Comic Con!

I went to Motor City Comic Con! It was pretty awesome, but it was mostly a giant nerd mall that you have to pay to enter and it's Halloween. I came away with a pretty good haul, at least.

My favorite was my nerd art.

 From top to bottom:

Art by Ken Krekler, I can't remember... sorry!, and Thirteenth Floor

I also got some more graphic novels.

From left to right:

Saga (Vol 1), Walking Dead: Vol 15, Walking Dead: Vol 16, The Watchmen

I went with a few friends and had a great time and I was only slightly awkward, so I'll call that a win. We only went for 1 day, so if I ever go again I'll have to go for 2 days and take my time. I didn't go to any panels (not enough time) or get any autographs (because I'm cheap). I think I may have had more fun if I got there early enough for panels.

Comic Con "red carpet". I'm dressed as SHIELD agent Jemma 

Simmons. I don't know what to do with my hands...

There were some really cool costumes. One of my favorites (that I have pictures of) was a mother-daughter costume (Uhura!) and a really cool Master Chief.

 

Love this costume idea! And the little girl was so cute!

My favorite worst costume was a aluminum foil Thor. This guy made the Thor helmet with foil and had a foil hammer and a towel for a cape. It was so awful that I thought it was hilarious. Unfortunately I don't have any pictures.

If you want to check out some more pictures, go here!

I'm Suspicious of Chinese Vampires

I saw a news story on Yahoo this morning about a Chinese hospital wanting virgin female blood for research.

Quote from the news story:

"A Chinese hospital's request for blood from healthy female virgins for use in medical research has been condemned as insulting to women, state-run media reported Monday.

The Peking University Cancer Hospital said it needed the blood of 100 female virgins aged from 18 to 24 years old for studies on the human papilloma virus (HPV), which is usually transmitted through sexual contact, the China Daily reported."

So I read this and got all conspiracy theory and was like "what if that really isn't what the blood is for? Who requests the blood of young female virgins?! Wait... Vampires!" I mean, what would be the best way for vampires to get a certain type of blood? They can just fake "medical research" and have an in!

And speaking of vampires, I hope they look more like Jonathan Rhys Myers Dracula than Johnny Depp or 30 Days of Night vampires because 1) he's hot & 2) the others are creepy. But no Twilight vampires because they're all sparkly and weird. If I can't kill you with sunlight or a chunk of wood to the heart then you go against the vampire rules and should not exist you sparkly freak of nature! Whoa... sorry about that. I also get upset about fast zombies.

I was terrified by 30 Days of Night... nope nope nope nope

nope nope nope too scary I am crying!

So now I'm going to be questioning the motives of places that collects blood for any reason. Hello "blood research facility", are you using my blood for science or "science"? Because if you're using it for "science" I want to meet them so I know how afraid I should be and stuff. China got a bit too risky requesting virgin blood and gave themselves away. Everybody that has read any kind of vampire novel knows virgin blood tastes better or whatever because they believe in the myth that only virgin blood is "clean" blood. What a bunch of snobby vamps.

But of course U.S. vamps would buy from China because that's where most of our goods come from anyway. Why would blood be any different? Besides, we eat way too much fast food in this country. For example, I would probably have a slightly McDonald's flavor with a hint of Taco Bell. You don't want any of this, vampires. Plus I'm married so my virgin flavoring is all gone.

I'm still wondering how I went from possible Chinese vampires to convincing said vampires I would taste gross.... oh well. Happy Monday!

Favorite Things: August

Tees!!!

I have a bad habit of collecting t-shirts. I almost have more than I can wear in a month (mostly because I have to be a professional and can only wear them 3 days a week tops) and yet I want more. There are a couple of cool websites I look at a lot. One is bustedtees and the other is J!NX.

Kickstarter
Albert Einstein: Time Mason (comic) by Tony Donley.

Albert Einstein travels through time and looks like a young Tom Selleck. It looks funny and quirky and that's just the kind of comic I can appreciate! For as little as $1 you can get the first issue in PDF format. For $12 you can get the print version plus a signed 6.5/10 print and a couple other perks. Hurry up and check it out... The Kickstarter ends August 31st!

Loot Crate

This month was my first time getting Loot Crate. I heard about it from a couple of YouTube unboxing videos last month and thought it looked cool... every month I'll get a geeky present. From myself. Plus if you get it right now and enter the code "ANIMATE" when you check out you'll get 12% off! There are some pros and cons with it, though.

The pros: You get cool stuff and the total amount of the items in the box would cost you more to buy them individually, so you're going to get your moneys worth.
The cons: You may not always like what you get. It's a chance you have to take if you get it every month.

If you like surprises and want some cool mail every month, I recommend this! Plus it makes a great gift!

The shirt: Caffeine Power Up from Shirt.Woot
The vinyl zombie: Walking Dead Blind Box Mystery Minis

Fictional Character Fun!

Just something fun for a Monday!

I was bored this weekend and found this! And.... Go! My choices:

1. Hermione Granger
2. Steve Rogers (Captain America)
3. Tony Stark
4. The Doctor
5. Sam Winchester
6. Dean Winchester
7. John Watson

This would be the best dinner ever! The genius at this table (plus the hotness) would be awesome. Who would you choose?

Favorite Things: July

Kickstarter

Nerdy candles for nerds from Frostbeard Studio.

I recently ordered Ravenclaw (House pride!) and Sherlock's Study candles from their Etsy store. I can't wait to get them! The nerdy smells! If smells can be nerdy that is... at least the candle names are nerdy. Close enough. They also have the packs of wax if you like to use a warmer instead of a candle.

They're trying to buy some new stuff for their shop, hence the Kickstarter, and as perks they have some awesome new candles with themes like Doctor Who, Zelda, TMNT, Pokemon, and Adventure Time! It ends August 6th so hurry and check it out!

Music
I've been loving the new EP from Emma Blackery- Distance EP (itunes). I've been watching her videos on Youtube for awhile and when she said she was putting out 4 songs I decided to check them out... and I love them. I listen to them all 1 or 2 times a day- more the first couple days I downloaded the songs but I didn't want to over do it. Check out her video for Go the Distance!

Geek-wear

I want both of these things

They have some seriously awesome clothes/accessories/figures and more over at Superhero Stuff. As an added bonus, you can search by superhero if you're looking for one in particular. They have a crazy amount of stuff!

Comic

 

Mr. Lovenstein is an online comic that I like to check out from time to time. One of my favorites is Awkward Superman.

TV/Movie
If you haven't seen SyFy's Sharknado yet, you are missing a horrible yet awesome movie. It's one of those movies that are so bad and ridiculous that they are good.

*Note: Nobody sponsors me (not that I wouldn't mind) to mention their stuff. It's just genuinely stuff I like that I hope you will like too!

Favorite Things: June

Kickstarter
Want to help put a TARDIS in to orbit? Well the funding project ends on Saturday so hurry up and check it out! They're doing it for the 50th Anniversary of Doctor Who! It's already met its goal, so it's going to happen (YES!) but if you want your name involved or some other cool perk click on the link and back the project!

Books
I've been reading a lot lately (not surprising) and am looking for other stuff that I wouldn't usually read. Thanks to this flowchart from Upworthy and 14 Books To Read Before They Hit The Big Screen from Buzzfeed, I now have plenty to occupy my time with. Yay, books!

Makeup
Espionage Cosmetics is a makeup company based in the US that has some really awesome makeup collections with a geek/cosplay fan base in mind, but they're so cool it doesn't matter if you're in to geeky stuff or not! The Geeky Hostess (blogger, youtuber, etc.) recently came out with her own line that you can win! Click here to go to her giveaway post. The colors you buy are a base that can be mixed with their other makeups so you can use them on your hair, eyes, lips, etc! Some can also be purchased from ThinkGeek, so stock up on stuff (like the lamp below) and save on shipping!

Home Stuff
I found this by watching Liam Dryden's latest Youtube video. You can win it- watch the video to see how. But if you feel like you need it now instead of hoping to win, you can get it from ThinkGeek (they have the best geek stuff, I'm addicted). You can change the lamp around (just like Tetris) and each piece you add to the lamp lights up! I need this in my life.

You Will Be Assimilated

Warning: This post contains Doctor Who references

I get really excited when people I know start to like the nerdy things that I do. It's like I'm welcoming them to all of the references on Tumblr. "You will finally understand so many more things on the internet!"

Also, you get to have conversations that other people won't understand. For example, my friend posted this on Facebook leading to strange comments:

Me: If only he would have carried balloons with him for that episode! Then it would have been a gift rather than just breathing on them.

Me: I bet my previous comment sounds weird to people who haven't seen the show...

Jess: lmao yep we watch shows where all they do is breath on each other

Who wouldn't want to be a part of this mysterious group? Strange things like this is also part of the reason we are such good friends.

This Batman Cup is Not a Toy

So I got an awesome new Batman cup the other day and yesterday I enjoyed it's amazingness at being a cup while I drank sweet tea out of it and read a book. It was warm out and I was happy.

Proof

 But before I used the cup I noticed something odd on the sticker...

This cup is "NOT A TOY"

Why is THAT important enough to tell people? Do people sometimes use cups as toys and then get mad about it being broken? How would that call go? 

Yes, I would like to complain about this cup I bought. I was playing football with it and it shattered when I spiked it! What kind of sham operation are you running?

These are things that go through my head.

Dinosaurs!

Last night I made my husband go with me to see Jurassic Park... in 3D! Normally I would not pay to see a movie that I already own, but this is Jurassic Park we're talking about here! One of my favorite movies! Exclamation points!!!

 

Yes, I own it and yes, I've seen it over 20 times (I'm guessing here) but I was about 9 when the movie came out so my parents wouldn't let me watch it. Good thing, too or I would have been terrified. So when I FINALLY got to watch it I watched it on VHS. I'm old school. Watching it at home is not as good as watching it on a huge screen with surround sound (obvious statement is obvious).

This set comes with a Blu-Ray and Digital copy PLUS the T-rex statue thingy. I mostly just want the T-rex. Awesome!

I was glad I got to see it. It was a bit of nostalgia for me.

New Shirt!

My sweet new shirt arrived today! See what happens when you have no life? I get excited about shirts.

It is a great shirt though. I was going through it and picking out what all of the pictures were from. My husband said that if I knew at least half of them I could call myself a geek. Long story short, I can.

That is all.

My Favorite Things: November

The Product Farm has these awesome "wine tumblers" (basically wine sippy cups). Actually, they're so awesome that they're currently sold out. I hope they get restocked soon because I need to order one for my sister for Christmas.

Space Janitors is a new web series on Youtube on the Geek and Sundry channel. Just watch it.

My husband found a list of Old English Insults that are hilarious for, you know, when you want to insult someone whilst sounding like a sir. Have fun with this one. I know I will!

The last thing for this month that I've been doing a lot of is playing around on my iphone my sister got me for my birthday because her and my brother-in-law are awesome. I've been downloading and trying new apps almost every day... OK, every day. I can't help it! There are just so many awesome things! I decided to try iTunes U, an educational app. I geeked out when I found out you can follow courses on so many different subjects. Today I started the course "Life in the Universe" from Ohio State. If you're interested in the idea of finding life outside of earth I'd recommend the course. Also, as a bonus, no homework. Learning for free without the torture of homework and fear of bad grades? Count me in!

Some of the courses I want to try out

Book Bloggery and Stuff

I have a book blog too... just thought I'd throw that out there.


Clicky here for my other blog

So I'm not ignoring this blog I just started blogging more over there. Plus I don't really have anything witty to say at the moment. That is all. Oh God, my wit might be broken. Hold on...

Q: How many hipsters does it take to change a lightbulb?
A: It's a really obscure number, you've probably never heard of it.

OK, that was a joke. Crap. I have to get my wit fixed.

On another note, the other day I ordered an awesome shirt that I'm really excited about.

 

A mix of Doctor Who and Star Wars?

Take my money right meow!

Rules Upon Death

I was watching the video of a Youtuber that I really like today and she had a video about what she wanted at her funeral for whenever it is that she dies.

She makes a good point about wanting her funeral to be a celebration of life rather than having everyone be sad about her death. I agree with that and because I won't be making a vlog (I write so no one can see me- I'm shy) so I'm writing it down. *By writing this I'm not planning on going anywhere anytime soon, but you never know what is going to happen to you. Just being prepared.*

1. Bouncy houses. There had better be at least one. They are fun and if you want to come to my funeral you had better comply... unless you are physically unable obviously. I'm not going to make someone really old or in a wheelchair bounce around in there. They could break something! Come on guys, I'm not heartless.

2. No flowers. They're pretty but they would fade and die and would be a sad reminder of the brief time we have. I would say balloons but I want to avoid pollution. I don't need to help kill the earth because I'm dead. So... maybe plant some flowers or trees instead? Obviously not on my grave though. I don't need to be squashed by tree roots, thanks. OK, and maybe balloons too.

3. No black or grey clothes. It looks too boring and sad. Happy colors, people!

4. Good food. Don't serve boring sandwiches. I love food so nothing boring or plain! Corn dogs are the exception. Corn dogs are delicious.

5. Dessert. Cake & ice cream- I love them.

6. No sad music. Seriously.

7. Funny stories must be told. They don't even have to involve me. I just want people to laugh. Make fun of me if you want, I won't care. If no one can come up with something funny I'll force everyone to listen to comedy tracks. Deal with it.

8. Bouncy houses. They're important, so don't forget.

9. Are rides too much to ask for? Maybe a petting zoo? Oh and balloon animals! This funeral is getting pricey.

My funeral is starting to sound more like a carnival. Can we have a funeral at a carnival? Plan A- carnival funeral, Plan B- regular happy funeral with bouncy houses.

Updated:
I forgot about the carnies; the only downside to a carnival funeral. Well, carnies and poop from the petting zoo. I wouldn't invite them (carnies... animals are obviously allowed) but they would have to be there to run the rides... so they're OK I guess. But no clowns... OK, clowns too as long as they can make balloon animals.

I Shall Knit Myself a Robe of Nerdiness

So I've been knitting a lot lately. It has turned into an obsession. Every night while I'm watching TV I've been knitting, which is better than stuffing my face with food. Well, less fattening anyway. Not necessarily better.

I made a hat that would fit my cat if she didn't flip out every time 

I tried to put it on her. Come on, kiki, wear the hat!

 

I also made this, which I hoped would look like

Hermione's Hat in Deathly Hallows Part I. Fail.

I also made Harry Potter scarves. Now that I've been sorted in Pottermore (Ravenclaw!!!), I'm going to be making more scarves and hats and things. Maybe a Doctor Who scarf (Tom Baker era) and a TARDIS scarf. And because too many people are having babies I thought I could try to make baby blankets or something useful... though not as fun as Harry Potter or Doctor Who stuff.

Oh! Idea! Baby blankets in Hogwarts house colors! I'm totally doing that. Nobody steal my idea! OK, you can steal my idea...

Science!

I like science a lot more than I used to. Of course when I was in school I didn't get to see awesome science experiments. I had to know why something is the way it is. Example: Why is the sky blue? Why is there color? etc. I wasn't interested at the time, though I am now. I would have been a lot more excited about science though if Steve Spangler was my science teacher. He makes science awesome... plus he blows stuff up!

Check out his youtube channel, The Spangler Effect!

Why I Still Love Toys

There is something about a fun toy that can make me feel like a kid again. My nephew got a lightsaber for his birthday and my first thought was that I needed to get one so we could have lightsaber fights. He’s 5. What’s my excuse?

 I need one of these... for family time and stuff

My desk at work has a small collection of toys that I’m always looking to add to. I like things that are quirky and fun and my amazon.com wish list has more toys than I'm willing to cop to.

And really, there's nothing wrong with that. I like things that make me happy. I like things that can save my brain from boring days sitting at my desk in the basement of my office building. There is nothing wrong with doing what you can to bring joy into your day. So if I need to be a kid for a few minutes a couple times a day, that's OK with me.

 "I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells." -Dr. Seuss

Nerding Out: Hobbit Style

So a new Hobbit trailer just came out... and I love it! I'm super excited because The Hobbit is my favorite book and I can't wait to see it come to life!

E-book Prices Give Me a Headache

There is really no reason an e-book should cost more than a paperback. I mean, think about it. There is no cost for paper, ink, printing, etc. The publishers set the cost and I understand them not wanting to lose money, but come on! What "reason" do they have for making something that costs them practically nothing to create vs the printing of a paperback? I come with examples....

All of the books above cost more than their paperback version, while the example below is at least the same.

I am more likely to buy something that is the same or (preferably) lower cost as the paperback. Am I the only one practically outraged by this? I think everyone who has the same issue needs to write to the publishers and demand lower prices. I didn't pay $150 for an e-reader to spend more money on books after all.

Independance Day- My Favorite Day of the Year

The 4th of July is my favorite holiday. Not just because of the fireworks, food and alcohol but because of what it means.

The fact that we are still here and how far our government has come since 1776 is astounding. The risk that those men took in writing the declaration was great. If they had been caught they would have been put to death.

And I love the wording of the declaration. If you haven't read it in awhile I suggest you do.

So What if I'm Afraid of Zombies

I may have an irrational fear of zombies. I also may have an idea of what I would do if there was a zombie apocalypse. Most likely I would die but there's only so much a person can do. I know it's not scientifically possible and it would be stupid to think about it too much but the idea of it happening really freaks me out!

How could this creepy zombie girl from 
The Walking Dead NOT freak you out!
 

I think its because I don't trust the morality of some scientists. I've seen movies where a scientist is like "hey, I wanna try this. Let's just see what happens." And then a whole ton of people die. I think science and morals kind of have to go together otherwise we're all screwed. I'm waiting for the day when a scientist is going to see if it is possible and the world will be doomed. I also have the same fear with biological weapons though so it's not just zombies. We have the ability to create some horrible things. The question is, should we? Where do we draw the line?