Universal Geek http://www.universal-geek.com a podcast about geek culture and the geek lifestyle Tue, 22 May 2012 12:50:09 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 CreativeCommons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 2.5 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.5/ sean@seandfrancis.com (Sean D. Francis) sean@seandfrancis.com (Sean D. Francis) 1440 http://www.seandfrancis.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/UniversalGeek.jpg Universal Geek http://www.universal-geek.com 144 144 Podcasting about all the things Geeks love to talk about, from technology to zombies, social media to comicbooks. Geeks, zombies, technology, comic, books, science, science, fiction, fantasy Sean D. Francis Sean D. Francis sean@seandfrancis.com no yes Avengers Interrupted http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/UniversalGeek/~3/Ox9lRe8c1Vg/ http://www.universal-geek.com/2012/05/avengers-interrupted/#comments Tue, 22 May 2012 12:49:48 +0000 sean http://www.universal-geek.com/?p=1722 Bleu, Jeff, and Sean get back to the geeky discussions everyone loves so much. Whether it is Facebook IPO, Avengers, or the Chicago NATO Summit 2012 that seems to have affected everyone in Chicago but no one anywhere else – we’ve got it plus two, two, two surprise visitors during the podcast. One welcome, the other not so welcome.
Geek Catch-Up – What we are reading, watching, listening to, etc. …

Google Research Bar on Google Docs (Sean)

Chicago Police Dept. neutered their IT department, computers infected with worm, department “in total panic” just as NATO summit is about to start. (Jeff)

Listen to city police scanners with an ambient background track. Both spooky and compelling (Jeff)

Katamari Hack – turn any site into Katamari Damacy (Jeff)

Facebook IPO: Big Volume, But Little to Show For It (Bleu)
–The Facebook Offering: How It Compares

Facebook being sued (again) for tracking users after they logout (again). (Jeff)

Comcast Says “No More Free Ride”

Japanese scientists develop 20x faster Wi-Fi using T-rays (Bleu)

WIZZYWIG by Ed Piskor: book trailer (Bleu)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfddLD_jxtg&feature=youtube_gdata_player
http://www.topshelfcomix.com/catalog/wizzywig/764

CSI technology could finally unlock the secrets of the people in dozens of famous paintings (Bleu)

Why Avengers Rocked (Bleu)

]]> http://www.universal-geek.com/2012/05/avengers-interrupted/feed/ 0 1:59:14 Bleu, Jeff, and Sean get back to the geeky discussions everyone loves so much. Whether it is Facebook IPO, Avengers, or the Chicago NATO Summit 2012 that seems to have affected everyone in Chicago but no one anywhere else – we’ve got it [...] Bleu, Jeff, and Sean get back to the geeky discussions everyone loves so much. Whether it is Facebook IPO, Avengers, or the Chicago NATO Summit 2012 that seems to have affected everyone in Chicago but no one anywhere else – we’ve got it plus two, two, two surprise visitors during the podcast. One welcome, the other not so welcome. Geek Catch-Up – What we are reading, watching, listening to, etc. … Google Research Bar on Google Docs (Sean) Chicago Police Dept. neutered their IT department, computers infected with worm, department “in total panic” just as NATO summit is about to start. (Jeff) Listen to city police scanners with an ambient background track. Both spooky and compelling (Jeff) Katamari Hack – turn any site into Katamari Damacy (Jeff) Facebook IPO: Big Volume, But Little to Show For It (Bleu) –The Facebook Offering: How It Compares Facebook being sued (again) for tracking users after they logout (again). (Jeff) Comcast Says “No More Free Ride” Japanese scientists develop 20x faster Wi-Fi using T-rays (Bleu) WIZZYWIG by Ed Piskor: book trailer (Bleu) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfddLD_jxtg&feature=youtube_gdata_player http://www.topshelfcomix.com/catalog/wizzywig/764 CSI technology could finally unlock the secrets of the people in dozens of famous paintings (Bleu) Why Avengers Rocked (Bleu) Episodes Sean D. Francis yes no http://www.universal-geek.com/2012/05/avengers-interrupted/ Geeks Grok Ook http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/UniversalGeek/~3/ARiS6WntmWk/ http://www.universal-geek.com/2012/05/geeks-grok-ook/#comments Mon, 14 May 2012 20:44:43 +0000 sean http://www.universal-geek.com/?p=1719 Jeff and Sean continue the Avengers love-fest, chat about NATO in Chicago, radiation detectors in cop cars, attempts to kill Bittorrents, the inherent flaws in virtual currencies, and well… a ton more Geek Stuff.   This was really super duper packed with geekery.

Beware… swear words get used… more than normal….  You’ve been warned.

Police: “radiological alarm!” – cop cars are outfitted with rad detectors now? (Jeff) more

Game of Thrones Most Pirated Television Show of 2012
Yet another attempt to kill bittorrent – “Pirate Pay” (Jeff)
Bitcoins got hacked – $87,000 Taken
Piracy Didn’t Kill Avengers
Facebook is Killing the Text Message
may 25th geek pride day
Ideas on How to Celebrate
Build the Enterprise? (site)
Guy says we can and should build an actual USS Enterprise (sans warp drive) in 20 years. Misguided, or good idea? (Jeff)
New 60-mile distance record has been set for quantum data teleportation (Jeff)
Mayan Calendar Doesn’t End

]]> http://www.universal-geek.com/2012/05/geeks-grok-ook/feed/ 0 1:23:28 Jeff and Sean continue the Avengers love-fest, chat about NATO in Chicago, radiation detectors in cop cars, attempts to kill Bittorrents, the inherent flaws in virtual currencies, and well… a ton more Geek Stuff.   This was really super duper [...] Jeff and Sean continue the Avengers love-fest, chat about NATO in Chicago, radiation detectors in cop cars, attempts to kill Bittorrents, the inherent flaws in virtual currencies, and well… a ton more Geek Stuff.   This was really super duper packed with geekery. Beware… swear words get used… more than normal….  You’ve been warned. Police: “radiological alarm!” – cop cars are outfitted with rad detectors now? (Jeff) more Game of Thrones Most Pirated Television Show of 2012 Yet another attempt to kill bittorrent – “Pirate Pay” (Jeff) Bitcoins got hacked – $87,000 Taken Piracy Didn’t Kill Avengers Facebook is Killing the Text Message may 25th geek pride day Ideas on How to Celebrate Build the Enterprise? (site) Guy says we can and should build an actual USS Enterprise (sans warp drive) in 20 years. Misguided, or good idea? (Jeff) New 60-mile distance record has been set for quantum data teleportation (Jeff) Mayan Calendar Doesn’t End Episodes Sean D. Francis yes no http://www.universal-geek.com/2012/05/geeks-grok-ook/ Avengers Assembly Required http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/UniversalGeek/~3/htHJmqJFtzk/ http://www.universal-geek.com/2012/05/avengers-assembly-required/#comments Mon, 07 May 2012 18:54:38 +0000 sean http://www.universal-geek.com/?p=1716 Sean delves into some top notch geek entertainment, waxes nostalgically for the days of when the government did stuff for people while espousing the belief that to be a Geek means having an innate hope for a better tomorrow.

With the Avengers breaking records, the Age of the Geek might truly be at hand. When mainstream media is covering Star Wars Day – a paradigm shift has occurred.
May the Quatro de Mayo be with you!
http://popwatch.ew.com/2012/05/04/star-wars-day-may-fourth-be-with-you/

LeVar Burton Super-Geek

Joss Whedon and the Whedonverse
from Roseanne to the Avengers towards a modern version of Much Ado About Nothing starring Nathan Fillion.

Spoiler Culture

]]> http://www.universal-geek.com/2012/05/avengers-assembly-required/feed/ 0 0:49:46 Sean delves into some top notch geek entertainment, waxes nostalgically for the days of when the government did stuff for people while espousing the belief that to be a Geek means having an innate hope for a better tomorrow. With the Avengers breaki[...] Sean delves into some top notch geek entertainment, waxes nostalgically for the days of when the government did stuff for people while espousing the belief that to be a Geek means having an innate hope for a better tomorrow. With the Avengers breaking records, the Age of the Geek might truly be at hand. When mainstream media is covering Star Wars Day – a paradigm shift has occurred. May the Quatro de Mayo be with you! http://popwatch.ew.com/2012/05/04/star-wars-day-may-fourth-be-with-you/ LeVar Burton Super-Geek Joss Whedon and the Whedonverse from Roseanne to the Avengers towards a modern version of Much Ado About Nothing starring Nathan Fillion. Spoiler Culture Episodes Sean D. Francis yes no http://www.universal-geek.com/2012/05/avengers-assembly-required/ The Future is Facebook Urinal Cakes http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/UniversalGeek/~3/rNEHTjgJsi8/ http://www.universal-geek.com/2012/04/the-future-is-facebook-urinal-cakes/#comments Tue, 01 May 2012 01:11:17 +0000 sean http://www.universal-geek.com/?p=1713 All hail the return of Jeff! This is a full-packed episode covering such important topics like Sean’s hypocrisy and religion… yeah this episode should stir some controversy.

SOPA mutates into much worse CISPA, the latest threat to internet free speech (Bleu)
http://www.project.nsearch.com/profiles/blogs/sopa-mutates-into-much-worse-cispa-the-latest-threat-to-internet   

CISPA explained (Sean)

Kopimism, Sweden’s Pirate Religion, Begins to Plunder America (Bleu)
http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2012/04/20/kopimism-swedens-pirate-religion-begins-to-plunder-america

Five things you need to know about Facebook-Instagram (Bleu)
http://news.cnet.com/8301-33617_3-57415838-276/five-things-you-need-to-know-about-facebook-instagram/

The Flight From Conversation (Bleu)
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/22/opinion/sunday/the-flight-from-conversation.html

Science Run Down
New Partical Found at CERN
Space Law: Who Owns Asteroids?
Analytical Thinking Undermines Belief in a Supernatural God
Mad Cow Disease Shows Up in California (Is that cow happy… or crazy?)

Stan Lee Launches His Own Comic Convention (Bleu)

Comic Con Episode IV: A Fan’s Hope (Bleu)
- Zoë’s Movie Review: COMIC-CON EPISODE IV: A FAN’S HOPE

Fringe Proves That a Devoted Fan Base Is Worth More Than Ratings (Bleu)

Red Dwarf X – more from Wikipedia

]]> http://www.universal-geek.com/2012/04/the-future-is-facebook-urinal-cakes/feed/ 1 1:43:26 All hail the return of Jeff! This is a full-packed episode covering such important topics like Sean’s hypocrisy and religion… yeah this episode should stir some controversy. SOPA mutates into much worse CISPA, the latest threat to intern[...] All hail the return of Jeff! This is a full-packed episode covering such important topics like Sean’s hypocrisy and religion… yeah this episode should stir some controversy. SOPA mutates into much worse CISPA, the latest threat to internet free speech (Bleu) http://www.project.nsearch.com/profiles/blogs/sopa-mutates-into-much-worse-cispa-the-latest-threat-to-internet    CISPA explained (Sean) Kopimism, Sweden’s Pirate Religion, Begins to Plunder America (Bleu) http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2012/04/20/kopimism-swedens-pirate-religion-begins-to-plunder-america Five things you need to know about Facebook-Instagram (Bleu) http://news.cnet.com/8301-33617_3-57415838-276/five-things-you-need-to-know-about-facebook-instagram/ The Flight From Conversation (Bleu) http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/22/opinion/sunday/the-flight-from-conversation.html Science Run Down New Partical Found at CERN Space Law: Who Owns Asteroids? Analytical Thinking Undermines Belief in a Supernatural God Mad Cow Disease Shows Up in California (Is that cow happy… or crazy?) Stan Lee Launches His Own Comic Convention (Bleu) Comic Con Episode IV: A Fan’s Hope (Bleu) - Zoë’s Movie Review: COMIC-CON EPISODE IV: A FAN’S HOPE Fringe Proves That a Devoted Fan Base Is Worth More Than Ratings (Bleu) Red Dwarf X – more from Wikipedia Episodes Sean D. Francis yes no http://www.universal-geek.com/2012/04/the-future-is-facebook-urinal-cakes/ Well-Endowed Diversity http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/UniversalGeek/~3/hkdmtL0E49w/ http://www.universal-geek.com/2012/04/well-endowed-diversity/#comments Mon, 23 Apr 2012 21:48:14 +0000 sean http://www.universal-geek.com/?p=1711 Bleu and Sean sit down to dissect their favorite moments and least favorite moments of the Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo.  From the great panels regarding women in the comic book industry, women geeks, and even gay marriage to Frank Cho’s unabashed “I draw women with big breasts” panel, one could say there was something for everyone to enjoy at 2012 C2E2.

Bleu particularly loved Frank Cho’s panel and I was thrilled to hear Jane Espenson   (@JaneEspenson) talk about her web series and some of the things writers can do to help get into the industry.

 

 

]]> http://www.universal-geek.com/2012/04/well-endowed-diversity/feed/ 0 1:02:41 Bleu and Sean sit down to dissect their favorite moments and least favorite moments of the Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo.  From the great panels regarding women in the comic book industry, women geeks, and even gay marriage to Frank Cho[...] Bleu and Sean sit down to dissect their favorite moments and least favorite moments of the Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo.  From the great panels regarding women in the comic book industry, women geeks, and even gay marriage to Frank Cho’s unabashed “I draw women with big breasts” panel, one could say there was something for everyone to enjoy at 2012 C2E2. Bleu particularly loved Frank Cho’s panel and I was thrilled to hear Jane Espenson   (@JaneEspenson) talk about her web series and some of the things writers can do to help get into the industry.     Episodes Sean D. Francis yes no http://www.universal-geek.com/2012/04/well-endowed-diversity/ This Ain’t My Grandma’s Meatloaf http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/UniversalGeek/~3/AfpwBKuOH_k/ http://www.universal-geek.com/2012/04/this-aint-my-grandmas-meatloaf/#comments Mon, 16 Apr 2012 19:03:19 +0000 sean http://www.universal-geek.com/?p=1708 Sit back for an hour of Food and Comics, the panel at Chicago Comics and Entertainment Expo that looks for the glorious crossover points between the culinary and artistry – where comic books and food come together and what synergies can be derived from comparing the two.

 

]]> http://www.universal-geek.com/2012/04/this-aint-my-grandmas-meatloaf/feed/ 0 1:16:26 Sit back for an hour of Food and Comics, the panel at Chicago Comics and Entertainment Expo that looks for the glorious crossover points between the culinary and artistry – where comic books and food come together and what synergies can be der[...] Sit back for an hour of Food and Comics, the panel at Chicago Comics and Entertainment Expo that looks for the glorious crossover points between the culinary and artistry – where comic books and food come together and what synergies can be derived from comparing the two.   Episodes Sean D. Francis yes no http://www.universal-geek.com/2012/04/this-aint-my-grandmas-meatloaf/ C2E2 2012 – Mini Update 2 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/UniversalGeek/~3/CYtNhNE37Og/ http://www.universal-geek.com/2012/04/c2e2-2012-mini-update-2/#comments Sat, 14 Apr 2012 14:05:36 +0000 sean http://www.universal-geek.com/?p=1705 There is so much to see and do at C2E2 it is hard to keep it all straight. Bleu and Sean (me) attended the Food and Comics panel.  We got a full recording of the panel discussion which centered on creativity, gender, inspiration, and oddly time management.  It was a great discussion with Stephanie Izzard as the chef of the moment.  She has such a great presence, great sense of humor, that she is a natural fit for a con panel. 

I also attended a panel on the State of Table Top gaming which had some discussion about the announced D&D 5th edition and whether or not it will turn the clock back to 1979 when role-playing games where such a big deal politicians were considered legislation regarding them.

The final panel was a rousing discussion of geek women and their role in geek culture.  I’m not even going to pretend to be able to summarize this in any fashion whatsoever and will hopefully get a conversation about this with Bleu recorded for the podcast.

We are onto Day 2 – with a lot more to see and do!  Until later, please enjoy all the Jane hats I came across on Friday.

JaneHat1 JaneHat2-3 ]]> http://www.universal-geek.com/2012/04/c2e2-2012-mini-update-2/feed/ 0 http://www.universal-geek.com/2012/04/c2e2-2012-mini-update-2/ C2E2 2012 – Mini Update 1 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/UniversalGeek/~3/CPnIetQE8n0/ http://www.universal-geek.com/2012/04/c2e2-2012-mini-update-1/#comments Fri, 13 Apr 2012 18:29:09 +0000 sean http://www.universal-geek.com/?p=1701 This is coming to you fast and furious from the floor of McCormick Place where the 2012 Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo is taking place.  I’ve been here just two hours and I am already overwhelmed.

Over the next few days, Universal Geek will have these small mini updates on C2E2 culminating in our podcast for the week. I just wanted to share a few of the things that I’ve encountered so far that are on the top of my agenda to get as much fan reaction about as possible – in picture form.

CaptainAmericaFrozenShield beforewatchman1 c2e2small ]]> http://www.universal-geek.com/2012/04/c2e2-2012-mini-update-1/feed/ 0 http://www.universal-geek.com/2012/04/c2e2-2012-mini-update-1/ Sexy-contortionist Bathtub Scene http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/UniversalGeek/~3/UNCSRPTyMNI/ http://www.universal-geek.com/2012/04/sexy-contortionist-bathtub-scene/#comments Mon, 09 Apr 2012 13:29:20 +0000 sean http://www.universal-geek.com/?p=1700 Coming off the epic but not released Episode 57, Bleu and Sean discuss Felicia Day’s (@feliciaday) Geek and Sundry YouTube Channel in detail, mention Chris Hardwick’s (@nerdist) YouTube channel, talk about Small Demons, Rick Bayless, C2E2, Mass Effect 3, and Google Glasses… and why people seem to have such hate for them.

Felicia Day’s Geek Anthem ‘I’m the One That’s Cool’ Blasts Through Amazon Charts
- REVIEW: Table Top Episode 1 – Small World

Nerdist YouTube Channel Launches with Bowling, Puppet Apes, and Weird Al

The Power of the Player – Player Dissent Forces Bioware to Makes Changes to Mass Effect 3 Ending

Flying-car maker Terrafugia hoping it takes off

More Details About Google Glasses
- Google reveals its Project Glass(es)
- Ridiculous ‘Google Glass’ Video Ripe For Parody
- ADmented Reality – Google Glasses Remixed with Google Ads

The New Serendipity

Take Your Obsession to a New Level: Fantasy Cookbooks

From Bayless in ‘Cascabel’ to Achatz at Next, all the tables a stage
- Rick Bayless in “Cascabel”
- Care for Romance and Acrobatics With Your Seviche?

Foodies At Large: Chef Stephanie Izard At C2E2
- C2E2 Dinner

]]> http://www.universal-geek.com/2012/04/sexy-contortionist-bathtub-scene/feed/ 0 1:16:11 Coming off the epic but not released Episode 57, Bleu and Sean discuss Felicia Day’s (@feliciaday) Geek and Sundry YouTube Channel in detail, mention Chris Hardwick’s (@nerdist) YouTube channel, talk about Small Demons, Rick Bayless, C2E[...] Coming off the epic but not released Episode 57, Bleu and Sean discuss Felicia Day’s (@feliciaday) Geek and Sundry YouTube Channel in detail, mention Chris Hardwick’s (@nerdist) YouTube channel, talk about Small Demons, Rick Bayless, C2E2, Mass Effect 3, and Google Glasses… and why people seem to have such hate for them. Felicia Day’s Geek Anthem ‘I’m the One That’s Cool’ Blasts Through Amazon Charts - REVIEW: Table Top Episode 1 – Small World Nerdist YouTube Channel Launches with Bowling, Puppet Apes, and Weird Al The Power of the Player – Player Dissent Forces Bioware to Makes Changes to Mass Effect 3 Ending Flying-car maker Terrafugia hoping it takes off More Details About Google Glasses - Google reveals its Project Glass(es) - Ridiculous ‘Google Glass’ Video Ripe For Parody - ADmented Reality – Google Glasses Remixed with Google Ads The New Serendipity Take Your Obsession to a New Level: Fantasy Cookbooks From Bayless in ‘Cascabel’ to Achatz at Next, all the tables a stage - Rick Bayless in “Cascabel” - Care for Romance and Acrobatics With Your Seviche? Foodies At Large: Chef Stephanie Izard At C2E2 - C2E2 Dinner Episodes Sean D. Francis yes no http://www.universal-geek.com/2012/04/sexy-contortionist-bathtub-scene/ Game of Kilts http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/UniversalGeek/~3/H5RJt6sr0_Y/ http://www.universal-geek.com/2012/03/game-of-kilts/#comments Tue, 27 Mar 2012 02:05:24 +0000 sean http://www.universal-geek.com/?p=1697 Jeff and Sean settle in to dissect the top geek news stories of the week.  Everything from using Twitter as a clock, more interest in Pinterest, a Firefly game, and just how awesome James Cameron is and how awesome living in a day and age where we can get direct communications from explorers as they are doing their exploration.  Welcome to the future!

http://www.dailydot.com/news/sqoot-sexist-invitation-twitter-bad-apology/

Chirp Clock – Twitter as a timepiece

Facebook wants right to the word Book

Pinterest Updates TOS
Photographer outlines why she deleted her Pinterest account (Jeff)
Just the First Frame

Notch wants to make a Firefly-inspired sandbox space game like Elite “except done right”
Star Wars The Old Republic – Free Weekend

Microsoft Censoring Pirate Bay links in Windows Messenger (Jeff)
Reddit comments (“Facebook does the same thing”)

The U.S. says if a domain ends in .com they can seize it, period. (Jeff)

TED Talk: Copyright Math (Jeff)

Duolingo – learn a language for free while helping to translate the web. (Jeff)

James Cameron Just Tweeted from Bottom of the Ocean (Sean)

]]> http://www.universal-geek.com/2012/03/game-of-kilts/feed/ 0 1:32:51 Jeff and Sean settle in to dissect the top geek news stories of the week.  Everything from using Twitter as a clock, more interest in Pinterest, a Firefly game, and just how awesome James Cameron is and how awesome living in a day and age where we c[...] Jeff and Sean settle in to dissect the top geek news stories of the week.  Everything from using Twitter as a clock, more interest in Pinterest, a Firefly game, and just how awesome James Cameron is and how awesome living in a day and age where we can get direct communications from explorers as they are doing their exploration.  Welcome to the future! http://www.dailydot.com/news/sqoot-sexist-invitation-twitter-bad-apology/ Chirp Clock – Twitter as a timepiece Facebook wants right to the word Book Pinterest Updates TOS Photographer outlines why she deleted her Pinterest account (Jeff) Just the First Frame Notch wants to make a Firefly-inspired sandbox space game like Elite “except done right” Star Wars The Old Republic – Free Weekend Microsoft Censoring Pirate Bay links in Windows Messenger (Jeff) Reddit comments (“Facebook does the same thing”) The U.S. says if a domain ends in .com they can seize it, period. (Jeff) TED Talk: Copyright Math (Jeff) Duolingo – learn a language for free while helping to translate the web. (Jeff) James Cameron Just Tweeted from Bottom of the Ocean (Sean) Episodes Sean D. Francis yes no http://www.universal-geek.com/2012/03/game-of-kilts/