GGD

Stormtrooper Shooting Skills Truther [Image]

noreply@blogger.com (Geek Girl Diva) — Wed, 22 May 2013 22:25:00 +0000

This. Just...this.

Ponderation: Compliments, Creepers and the Fuzzy Line Between Them These Days

noreply@blogger.com (Geek Girl Diva) — Wed, 22 May 2013 20:43:00 +0000

I'm writing this down because I tried to tweet it and it was going to be too long.

I honestly feel badly for men who are stymied into silence because they think a woman will take a compliment badly.

From time to time, I'll suggest to people that they compliment a stranger as an act of kindness during the day and, more and more, I get replies from my male followers telling me that they don't know how to because they worry what the reaction will be.

Which baffles and saddens me on a human level.

People enjoy compliments, both giving and getting, and there's something nice about a quick kind word said in passing that lightens a mood like nothing else.

But now we live in a world in which some people are afraid to say anything because they think anything they say will be taken as creepy or lascivious or rude or leering or sexual.

Something as simple as "That's a cool shirt." can be misconstrued.

I've tried to explain to them that I listen to the words and the tone behind them when people speak to me. If I guy says "That's a great shirt" while pointedly staring at my cleavage and not bothering to look at me, it's different from a guy pointing to my shirt or smiling and saying "That's a great shirt!". But they still worry and that feels like a lot of parsing for a passing word.

I just...how did we get here? And don't women take some responsibility for their reactions (or over reactions?) Is this on men? Do they need to chill out and stop worrying?

Personally, I feel like someone needs to say "Sometimes a compliment really is just a compliment." and ask people to take a step back and chill.

I honestly don't know, so I ask.

Follow @geekgirldiva

First Look At The Target Disney Princesses Merida Doll...and a thought...

noreply@blogger.com (Geek Girl Diva) — Tue, 21 May 2013 13:23:00 +0000

Well, it looks like the "new" Merida has been released for the Target Disney Princesses line and...um, blech?

However, I think I may have a theory and, if I'm right, it bodes well and not ill for those of us who hate this make over.

I took a look at the Target listing for this Disney Princess collection and, if you read it, one of the things that becomes very clear is that it's a fairly cheaply made and badly reviewed set. If you look at it, none of the princesses really look like their animated counterparts and it's really just a set of dolls in the (kinda) clothes of the Disney characters we all know and love.

Then I started thinking. This set has been in production in China. They needed how many months of lead time? I mean, this set had to be on the water and en route to stores when the uproar happened and Target isn't going to simply not sell product they paid to license and make, so Disney had to accommodate this...glop...into their marketing in a "we meant to do it" way because, well, it was already happening and they make a lot of money off Target.

But I think Disney may well have started rethinking their decision on Merida and, if you look at the pictures from her actual coronation, she's definitely more the Merida we know and love.

Not to mention, she looked an awful lot like the Merida who's already been in the park for over a year.

So, take heart. This is feeling more and more like a Target issue than an overall Disney issue and if we got worried every time Target made a crappy looking toy...well, no one has that much energy. ::grin::

(via Daily Mail)

Follow @geekgirldiva

Geekdom And The Art Of Supernatural's Dean Winchester

noreply@blogger.com (Geek Girl Diva) — Mon, 20 May 2013 14:43:00 +0000

I admit that I was late to the party on Supernatural. I've been aware of it since they were casting, but it took me until the 5th season to finally take the GeekBoy's advice and start watching.

I am now a complete and utter convert and I love the show because it's funny, smart, action packed, emotional, and geeky.

Which brings me to my question.

Dean has definitely become more geeky as the show has gone on, but I seem to recall that Sam used to be the geekier one and that Dean used to grief him about it a bit.

Am I right or do I need to go back and rewatch the first 2 seasons?

On a related note, I'm pretty sure that part of the growth of the geek side of SPN is the fact that the writers and producers figured out that they had a definite audience for those sorts of things. Using actresses like Felicia Day & Amada Tapping, actors like Mark Sheppard -- they know who we like.

To be clear, all of the geekdom makes me love SPN all the more. The show has become one of my absolute faves ever.

I'm just curious about the growth of Dean's nerd side and wanted to know what you guys thought.

Follow @geekgirldiva

The new full length trailer is out for Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

noreply@blogger.com (Geek Girl Diva) — Thu, 16 May 2013 16:01:00 +0000

I am officially insanely excited for Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

YOU MUST WATCH.

Sooooooooo excited.

Follow @geekgirldiva

Watch two men being given Simulation Labor Pain. Because Science and hilarity!

noreply@blogger.com (Geek Girl Diva) — Wed, 15 May 2013 16:34:00 +0000

I love when science is both educational and gleefully hilarious (for some).

I also think every man should do this. If, for nothing else, to simulate cramps. ::grin::

Extra kudos to these dudes for doing this and really embracing the experience.

via LiveLeak.com

Follow @geekgirldiva

Wil Wheaton seems to have lost his wife to Nathan Fillion

noreply@blogger.com (Geek Girl Diva) — Tue, 14 May 2013 17:24:00 +0000

The story behind this is even more adorable than the picture. Between this and the video he did to a newborn at a con, Wil Wheaton has been on a streak of awesome recently.

via WWdN

Follow @geekgirldiva

Want To Tell Disney Not to Make Merida Over? There's A Petition For That

noreply@blogger.com (Geek Girl Diva) — Mon, 13 May 2013 02:24:00 +0000

You know I'm a Disney fan, but this...this is not cool.

This was revealed as their "makeover" of Merida.

Merida is awesome just as she is. She's inspiring because she's a real girl.

I was peeved. I know other people are peeved, so I did a little research.

There's a petition now. Here's the info if you want to sign it. ;-)

via IGN

Follow @geekgirldiva

First Look At James McAvoy as a 70's Xavier ::fans self::

noreply@blogger.com (Geek Girl Diva) — Fri, 10 May 2013 16:11:00 +0000

#Serpico twitter.com/BryanSinger/st…
— Bryan Singer (@BryanSinger) May 9, 2013

Pardon me a second... I forgot how to breathe.

My child of the seventies just passed out.

via Blastr

Follow @geekgirldiva

The New QMx Malcolm Reynolds Dog Tags Product Page Is Up!

noreply@blogger.com (Geek Girl Diva) — Thu, 09 May 2013 22:38:00 +0000

You can't see it, but I'm running around jumping up and down like a madwoman of happy right now because, during my time at Quantum Mechanix, I helped make these dog tags happen. I worked with artist Ben Mund on details. That just, I can't even, dude, it's so cool to see them made real.

Now, here's the thing...if you want them (and you know you do), being on the waiting list is going to be key. QMx is going to gauge how many to make in the first run based on how many people want them, so if you don't get on the list (and then others don't, cause you know that happens) and then they set an edition, it's very likely that they'll get dog tags and then they'll go out of stock super fast and there you'll be, tagless.

So, if you want them, get on the mailing list. I say this as someone who knows first hand just how fast stuff like this goes flying out the door.

And, I mean, really. They're awesome and shiny.They're also only 25 bucks! So you know they're gonna go fast.

Here's the link to the item page and waiting list.

I'm gonna go flail some more.

Follow @geekgirldiva

QMx Unveils Their Newest Firefly Little Damn Hero - Zoe

noreply@blogger.com (Geek Girl Diva) — Wed, 08 May 2013 16:20:00 +0000

QMx posted a first look at the newest member of the Little Damn Heroes® line.

Zoe ;-)

There's no item page yet, but if you head over to QMx, you can make sure to get signed up for the QMxInsider and, that way, you'll get a newsletter when there's more info as far as ordering her.

QMx also mentioned that Gina Torres has seen the prototype and loves her. So, this LDH Zoe is Zoe approved ::grin::

Follow @geekgirldiva

Audi Puts Leonard Nimoy & Zachary Quinto In The Best Commercial Ever On The Planet

noreply@blogger.com (Geek Girl Diva) — Wed, 08 May 2013 15:26:00 +0000

I'd attribute this to someone, but how do you attribute THE ENTIRETY OF YOUR FACEBOOK FEED.

Anyway, if you haven't seen it, watch it. If you have, watch it again, you know you want to. ::grin::

Follow @geekgirldiva

I could watch this GIF of Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki Alllllll Day

noreply@blogger.com (Geek Girl Diva) — Fri, 03 May 2013 23:33:00 +0000

Follow @geekgirldiva

This Britain's Got Talent Act Will Give You All The Feels. ALL of them ;-)

noreply@blogger.com (Geek Girl Diva) — Fri, 03 May 2013 16:29:00 +0000

This is one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen and it will make you cry, so grab a tissue and spare the five minutes to watch it. Trust me ;* So many feels.

(found via my friend Maryanne, who finds me the stuff that's guaranteed to make me cry. ::grin::)

Follow @geekgirldiva

ThinkGeek is Offering $20 off $100 or More On Star Wars Stuff ;-)

noreply@blogger.com (Geek Girl Diva) — Thu, 02 May 2013 18:13:00 +0000

::grin:: I get this news, I post it.

Then I run and drool over ThinkGeek's stuff.

Here's the skinny:

Follow @geekgirldiva

OMG a Doctor Who K-9 USB Hub

noreply@blogger.com (Geek Girl Diva) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 14:41:00 +0000

"OMG a Doctor Who K-9 USB Hub! OMG a Doctor Who K-9 USB Hub!"

That was me, over and over, in response to seeing this.

Spotted at Entertainment Earth for $39 thanks to Dave Styer on FB. Thank you, Dave ;*

Follow @geekgirldiva

I Need This Retro Star Wars Han Solo T-Shirt RIGHT NAO

noreply@blogger.com (Geek Girl Diva) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 16:15:00 +0000

We Love Fine just flashed me back to my childhood.

I love this. I love this. I am having a retro happy moment. I love this.

You can buy it here ;-)

Follow @geekgirldiva

Tragic Events and the "Business" Of Social Media - What Constitutes Doing Your Job?

noreply@blogger.com (Geek Girl Diva) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 18:28:00 +0000

The events in Boston were horrible and sad and the instant it happened, social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook became a stream of comment, concern and assistance for those in the midst of it all.

One minute things were normal and then my entire feed changed into one long scroll of Boston related tweets.

Well, most of my feed. Here and there there were people who I could tell hadn't heard yet, or were tweeting news stories or whatever it is we all talk about as we blather away. However, as the minutes passed, I saw those same people come to the news and the feed evolved.

I wish I could explain how important that scroll was for me yesterday. My heart was breaking, my friends were afraid, people needed help, no one knew how bad it was, and we were all there together reading along -- doing what small part we could do to share the news and share the pain in a way only social media allows.

I also decided, once the news broke, that any and all social media "work" I had planned for the day was going to have to wait. My job as Geek Girl Diva (the brand) was to shut up and get out of the way. My job as a person was to do what I could to be of assistance and do what I could to be part of the information flow to help others.

Others felt as I did. One, very specifically, was Janna O'Shea, who tweeted:

To reiterate an earlier tweet, don't be "that" company today. Cancel your scheduled tweets/posts.
— Janna O'Shea (@dreamyeyed) April 15, 2013

And I, thinking it was totally on target and apropos retweeted and then sent a version of my own.

If you do social media & you're trying to "work" right now, consider this...your tweets say a lot about you on a day like today. #nofeeds
— Geek Girl Diva (@geekgirldiva) April 15, 2013

Note, neither one of those tweets had any judgmental language. They were opinions and, given the NRA tweet that went out the morning after the Aurora shootings, there was thinking behind it.

We both got tweets suggesting we were out of line to suggest such a thing and that there was nothing wrong with scheduled tweets and doing regular social media.

So, allow me to clarify. Nothing about this is "right" or "wrong". It's my opinion based on my experience as a user and broadcaster on social media platforms. There I was in the middle of a tragic event, reading Twitter as a way to cope and support others and the incongruity of some obviously automated tweet (or tweet from a blog post feed - I count those as automated) felt like a shock and stood out like a sore thumb.

I'm also not the only one who thought it might be worth looking into. Social media heavyweights like Chris Pirillo and Chris Brogan did some asking around as well.

Most responding RE: the Boston tragedy are suggesting that we *STILL* do a live Surface Pro review today: facebook.com/chrispirillo/p… - yes? no?
— Chris Pirillo (@ChrisPirillo) April 15, 2013

Why tell companies to stop tweeting because of an American tragedy & not also ask them to stop for every country’s woes?
— Chris Brogan (@chrisbrogan) April 15, 2013

I'm guessing part of what precipitated both questions was the fact that people were suggesting that maybe yesterday wasn't the day to do "business as usual".

And my response, which may be the entire point of this post, was that it may come down to a calculation of "event magnitude vs. message amplitude".

I think you have to ask yourself as a company, as a brand, and as a person, the following question. Is your doing business during something like yesterday is going to yield you more positive than negative results?

If you have, for example, 1.2 million followers and you just keep tweeting away as tragic events happen, that's a lot of people who see you going on as if nothing is happening and, in my opinion, like you don't care.

Loving how people with less than 1,500 followers are telling me how to tweet...
— Guy Kawasaki (@GuyKawasaki) April 15, 2013

Now, here's the thing. I'm not 100% sure, but I'm betting people were suggesting that maybe Guy should tone down the automation and that he may have sounded callous in the wake of what was happening.

If that's what he was tweeting in response to, well...that's a lot of "amplitude" on just what you think of the people following you -- and I'd be really interested to know. A quick search of tweets at him revealed a lot of irritated people.

And, just think would he could have accomplished if he'd used his powers for good? If he'd been tweeting from the beginning and helping spread the word? I mean, even if you're callous about it, think about the RT's and goodwill and general positives you would have gotten out of it.

Instead, because he didn't take a moment to stop and ask himself about the "magnitude to amplitude" ratio. Instead, he pretty much amplified what a douchecanoe he can be.

In the end, maybe the takeaway is this -- social media is social first and media second. Just because it's online doesn't mean it's any less noticeable when you look like the guy walking down the street during a tragic event passing out flyers for 5 bucks off a large pizza down the street.

You have a voice. Use it for good. The trick is knowing which "good" is best at the time.

Avoiding being a douchecanoe? Well, that's just a bonus.

Peace and love.

Follow @geekgirldiva

On a day like today...

noreply@blogger.com (Geek Girl Diva) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 16:13:00 +0000

I just want to remind you. We are all one. No matter our differences.

Love and peace.

Follow @geekgirldiva

"Official" Firefly Jayne Hat at Ripple Junction Means C & D Notices To Crafters. Shiny! Not.

noreply@blogger.com (Geek Girl Diva) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 18:29:00 +0000

Y'know, there's something about this that just burns my butt in a way I can't explain.

The basic info is this. According to Blastr and The Mary Sue, fans who have been making and selling their versions of the Jayne hat for, oh I dunno, the last 10 year, are being hit with "cease and desist" notices from Fox.

Yep. Since Ripple Junction now has an official license to make the Jayne hat, any independent Browncoat knitter making and selling them is now making an item that infringes on their license and Fox is sending notices to enforce that license.

"in the last few weeks many of them have received cease-and-desist letters or have simply been banned from Etsy for producing DIY Jayne Hats."

And, yes, I know, they came from Fox, but do you think Fox was trolling Etsy to see if people were making Jayne hats in their spare time to help Ripple Junction out? Yeah, no. Ripple Junction, worrying about market share, likely informed Fox Legal and legal did what it does.

That just...grrrrrr.

And here's why it pisses me off.

As you may know, I worked over at QMx for over a year and a half and QMx has officially licensed Firefly merchandise. QMx has the license for Firefly prop replicas and the Firefly Jayne Hat is, while wearable, a prop replica. Which means QMx could have made it and just didn't.

Now, I don't know why they never did, but I have a theory.

My former boss is a Browncoat to the core. He started QMx because he wanted to make prop replicas and because he was a fan. QMx started with Firefly and Serenity and they've made some really amazing stuff. But they left the hat to the fans.

Because those hats, like the one Ma Cobb made for Jayne, we made with love and with care and with small imperfections -- and every one of them was unique.

Just like Jayne and just like Firefly.

So, somehow Ripple Junction gets the license for the hat and they'll be made in mass quantities for pennies in China. Fine. Hey, whatever floats your boat, RJ.

But you couldn't be happy to take the Browncoat money hand over fist and leave the crafters alone? Because mom and pop shops making Jayne hats was really going to cut into your financial bottom line that much?

Really?

Not cool.

Shame on you, Ripple Junction.

(via The Mary Sue)

Follow @geekgirldiva

Angels in Supernatural and the Crown of Thorns (A Guest Ponderation)

noreply@blogger.com (Geek Girl Diva) — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 21:00:00 +0000

As you may know, I'm a big Supernatural fan and, this season, the GeekBoy's been quietly ~~muttering~~ asking himself why no one's really brought this theory up, so I asked him to write it down so I could feature it as a guest post. I think he's so smart ;-)

First off, if you aren't reasonably up to date on Season Eight of Supernatural there are spoilers below. You have been warned.

To give you a bit of background on myself and point of view, I'm a software developer and was raised a Catholic. Yes, I was also an alter boy. Not currently practicing but just wanted to let you know where I'm coming from.

This season, Supernatural has introduced a new dynamic into their Angels mythos. The most dramatic being that Angels can be "hacked" via a device placed on their head with specific spikes twisted into their skulls. Now, given my background, my first thought was a Crown of Thorns. I will get back to this later but it is what started off this whole thought process.

There have been countless people from monks to modern scholars debating why humans have free will and Angels don't. Hell, there are multiple Sci-Fi and Fantasy books about the same concept. Which raises the question how could Lucifer defy God and attempt to raise himself above his father?

First we need to understand the orders or choirs of angels. They are listed below from closest to God to furthest from God. Their powers scale accordingly but conversely their ability to interact with humans grows the further from God they are.

Seraphim

Cherubim

Thrones

Dominions

Virtues

Powers

Principalities

Archangels

Angels

Yes, you read that right. Archangels and Angels are the lowest orders of the heavenly host.

A couple things to get out of the way. Metatron is commonly thought of as a Seraphim. Cherubims are not flying babies with arrows but four headed, four winged, lion bodied things that would make you crap your pants. Satan/Lucifer is sometimes thought of as a Cherubim which didn't make much sense to me since his main opponent was an Archangel called Michael. But, it might in this telling.

So, imagine you are God. What do you do? You create beings that will serve you. Basically Roombas that praise you. Need someone to take out the garbage? Create another group of Roombas. Being an all powerful being, you are smart enough to give them some self awareness but not ultimate control. Sort of like Azimov's Three Laws of Robotics but far more powerful.

As time goes on, you keep finding new needs and you keep creating new heavenly bodies. The problem is, each one needs more leeway. You can't have the Virtue mowing your lawn just blender a lolcat can you? (Hey, this is Heaven, God has read all the memes before you even thought of them.)

Then God, being God, takes the progression to its logical conclusion and realizes that it might be possible to create something that doesn't have built in safeties but doesn't have much power either. Is this something that should be done? Maybe not, but it would be interesting. Really how much trouble could they cause?

The question is, how does he let these newbies know they can learn? Oh right, he controls the operating system for every single being in existence at the time.

So, he pops into Lucifer's head and flips a jealously switch that causes him to envy God. Bada bing bada bang Lucifer is on Earth and ready and waiting for Adam and Eve, who are basically children really. "Getting Cast Out of Eden" is pretty much growing up. God uses Lucifer to offer the Apple to Eve who gives it to Adam and free will is born. We humans don't have a hackable operating system because God decided to let us do whatever the fuck we wanted. Maybe not the smartest choice but, hey, who am I to argue with it.

Now we get to the Crown of Thorns bit. Jesus became a bit of a pain in the ass for the Romans (that they embraced Christianity later is ironic) and, before he carried the cross, Jesus was scourged and had a crown of thorns placed on his head.

What if, just what if, down through the ages either through word of mouth or lore or whatever, placing something on a supernatural beings head that pierced their skull would either allow you to control them or remove their powers? Sure you can say that it was simple torture but what if it was torture and something else?

The first time I think we saw the Crown of Spikes used was with Alfie/Samandriel and Crowley henchman using it to torture him to reveal secrets -- then accidentally reset him to the "factory default". It's important to note that in this episode. depending on which spike was twisted, he would do or say different things. With Castiel, it's never shown explicitly but does Naomi approaching with the spike imply that he is being manipulated by the Crown of Spikes? Add to this, Naomi's desire for the Angel tablet. True, she doesn't want Crowley to get it, but she is going for full on Heaven control -- and if it lets her take control of all the Heavenly host, so much the better.

Here's my question for the writers of the show. Did they base the Crown of Spikes on the Crown of Thorns? I have no idea. But, I think they did and Angels being a kind of AI with an operating system makes sense to me.

Follow @geekgirldiva

BPAL made an Ambergris single note with "Sperm whale intestinal glop" in the description

noreply@blogger.com (Geek Girl Diva) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 17:42:00 +0000

Actually, this is a perfect example of why I love Beth over at BPAL (aka Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab).

I mean, who else would do this and this? And with such flair.

AMBERGRIS

Sperm whale intestinal glop, oh how the fragrance world adores you. Ambergris is born from a sticky, black bile secretion that gloops forth from the intestines of sperm whales. When fresh, it possesses a rank, seaweedy fecal odor, but once it has been embraced by sea and sun, it transforms into a uniquely intoxicating perfume fixative. This precious substance has been used in cosmetics for ages untold, and is said to be a potent aphrodisiac with the power to increase psychic sensitivity and induce prophetic dreams.

Our ambergris accord is lightly balsamic, slightly woody, almost tobacco-like marine musk, and possesses a distinct salty animalic note that borders on sweet. The scent is extraordinarily versatile, and adds depth and complexity to a wide swath of fragrance families.

No whales were harmed, fondled, scraped, prodded, or offended during the creation and production of this accord. It is 100% vegan, and has never seen the inside of a whale's tummy.

(via Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab)

Follow @geekgirldiva

This Game Of Thrones pic of Tyrion, Cersei & Jaime really makes me wonder about that family...

noreply@blogger.com (Geek Girl Diva) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 18:21:00 +0000

Love.

via Nerd Approved

Follow @geekgirldiva

Star Wars: Return of the Jedi on screen at EW's CapeTown Festival (& hints at more)

noreply@blogger.com (Geek Girl Diva) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 19:49:00 +0000

Once upon a time, a 13 year old girl ditched school with her mom's permission and stood in a long line in front of the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood to see Return of the Jedi at the very first midnight show. That girl, I'm sure you've guessed, was me and that day was one I'll never forget.

Thanks to Geoff Boucher and the new Entertainment Weekly CapeTown Film Festival, I'm going to get to be 13 again because they'll be will be doing a special one-day event 30th anniversary revival of Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi back at the site of that May 1983 world premiere.

They've scheduled four showings (10 a.m., 2 p.m., 6 p.m., 10p.m.) on May the Fourth and promise "special appearances by some famous faces and beloved characters from the Jedi universe."

You'll definitely want to head over to EW and read the article to get more info on the ROTJ showing and the EW CapeTown Film Festival. If it's anything like the LA Times Hero Complex Film Fest (Boucher's previous brainchild), then there's likely to be lots of surprises.

Also, a few hints from my inside sources: The CapeTown FF is shaping up to be twice as long as the Hero Complex festival, twice as big, and 1/2 the price. I love this math.

They also say a Star Trek surprise may be the big finale of the festival. ::grin:: You heard it here first.

May the Force be with you and Live Long And Proper. ;-)

Follow @geekgirldiva

Adorbz Baby Sloth Gives Prezzies and Gets Shy. (omg so cute)

noreply@blogger.com (Geek Girl Diva) — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 15:34:00 +0000

Monday just got adorable. Swoon.

Follow @geekgirldiva