Sunday, November 23, 2008

Sci Fi Channel Going Drama Light?

If you've been following this blog for any length of time you're probably well aware that this geekette is seriously devoted to science fiction books, film, and television. the SciFi Channel is the most often watched on my television with the possible exception of a few choice news network and perhaps G4.

That being said, I'm beginning to feel the first twinges of apprehension about the direction that this favorite of channels seems to be taking for future seasons. Favorite shows have been canceled and not replaced in the past and current favorites such as Stargate Atlantis - The Complete Fourth Season
and Battlestar Galactica - Season 4.0
will not continue beyond this season.

While they are removing these excellent dramas from the air they are bringing new reality TV type shows in by the droves. I understand that there are many people who love reality TV and that this is a HUGE market. My problem is that the SciFi Channel seems to be leaving their loyal and faithful market of years behind in search of the bright shiny shows that are designed to bring in 'new blood' that may not really be genre specific.

Granted, the long awaited prequel to Battlestar Galactica (2003 Miniseries)
, Caprica is in the works and may be a decent replacement for this favorite in my family and Stargate Universe is on the horizon. It just seems so far away for those of us who fear growing fat on nothing other than reality shows and reruns in the meantime. Am I the only one lamenting what seems to be the loss of the last true sci-fi stronghold on television?

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Have You Heard About Squidoo?

What's your passion? Everyone has one. Most geeks and geekettes I know have a few. Whether you are passionate about gaming, a specific game, modding computers, a book series, comic book, movie (Star Wars anyone?), or a character in a movie (have I mentioned my lifelong crush on Han Solo?), there is a lens to be made about it. More importantly you can make money from your passion by creating the best of the best of lenses celebrating that passion.

A Squidoo lens can be made for many reasons. Some are made to entertain, inform, educate, excite, entice, persuade, and even to rant about the current state of things. There are so many options that it would be nearly impossible for anyone not to have something to create a lens about.

If, for some reason, you don't need money or have too much as it is(please email me if this is the case, I will be glad to lighten your heavy burden), you can donate the proceeds from your lens to a favorite charity. How cool is that?

I bet you're wondering how much something like this is going to cost, right? Absolutely nothing. It's free. Geeks like free to whether we care to admit or not. It's really nothing to be ashamed of. Gone are the days when you needed to have money in order to make money. There is a lot of work that goes into creating a lens that is worthy of riches and it may take more than a little bit of time and effort but it won't cost you any hard earned cash. If you choose a topic that you are truly passionate about, you can consider it a labor of love--only this one doesn't ask for a ridiculous amount of alimony.

What are you waiting for? Get out there and get started on a Squidoo lens of your very own today. If you need a little inspiration feel free to take a look at a few of mine to help you get started.

Would You Trade Liberty for Security?
Easy Cajun Cooking
Christmas Wrapping Ideas Worthy of the Christmas Spirit
Make Money Affiliate Marketing

I hope these will get your wheels spinning. Now, get out there and create your first Squidoo lens and then come back here and show me the link. I'll be sure to visit and leave a comment in return.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

What Geeky Gifts are a Must for Your Christmas List?

I have a family of geeks. There's a mommy geekette (the author of this brilliant little gazette), a daddy geek, and three little geeks (teen, tween, and toddler) who all love geeky gifts this time of year. The current status of the economy however has us seriously watching our geek pennies in search of gifts that are as fun as they are functional.

One such gift that the tween geek in the family my find beneath the geek tree (and what a tree it will be) is one of these nifty Lego Watches. What kid can resist the call of Legos and this particular geek kid happens to be the time Nazi in our family. In other words, this is a gift that he can truly appreciate. His big gift this holiday season though is below. It's time he moved up from the training bicycle to something a little more rough and tumble.




The other geek children each present unique challenges of their own. The teen, of course, wants everything that costs a few robotic arms and legs in the process. She's pretty much out of luck on the high end gifts this holiday season. Hopefully we will find a few little surprises that she neither expects or will shun as somehow inferior to her absolute geek superiority (yes, we say things like this to her face too). She does enjoy studying about Japanese culture and language. She is picking up the language quite nicely. We're thinking of something like this lamp to encourage her pursuit of knowledge about this fascinating culture and language.


The little geekette in training is the easiest to please and to shop for. Unfortunately, she's also the most fun (because she's so easy to please--she likes everything). We want to get her something that will provide hours of enjoyment but also work as an aid to learning. Our choice was a learning toy perfect for any little princess. More importantly, in the right color scheme for our little princess.



When we make one special gift the cornerstone of our Holiday giving and supplement with other gifts that are hand made or low in cost but high in value and you can still have an excellent Christmas suitable for the geek in all of us without creating a budgetary nightmare.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Battlestar Galactica PC Mod

As a fan of modding PCs and the television show Battlestar Galactica (say it isn't true that this is the final season), I couldn't let this amazing PC mod go by without a serious Geekette-Gazette nod. Being the SciFi geek that I am, I, of course, have a subscription to several of the little email newsletters that the SciFi channel sends out each week. One of those newsletters is for DVICE and in this week's installment you will find this lovely little PC modification.

You can see a great video of the mod below.



Even if you aren't a fan of the television series you should be able to send a serious nod to the creative mind it took to come up with the idea of this particular PC mod. I'm impressed by the actual implementation. At any rate, I'm lacking a caffeine infusion and you are probably getting ready for a busy day ahead. Go check out this cool computer box and then get to work! TTFN!

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Awareness is Key to Cure

The fight against breast cancer is one that all women must fight. This is a global illness that impacts women of all races, ages, national origins, sexual preferences, and economic standing. There is no woman that is completely free of risk of this deadly disease and yet awareness, despite various campaigns, is still limited to a select few women around the world.

In an effort to increase awareness, there is a contest going on. The prizes are two beautiful pieces of jewelry that can be worn to share the message of awareness to everyone you come in contact with. Check out the contest and these beautiful prizes at From Cribs to Car Keys. While you are there take a good look around. You will find plenty of humor on this great blog in addition to the beautiful message of awareness.

If you value education about women's health and the issues that impact women globally, then you really should check out these pieces of jewelry and the message behind them. Even if you aren't the winner of the contest, you can follow the link to purchase these important items in the fight against breast cancer.

Sunday, June 08, 2008

Why I LOVE Working at Home! I've Been Tagged


I really try not to get too personal on this blog. Probably an excellent plan since this blog is so badly neglected. However, some who read this probably know I'm a work at home mom. I work from home as a freelance writer and have been doing so for about three years now. Kelly McCausey at Wahm2.0 has issued a challenge for which I have been volunteered thanks to my good friend Dana at Momphabet Soup. It really is all good though. At least this is a challenge I can sink my teeth into.

So why do I LOVE working at home? Let me count the ways (okay I couldn't help but indulge in a moment of corny behavior).

1) I LOVE the fact that my commute is 30 seconds.
2) I LOVE the fact that I don't have to "dress" for success in corporate attire.
3) I LOVE the fact that I do not have to make the choice between contributing to the household expenses and leaving my child in daycare.
4) I absolutely adore the fact that I don't have to beg a boss for permission to leave when my children need me, are sick, or have something special going on at school.
5) I LOVE the fact that I get to pick the decor of my office.
6) I LOVE that I am not bound by four walls or eight hours in order to get the job done.
7) I LOVE the fact that unless I'm in a particularly masochistic mood I never need to wear pantyhose again!
8) But the most important thing I love about working at home is that I am surrounded each and every day by my favorite people in the world rather than an office of strangers.

Of course, there is no substitute for the fact that the latest and greatest office gadgets and gizmos are now tax deductible.

Friday, April 25, 2008

Geeky Toys for any Office Decor...Also Great for the Kiddos

I'll be the first to admit I'm a total geek. As such, Legos and these sorts of building toys have always fascinated me. I can spend hours contemplating, designing, and crafting new creations only to spend seconds destroying them and beginning the process over again. Yes I promise I did make it out of primary school. My point is, building toys are a LOT of fun...even for us big kids.

Now Nikki over at Mommy Know How is holding a contest. I believe she thinks we'll be giving these goodies to the kiddos (and if that's your style...great) but if you have an even bigger geek in your life it might make a great cubicle toy for those stressful days at the office. In my office (which is in my home) any decoration actually becomes child's play eventually so it really isn't all that selfish. This particular contest is for a Rescue Set Construction Kit by K'NEX. So be sure to head on over to Mommy Know How and see what her contest is all about.

After that you might want to remember that Sci Fi Fridays are back on Sci Fi with a vengeance. This is the final season of Battlestar Galactica and is off to a great start and Dr. Who has a new companion. The new show in the lineup is a spinoff of Dr. Who, The Adventures of Sarah Jane. That should have your weekend off to a fantastic Start.

Sunday, April 06, 2008

Star Wars on Spike

It may be television for men but occasionally this network shows a winner. This weekend they have been showing Episodes I-III of the Star Wars Saga. Next weekend they will follow up with episodes IV-VI (those that many of us grew up with). I've been a fan of Star Wars for most of my life so this is definitely my kind of weekend. I have my microwave popcorn, I've stocked up on Diet Dr. Pepper, and I'm ready for some serious space action in a galaxy far, far away.

Whether you are rewarding yourself after an extra long workweek with a much needed blast from the past or experiencing these greats for the very first time (I won't ask what rock you've been living under for the past three decades if this is the case but it IS a tempting question) watching Star Wars from beginning to end is a great way to spend the weekend.

Just remember even if you missed most of the episodes this weekend (there's still tonight to catch Episode III but hurry) there's always next weekend for the thrill of Star Wars.

Monday, March 17, 2008

Geeks Get Nerdcore Rising

If you haven't heard of them by now, there is no better time to check out Nerdcore Rising. You can see the trailer in the video below. While it isn't my typical type of music by any means I can certainly appreciate the mentality behind it. Whether rap music is your first choice (or not even on the typical radar for you) this is worth checking out. If you are a hardcore geek, chances are that you will really get Nerdcore Rising (at least a little bit) too.

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Han Solo Desk

I am quite certain that I'm not alone in my love/lust relationship with Han Solo. The fact that I've had a crush on him for most of my life should have little impact on the fact that this desk is an exceptionally cool conversation piece--especially for those among us who are fans of the Star Wars Saga.

Don't know what I'm talking about? Welcome to the world my husband lives in every day. Regardless, this amazing desk can be found by clicking on this little link here. What it is, is a glass desktop placed over a replica of Han Solo frozen in carbonite from the Empire Strikes Back (aka Episode V). If you are a fan of the movie or just a fan of Han this is a website definitely worth checking out. There are some amazing products in addition to the desk but he had me at Solo.

Anyway girls enjoy the eye candy and have a great day!

TTFN!

Friday, March 07, 2008

Stargate Atlantis Finale Tonight

Fans of Stargate Atlantis will be sad to discover that tonight is the season finale. It seems to have ended all too soon. We know from our sources at GateWorld that Season 5 will bring a few big changes and we hope that we will see old favorites again here and there from both the SGA and SG1 series in the coming episodes. Those that missed the episodes this season with Teal'c and Dr. Becket should definitely pay a visit to Amazon Unbox and download the videos as the are well worth watching.

Fans of Stargate SG1 should also be aware that The Ark of Truth will be released to DVD on March 11th so save your pennies. I've had a bit of a sneak peek and will be the first to tell you that it is everything you would expect of a Stargate movie and does "indeed" provide some closure to the Ori story line. If only I could get a little quality time with Dr. Daniel Jackson .

So, watch tonight and please share your thoughts.

TTFN!

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Must See TV Stargate Atlantis

Carson fans rejoice. I don't know if you caught last week's episode of Stargate Atlantis but our favorite doctor (no offense to the new doctor intended) has returned from the dead...or so it seems. I'm not sure what the future holds for the good doctor but do know that I'm on pins and needles waiting for this week's episode to find out the story of what happened. It was good to hear his voice again and see him with the SGA crew.

Yes, I know most of my geekiness lately has been reserved for sci fi television and movies. I've had little time to gush over the latest and greatest gadget or gizmo. I promise to come back more often and bring updates on some innovative and just plain interesting gadgets in the near future. I simply thought this story was very geek-worthy especially for all of us girls that are suckers for the nice guys.

TTFN!

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Summing it up with YUMMMM!!!

Being the self-respecting geek that I am, I have always had such a weakness for the bad boys. I also have a deep and abiding love for comic book characters (and villains) turned movie magnets. The latest addition to the comic book villain turned movie star to hit my radar is Heath Ledger as the Joker in the upcoming version of Batman.

While he makes for quite a spectacle of dis-respectability, Heath Ledger looks to turn in a stellar performance as a somewhat psychotic Joker. Sorry Jack, there's something about Heath's voice that simply sends shivers down my spine. It doesn't matter how much makeup they attempt to hide his stunning face, there is little they can do to stop the appeal of his voice. Which actually makes him very attractive as The Joker.

Of course you shouldn't take my word for it. See for yourself. This movie is definitely on my list of must see movies for 2008. I can hardly stand the wait. At least after watching this trailer, I'm hoping that more people will be as eager as I am for the finished product.

Saturday, January 12, 2008

Knitting with the Force

I'm not sure if there are any knitters in the midst here BUT if you are a geek who also happens to enjoy stitching away during your sci-fi television time you might want to take a look at this intriguing knitting pattern for a hat I found during my travels around the World Wide Web. It is an R2D2 Beanie and anyone that knows and loves the Star Wars series knows all too well who (or more precisely, what) R2D2 is. In fact, many of us find that this lovable droid is a favorite character throughout the entire Star Wars series.

I must admit that the geek in me is screaming "right on!" about this pattern. The novice knitter in me is shuddering a bit as this is decidedly outside of my knitting comfort zone. That being said, this is a pattern that I am determined to attempt in the near future. Perhaps I'll have it mastered and it can grace a stocking by Christmas 2008. If not, there is always 2009 to wait for perfection there. I would love to hear from any geekettes in the audience that have attempted or plan to attempt this awesome little knitting project. Photos, encouragement, and challenges are also greatly appreciated...and may the powers of the light side of the force guide your needles for the warmth of heads, big and small everywhere. Okay, I know that was an excessively geeky moment but one I couldn't resist. Enjoy!

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Have You Discovered Think Geek?

I have to admit that ThinkGeek is probably my favorite website in the world. I love new toys and gadgets and this website delivers in spades. For those annoying coworkers, there is nothing more amusing than using the ThinkGeek Annoy-a-tron. If you find yourself in need of some cool new threads that will announce your "geekiness" to the world, you will find a nice supply of suitable tee-shirts at ThinkGeek as well.

Honestly, there are all kinds of wonderful toys, gifts, gadgets, and toys to appeal to the inner geek in all of us. If you haven't yet discovered the sheer joy of shopping at ThinkGeek, today is the perfect opportunity to find your way to the Geek side of the Force and get your Shopping on.