. Now, these can be for yourself, someone you love, or something to look forward to! Some of these gifts are a bit on the pricier side. Why? Mostly because it sounded like a fun idea! So, buckle up, tighten your wallet, and hide that credit card, because we're about to embark on a journey of awesome. And where we're going, price doesn't matter!

Okay, growing up I hadn't seen Star Wars, until one day, I was about 7, and my dad realized the mistake that this was. He pulled the original VHS out and we sat down and watched them consecutively in one night. It. Was. Life. Changing. I'm talking, the original, first edition, VHS tapes, with no modifications. Back when the Lightsabers were white in A New Hope. When I found this geeky gift, you can bet I was excited. I don't care what your nerd level is, who doesn't want a Lightsaber? My sister, dad, and I would play battle with the foldable Sabers you can get at any store. As an adult, I wish I could recapture those memories. Thankfully, there are real life movie quality replica Lightsabers. You can find them all over the place online. From ThinkGeek, to Amazon, to ForceFX, finding a replica Lightsaber is within reach. But what about building your own, or customizing it? Well, thanks to Etsy, and other companies, you can have a custom blade. Just know, that these could easily set you back $90-$500, but it's something that's definitely a conversation starter. And who doesn't want to be a Jedi? You can get a Lightsaber in green, blue, red, and even white, purple, yellow and orange! Whatever color you want, you can find some place to make your very own, original Lightsaber handle and color. 
 
On the same note of replica's, do I have any Doctor Who fans in the house? Okay, well, your house, because you're reading this. Or maybe you're somewhere else, I don't know, but I'm in my house while I write this, and I am huge Doctor Who nerds. Which means, I love me some Time Lord replicas. Thanks to the wonders of the world wide web (do we still call it that? Did I just date myself with that term?) nothing is out of reach. Before I even thought to look at conventions for Doctor Who stuff, I used to search the web. Well, Amazon has a large selection of stuff, which is where I got my Vortex Manipulator for my Captain Jack(y) Harkness genderbend cosplay I used to dress in. (Wow say that three times fast!).
 
As I started to go to conventions, I soon realized just how much more there is out there in the world of replicas. I have a 10th Doctor sonic screwdriver, and a 4th Doctor scarf.
But there's also a bunch of new stuff out there. You can have the 4th Doctor's screwdriver, River Song's, The War Doctor's screwdriver, the new 13th Doctor’s sonic and you can even build your own. You can also find the psychic paper, a fob watch, and River's journal. You can also find replicas of every Doctor's coat, even Jack's (I have one~) and all kinds of other Doctor Who fun things! Make sure, to check out ThinkGeek, Amazon, and EntertainmentEarth. I've even seen these things at stores, like Barnes & Noble. Thankfully, these are under a $100, which is nice for use nerds!
 
Now, I am a huge Dragon Ball Z fan. My dad and I used to watch it on Cartoon Network when I was a teenager, and for me, that's a series that has a lot of memory behind it for me. I really loved that show. Well, good news for DBZ fans, you can have your very own set of Dragon Balls. Now, I know for a fact they sell them on Etsy as a set, but here on Amazon, you can buy them separately if you want a specific number. 4 was always my favorite, because I adored Gohan. Not to be left out on the anime love, Sailor Moon has their own set of replicas, and my personal favorite is their life like, metal casts, of the staff's, wands, lockets and scepters! You can find these on Amazon, and especially Etsy.

Alright guys, that's it for today, but keep your eyes opened for more replica related blogs, as there are literally thousands more of them, I want to share with you. If you've got any replica's you want to share, feel free to tweet them to the @NerdsThatGeek Twitter account or just drop what you discovered in the comments field! 

Okay. I already know what the astute reader of this article is thinking, why on earth would I go here? Because just the other day, I said there would be no trip down memory lane when it comes to the Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark book series on NTG, and here I am writing a piece on its enduring legacy. But I ask that you bear with me for a moment. Because my intent here was never to go back on my word, but there is a story worth discussing when it comes to this saga, since it is quite amazing that a trilogy of books that feature some folk-lore related tales of terror continue to be held in such high regard after all these years.

I mean, they had to have done something right to be this beloved after all this time and be written about en masse all over the internet in the past few weeks, since so many scribes have taken the time to discuss how it influenced their love of horror and writing in general. Which is quite frankly, one hell of a feat. Because I did take a moment to open these books after all this time and I have to say, the stories really don’t hold up that well. They’re simple in nature, to the point where there’s really nothing complex to the tale in question, and heck there’s even some silly ones plopped into each book for good measure. If anything, this little surprise really begs the question, how can these books be this well regarded after all these years?

Well the answer to that question, lies within the art and the stories themselves. Because while the writing is simplistic in nature, it’s also supremely effective, because it strips away any fluff or exposition and plunges the reader right into the heart of the situation at hand. Which in turn allows for the reader to experience the raw emotion present in said story, and the emotion present on the page here, is fear. For a vast majority of the stories in this saga, minus the goofy ones, really do prey upon our greatest fears. Ghosts, the dead returning to life, death in general and things we don’t understand are all a part of this trilogy and that’s how these stories become supremely effective and stay with us.

But we do have to talk about the art as well, because without it, this book series would have been a laughing stock. Because Stephen Gammell’s work here, is horrifying to say the least. If anything, it’s best to say that he managed to capture the essence of a nightmare in his artwork, and creatures like the one featured in ‘The Thing’ still give me chills to this day because they look like something from another world and they genuinely capture the power of our imagination and for anyone who thinks that maybe, just maybe, alternate artwork would be just fine here, please bear in mind the publisher tried that. They straight up added watered down artwork in 2011 and it was so bad and removed the audience from the experience in such spectacular fashion that every original drawing was restored to the trilogy in a 2017 reissue.

The bottom line is that this book series was truly lightning in a bottle. It found a way to strike fear into the core of our souls, it brought the darkest recesses of our imagination to life and its enduring legacy is that it is one of those rare book sagas that lives up to what it advertises. Because these are indeed some scary stories, the kind best examined in the light, and it is no wonder that they are being written about ad nauseam right now by so many, because they deserve their day in the sun. For back in the day, these books were banned and reviled by parents everywhere for their subject matter, so here’s to hoping that all the love they’re receiving right now on the world wide web, engenders a new generation to seek them out and celebrate them so that they continue to live on and terrify. 

​We here at Nerds That Geek, like to think we've seen a lot of nerdy things in our day. I for one, have been on the lookout, however, for the most expensive of all the geeky gifts to own. Why? Why not!? Sometimes, it's fun to look at all the things I have yet to afford, but thankfully, the internet it filled with many a picture. It's kind of like window shopping. But, I can do it from my bed, in PJ's and not be cold!

Do you love Batman? Because, I love Batman, a lot…there's nothing about this caped crusader that I don't love. Thanks to the powers of the internet, and some awesome people, you can be the ultimate fan and buy a Batmobile of your very own. Ranging in prices from $145,565.00 to $1,600,000.00 You can be the proud owner of any variation of this very iconic car. With so many different types to choose from, it's hard to pick a genre. I, on the other hand, am a fan of the cartoon that I grew up with (Batman: The Animated Series) and would have to pick that for my car. Of course, cars are not the only expensive things out there. You can also find personal submarines, life sized rocket replicas, actual functioning jetpacks, and even tanks. These are expected to cost a couple grand, easy. But what about something unique. Something, no nerd would think to go after.
 
I also found my personal new favorite thing on this search (that is if I ever get the money, I need to buy this), a Remote-Controlled Fire Breathing Dragon. It flies; it walks/stalks; it looks utterly awesome. You guys, for just $60,000.00 you could own your very own dragon. This is literally, my dreams come true. It would not only complete my collection of dragon statues, but make parties far more fun! Come on! It's an instant s'mores maker! Of course, with my dragon, I would need my very own Game of Thrones Iron Throne replica. After all, what's another $29,999.99? It'd all be fancy in my living room.

Oh! Did anyone ever watch How I Met Your Mother? Remember how Barney had a real, life size Stormtrooper action figure in his home? Turns out, they're for sale. At just $3,850.00, this beautiful, stoic, figure can guard your home and strike fear into the hearts of rebel scum for years! If that's not enough Star Wars for you, I have good news. At $15,685.88, there is a life sized, AT-AT Walker. Think of how cool that would look standing in a garden! I think it'd be pretty epic myself. But, then again, I'd love anything from these picks!

If you have any expensive nerdy gifts you've found, please pass them this way! It's always fun to see how amazing the world of nerd can be, even though it can get pricey. That's half the fun though, right?

When it comes to television and film, spoilers come in all shapes and sizes and sadly, we’ve all likely had one thing or another ruined before we got to see it or read it for ourselves. Even more so, in the digital age, spoilers are inevitable and almost unavoidable…almost. The struggle seems to be increasing by the day so I decided to write this article – to provide a guide on how to avoid spoilers as well as not become the spoiler yourself. And away we go!
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In real life: In person spoiling is probably the worst of them all because hello…self-absorption much!! When you’re in earshot and someone doesn’t care about their surroundings and blabs some juicy deets on the newest thing, it’s enraging, simply because you have no choice in the matter. Lately however, there have been some potentially serious consequences for such behavior. A man at a Texas Domino’s Pizza faced charges of misdemeanor assault after punching a co-worker who spoiled Marvel Studios Avenger’s Endgame (Russo Brothers). Additionally, in Hong Kong, another young man was beaten up after yelling specific plot points to Endgame outside a movie theatre. I mean seriously…what an asshat! I myself have mistakenly ruined a film or TV cliff hanger for someone and felt horrible about it, particularly because I’m the person that refuses to be spoiled. Therefore, here are my tips for avoiding this in real life…

• Before beginning a conversation in a public space that includes spoilers, check your surroundings. As they say, don’t be that guy! Ask before you speak. After my little spoil faux pas, I will now ask those in earshot where they stand. Often times I’ll get an “I don’t care,” or “I don’t even watch that,” but better safe than sorry. Common courtesy goes a long way.
• Never just walk into a room or public space stating spoilers. Again, check your surroundings. If you’re on the receiving end of any of the above violations, politely speak up for yourself, but remember, some people truly do not care who you are, let alone if you’re in earshot when they spill. Therefore, I recommend getting on your phone, putting on earphones, or simply just leaving the area if you can. 

Television and movie theatres: Now a days, previews are excessive, often shown for weeks on end leading up to a new film or series. Movies in particular buy so much ad space that if you’re at the theatre or watching a TV show that fits the demographic, you are guaranteed to see previews…even multiple times during one episode. This is probably my biggest spoiler pet peeve because it’s sometimes rather hard to get away from, hence these tips…

• TV/streaming: If you’re watching the latest (insert genre here), you’re guaranteed to get previews for anything else within said genre coming to a theatre or station near you. For this, I suggest having your remote at the ready and either mute or change the channel during commercials. Obviously, if you are using DVR, fast forward you fool!
• The theatre: This is trickier…I mean, it’s a huge screen!! Plus, going to several movies in just a few months guarantees you’ll see the same preview multiple times. However, if you’re as serious as I am regarding spoilers…and duh, I wrote this article…then do what I do to avoid preview fatigue. Bow your head and close your eyes. Sometimes even hearing the preview has ruined things for me, so I’ve been known to plug my ears from time to time as well. Yep, I know…obsess much!!  

The World Wide Web: Ahh, the internet…great when you really need it, but practically the highest form of evil when it comes to spoilers. Things like hashtags, posts, feeds, videos and leaks seem to be everywhere these days so here are my tips for avoiding the dreaded, “well, I just can’t un-see that now, can I?” moment…

• The internet: If there is something big coming to your realm, you can guarantee that you’ll see news about it in your digital or video feed. There are a few things you can do here…the most drastic being turning off or removing anything pertaining to what’s coming from said feed. This may leave you a bit stranded when it comes to other interests besides the big event so here’s what I do. Since no one seems to care these days that even a headline can spoil something, I quick scroll and do my best to roll right past anything related based on photos alone. DO NOT read headlines!! Considering I found out a huge Walking Dead (Robert Kirkman) comic spoiler simply from a title only two days after the comic was released, I will say that this seems to be getting harder and harder these days, so scroll at your own risk.
  • Soap box moment: It sure would be nice if ALL writers agreed not put spoilers in titles at all…hello, looking at you click bait chumps!!
• Social Media: When it comes to hashtags and posts there is some reprieve here including a “spoilers without context” trend emerging. I’m not a huge fan of this because, similar to previews, I’ll spend the entire movie or show trying to place the items in a post. Regardless of my idiosyncrasies, many people seem to be enjoying this trend. On an even brighter side, with some of the larger than life projects, you’ll see the stars themselves or others involved with the project requesting via hashtag, post or interview, not to spoil it for others. Examples include The Russo Brothers doing this for Endgame birthing the hashtag #DontSpoilTheEndgame as well as Harrison Ford speaking out for Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens ​(J.J. Abrams) urging fans to keep quiet. I love this because it actually works!! People spread the “don’t spoil” word rather than the deets simply out of respect for the artists’ themselves. The other crazy popular trend is memes, which do a wonderful job of not only genre mashups, but also comically getting the message across. However, these tactics don’t always work...because, well...asshats! Thus, in addition to the quick scroll technique, I recommend a lot more diligence here. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT enter a thread or click on hashtags where the general public (and said asshats) is talking about the realm in question. You will definitely regret it!
• Leaks: The lowest of the low…leaks are just that…leaks! So if you don’t want to know, don’t look into it…duh! Personally, leaking is just wrong, dammit…WRONG! Many fans waits months, sometimes even years for something and yet another asshat ruins it with a leak…geez!! And on a whole other level of spoiling, a company called Spoiled.io provided a service that would send a text message to the person of your choice and ruin Game of Thrones episodes every week for only 99 cents/text. I mean…COME ON!!

Final tips: Many franchises like to keep their fans in the know and will give us a juicy taste months or sometimes well over a year in advance. In this case…OF COURSE I want to see the sneak peek. Thereafter, when a full preview is released, my rules kick in, including a two preview limit. This means I will see the sneak peek then the main preview twice. After that I avoid it at all costs, generally because previews are designed to chop up the details yet show you most of the finished product at the same time. I…HATE…THIS!! There are countless times, before my rules, that I would remember a piece of a preview and spend a portion of my viewing time waiting for it to surface or trying to figure out how it will fit in to the overall story, so now I just avoid it all together.
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Last, but certainly not least…If you’re binging a series or planning to watch a movie that has already been out for a while, make sure the people in your life know this ahead of time. Keep in mind that just because you waited months, or even years to see something that YOU’RE NOT SPECIAL. Waiting to watch a highly anticipated show or movie really only garners you about a week, maybe two, of shushing people. After that, everything is fair game so deal with it! Be proactive. Seriously, we know about these things way in advance so plan ahead!!! Finally…REMEMBER…when it comes to YOU being the spoiler, DON’T!

References:

1. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/avengers-endgame-spoiler-leads-fast-food-employee-punch-co-worker-n1000051
2. https://www.indiewire.com/2019/04/avengers-endgame-spoilers-man-beaten-up-1202128820/
3. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-film-avengers-endgame/avengers-endgame-movie-directors-plead-dont-spoil-it-idUSKCN1RS25D
4. https://www.buzzfeed.com/scottybryan/harrison-ford-plea
5. https://www.businessinsider.com/game-of-thrones-spoiler-texts-automatically-2016-6

All Photos: Courtesy Google Images

​I almost called this a ‘Scary Show Edition’ mostly because I’ve come to learn that ghost shows really terrify some people. But I love them, and several of these TV shows fascinate me way more than they should. So, since I’m on a ghost show kick right now, I thought it would be fun to share with you a small selection of my favorite ghost themed shows to watch. 

First is A Haunting. I first fell in love with this show when I saw it on the Discovery Channel back in 2004. I remember finding it on Halloween night, actually. While my parents were taking my little sister Trick-or-Treating I was kicking back and watching TV with my dog. At first, the show scared me, admittedly, and I stopped watching after an episode. Except then I kept seeing it on TV….so I kept watching bits until I was finally able to watch a full episode. Well, guys, the thing I love best about this show, is how it’s recreations of actual (supposed) events. While there are actors, they’re paralleled by interviews from the real people who experienced it. There seems to be an abnormal amount of demonic possession on the show, and sometimes it’s an evil witch or curse. But it always ends with the people reclaiming the home as their own. Or, leaving; there’s really no in-between. The special effects in the show are pretty awesome, and the actual accounts from the people are enthralling. I don’t know why; I just know that I absolutely love this show. Since I discovered it, there have been other series to follow the show, as well as updated versions of the show itself. I can’t remember what channel it’s on now, but I do know I still catch it by accident from time to time.

Another show, I have to give a shout out to, is Ghost Adventures. I know, I know, it’s somewhat cheesy. The camera is always shaky, and they do seem to talk a lot when we’re trying to find a ghost. But that being said, this team has visited some really cool places. My favorite was when they went to Dracula’s castle. As many of us know, the lore of the great original Vampire was born from a Romanian Prince. Visiting the castle proved to be a little unnerving…considering all the noises and voices that the team picked up. Still, when there’s a lot of murder in one place, surely there is some secret activity? Either way, I do like to watch this show from time to time. If you’re into history with a bit of spooky, then this is the show from you. They’ve had some pretty neat experiences.

Lastly, there was a show called Most Haunted USA. The show takes us around the US to find the most haunted of places, and things. It was on this show that I found one of the most terrifying reasons I have had to add to why I hate dolls. Robert is considered a ‘living doll’. And it seems some scary things have happed to those who are around him. Yes, this is not a show for the faint of heart. Oddly, homes are not the only thing to be haunted. If ever there is a ghost story you’re looking for, or the start of an urban legend, this is the show for you. 

Well guys, I’m going to keep this little ghost blog short and sweet for now, because I kind of want to see what other spooky shows are out there, and I’ll probably blog about them another time. Or maybe I won’t. Maybe I’ll do a podcast with John and Scotty about ghosts, or maybe I’ll take a nap, who knows? Shae’s are mysterious creatures, and so are ghosts and if you’ve got some recommendations on which ghost themed shows I should watch next, comment below! I’d love to hear about what everyone else is watching!