The Sci-Fi Chick is an Über Geek Extraordinaire! This blog is where I get to rant about my favorite geeky topics. All Topics covered: Asteroids to Zombies! I felt the need to share my favorite Geekery: Products, Shows, Books and Games and Opinions.
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Showing posts with label Musing and Gleanings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Musing and Gleanings. Show all posts
This is my first mobile musing, a trend I hope to continue. The musing is audio mix with still photography. You'll have to click on the link below to hear the Musing! Enjoy!
Please note: The first half of the review is recorded at home but the "mobile" half is recorded on a traveling microphone so, the sound quality changes and you will hear "road noise".
Stephenie Meyer's world building is the reason I kept reading the books but the mythos of the Volturi and the Werewolf pack always played second fiddle to the love story in the films:
The characters that have the most interesting histories, powers and story lines take a back seat in the films making the movies just devoid of the "cool" factor that the books provide.
The only character in the movie or saga that fits the Scifi Chick's criteria for a badass worthy of a place in my
"The Beautiful Mind of Rhiannon Frater:" The Next "It" Author in Supernatural/Urban Fantasy Fiction
A few months ago, I was scouring list after list on the Goodreads website looking for something new to read. I had recently finished reading World W "Z" and The Hollows trilogy so, I was sorta on a zombie kick. I enjoyed all the books but I was getting tired of the genre. So, I thought it was time for something new. But, when I asked a friend with similar tastes in books for suggestions, she recommend the As The World Dies trilogy. So, I took her advice and picked up yet another zombie book, The First Days. To be honest, I wasn't expecting much. The mere fact that it was "just a zombie book" sorta had my expectations low. I imagined it would have some cool action scenes, but stereotypical heroes and I was sure to encounter some completely outlandish plot devices. After all, the last zombie book I read the heroine had a pet lion! Really, a pet lion...ah, right... (long awkward, pause).
Boy, was I wrong!!! This book was... well bold. Yes, that is the best word to describe it... BOLD. It is so ground breaking for its genre, heck for any genre! The author wrote this book without fear! She has atypical heroines and true to life characters. She has heart stopping action and be careful which characters you grow fond because NO ONE is safe! She will "Joss Wheadon" their ass and you'll have grab the tissue box. But, don't get me wrong, she wasn't throwing characters "under the bus" just because it would create a wacky zombie bloodbath. It's that she lets her story move forward organically and wouldn't pull a deus ex machina. As a reader, I felt like it is a bold choice to take a chance that you might piss your fans off in order to stay true to character and circumstance. After all, the setting of this trilogy is the Zombie Apocalypse.
On another note, as The SciFi Chick, I am always on the look out for strong female characters. The are three standout female characters in this trilogy, Katie, Jenni, and Nerit. These three ladies now hold a spot my top 10 list of favorite female "ass kickers". The author took three average women (and the men) and shows how extraordinary circumstances and the drive to save the last of your family and friends can bring out the hero in the ordinary and the meek! (I love Jenni, "Go crazy mama bear!!")
Needless, to say, I tore right though all three books. When I had finished the trilogy I had to know who the author was. Yea, I know...I know her name was on the book. Plain as day it says...Rhiannon Frater. But, what I really wanted to know was who was Rhiannon Frater? This person that had me gasping out loud as I turned each page and cursing the sky when "crap" happened to good people! Who WAS this author? I soon discovered with a quick search on google that she was a Texan and happened to live right here in Austin! And not only did she live in Austin but was having a book signing in three days! I was like... "stop the insanity"! Really, what are the chances I would randomly pick up a book, love it, have a ton questions about the author and discover I could go and ask her all my questions, in person?! And so, I did. Meeting Rhiannon Frater was amazing. She was smart, funny and totally unique! After listening to her explain about her writing techniques it was clear to me that it takes a special talent to create excellent fiction, thus the "beautiful mind". When I asked her about her natural ability to pull a reader into a story she said, "I write what I see in my head." and that often these stories and characters "come into my dreams". She also, stated when she's not dreaming about these characters they often "just show up her head " and she can "hear their conversations". Ms. Frater said that sometimes a character will pop into her mind and she has to say "Who are you?" and then she beings the process of flushing out these "people" and their story. Ms. Frater commented that when she writes she is "not constructing set pieces" but rather "I'm observing them". I believe that this technique gives her books a cinematic feel. That rather than writing fiction she is just documenting the lives of these characters in her head. Giving her books, in my opinion, that true to life feel about them. Ms. Frater made the amusing statement;
" I'm crazy. But, instead of putting me away for it they let me write." So, we can thank that "crazy, beautiful mind" for Ms. Frater's narrative style which allows us to become immersed in her world.
Rhiannon Frater has recently released a new book called, The Last Bastion of the Living: A Futuristic Zombie Novel. Not into Zombie fiction? That's ok. Rhiannon Frater has Vampire novels too! And she posted on her Facebook page she's feeling the need to write a book about witches and personally I hope that those "witchy" characters get chatty in her head real soon! I can't wait to read The Last Bastion and all of Ms.Frater's novels and short stories!
So, if you are into books with a supernatural/urban fantasy themes I can safely say that Rhiannon Frater is an author worth checking out! For a list of all her titles go to http://rhiannonfrater.com/?page_id=10
A Note to Self-publishing Authors: One of the most interesting parts of attending Rhiannon Frater's book signing was hearing about her journey from writing short stories on the web for friends, family and fans, to self-published author, to an author who became sought after by the publishing companies! If you are an aspiring self publishing author I recommend following Ms. Frater on her blog: http://rhiannonfrater.blogspot.com/ Although, I am not a writer of fiction myself, I find her advice insightful and in my opinion it never hurts to get inside the mind of someone who has "been there, done that" and is willing to share those experiences.
I'm long over due for new blog post!I've been soaking up the sun in Maui, and admittedly I've been slacking on the blogging! I'll start my summer blog reboot with a new Five by Five Gleanings! As promised it is chock full of nerdy stuff I've enjoyed and just want to share.
1. Book"Ready Player One"
If you grew up in the 1980's and enjoy dystopian novels then Ready Player One should be at the top of your reading list. This book is an action packed 1980's nostalgia love fest! Imagine a world that has depleted it's resources and most people live in a virtual reality. Within that virtual reality individuals known as "gunters" compete to complete three quests based on 1980's pop culture. Winning the quest will make you the wealthiest person in the world!
At once wildly original and stuffed with irresistible nostalgia, READY PLAYER ONE is a spectacularly genre-busting, ambitious, and charming debut—part quest novel, part love story, and part virtual space opera set in a universe where spell-slinging mages battle giant Japanese robots, entire planets are inspired by Blade Runner, and flying DeLoreans achieve light speed.
It’s the year 2044, and the real world is an ugly place.
Like most of humanity, Wade Watts escapes his grim surroundings by spending his waking hours jacked into the OASIS, a sprawling virtual utopia that lets you be anything you want to be, a place where you can live and play and fall in love on any of ten thousand planets.
And like most of humanity, Wade dreams of being the one to discover the ultimate lottery ticket that lies concealed within this virtual world. For somewhere inside this giant networked playground, OASIS creator James Halliday has hidden a series of fiendish puzzles that will yield massive fortune—and remarkable power—to whoever can unlock them.
For years, millions have struggled fruitlessly to attain this prize, knowing only that Halliday’s riddles are based in the pop culture he loved—that of the late twentieth century. And for years, millions have found in this quest another means of escape, retreating into happy, obsessive study of Halliday’s icons. Like many of his contemporaries, Wade is as comfortable debating the finer points of John Hughes’s oeuvre, playing Pac-Man, or reciting Devo lyrics as he is scrounging power to run his OASIS rig.
And then Wade stumbles upon the first puzzle.
Suddenly the whole world is watching, and thousands of competitors join the hunt—among them certain powerful players who are willing to commit very real murder to beat Wade to this prize. Now the only way for Wade to survive and preserve everything he knows is to win. But to do so, he may have to leave behind his oh-so-perfect virtual existence and face up to life—and love—in the real world he’s always been so desperate to escape.
A world at stake. A quest for the ultimate prize.
Are you ready?
I loved this book so much, that after I finished reading it, I picked it back up and read it again. I just wasn't ready to leave the world that Cline had created! Some you might know the name Ernest Cline, he wrote the screenplay for the movie Fanboys. So, if you have room in your summer reading list I suggest adding this book and moving it to the top of the list!
A Side Note: Wil Wheaton narrates the audiobook version of Ready Player One . It is a most excellent narration! So if you want to uber geek out I suggest picking up a copy!
My absolute favorite is Skyrim Hoarders. Skyrim Hoarders is a parody of the TV show Hoarders and mashes it up with the video game Skyrim!If you play Skyrim you know that it's almost impossible to depart with your "loot"after working so hard to "earn" it!!!! I laughed so hard during this video I cried! I've included it here on my Five by Five.
As geek don't you sometimes think to yourself, "What I really need is a hat just like Janye Cobb on Firefly."? I know I do! Well, guess what? If you can dream it you can find on Etsy! It's a practically a geek online shopping mall! Sure... I can find geeky products all over the web but, Etsy products are the most unique online! Often homemade and sometimes even vintage items can be found on Etsy! Click the link to check it out: http://www.etsy.com/
Here are just a few of my favorites shops:
Firefly Jayne Hat Replica custom made by Geek-A-Bye-Baby. This Shop specializes in items for geekn' out your baby! But, I have my eye on this Jayne hat that comes in adult sizes too!
Justice League Sillouette Coasters jb2designs This seller has a whole selection of these geek themed coasters. Game of Thrones, Star Trek, Battlestar, Lost, True Blood etc... Hmm...I wonder if I can mix and match???
WWBD Pendant by Sterling Silver Geek Jewelry. What would Buffy Do? It's sorta my mantra! I so want this pendant! This seller also has rings, earrings, & brooches, all with geeky themes!
4.Tower of the Hand
Last year I plowed through George R.R. Martin's book series "A Song of Ice and Fire" . If you are thinking of trying to wade these "tomes" as well, I highly recommend this website. It allows spoiler free browsing for each book. When you arrive at the site you click on the box to indicate how far along in the series you are and all discussions, reviews and chapter summaries will be free of spoilers. They have recently added a section that allows spoiler free discussions on the HBO TV series! I know having this website to refer too while reading the Fire and Ice series enabled me to keep characters and events straight and connect with others who have read and enjoyed the series.
Being the geeky gal that I am always looking for a community of like minded individuals with whom I can share my über geek tidbits with. Well, Comic Books 4 Girls is a community for women/girls who love comic books! It's a place for comic fans to meet and connect! If you are looking for a place to share information on Comic Books, Comic Book Art, Comic Book Movie trivia/updates and often just some random geeky goodness. Comic Book 4 Girls is a great place start! They are on Facebook and Pinterest.
Here are the air dates and promo trailers of some of the more popular Summer SciFi/Supernatural TV shows:
True Blood (Season 5)
Airs: Sunday, June 10. Network: HBO. Number of episodes: 12. What to expect: Season 5 will be very loosely based on the fifth book in the series, Dead as a Doornail
Trailer:
Warehouse 13 (Season 4)
Airs: Premieres Monday, July 23 at 9 p.m. Network: Syfy. Number of episodes: 20. What to expect:
In Season 4 the Warehouse Team deals with the events of the season three finale--the death of
Agent Steve Jinks, Mrs. Frederic, H.G. Wells. And the partial destruction the Warehouse itself.
Trailer:
Eureka The Final Episodes
Airs: I know the final season has been airing since April. But if you forgot to watch go to Syfy Rewind to catch up. The Series Finale Airs Monday, July 16 at 9 p.m. Network: Syfy. What to expect: Coping with the aftermath of the Astraeus ordeal they work to discover the truth about the crew's disappearance. Trailer:
Teen Wolf (Season 2)
Airs: Part 1 of the premiere airs on Sunday, June 3, after the
MTV Movie Awards, and then part 2 the next night in its regular Monday
night position.
Network: MTV.
Number of episodes:12
What to expect: Derek is now Alpha and starts recruiting new pack members. Allison trains to become a hunter and Lydia and Jackson's fate will be revealed.
Trailer:
Falling Skies (Season 2)
Airs: Starts Tuesday, July 17 with a double episode premiere. Network: TNT. Number of episodes: 10. What to expect:
It's 3 months later and the rebel forces are still going strong!
Trailer:
Futurama (Season 7)
Airs: Stars Wednesday, June 20 with a double-header premiere. Network: Comedy Central. Number of episodes: 13 (part two of season 7 airs in 2013). What to expect:Episode 1: "Rebirth" watch a free preview @
Airs: Premieres Monday, July 23 at 10 p.m. Network: Syfy. Number of episodes: 13. What to expect: Picks up eight months after last year’s finale.The Alphas existence is exposed to the public. Dr. Lee Rosen is imprisoned by a government. The rest of the team has disbanded and
have regressed to their old,
destructive ways.
Trailer:
Through the Wormhole (Season 3)
Airs: Premieres Monday, June 6 at 9pm
Network: Discovery Number of episodes: 10(counting the episode that aired in March). What to expect: Geeky Science Goodness! Topics include:"Is There a superior Race?",
"Is The Universe Alive?",
"Can we Resurrect the Dead?"
As my blog states I'll be "musing" and "gleaning". I consider the "musing" the long rants on just one topic. My "gleanings" will be chock full of nerdy stuff I've enjoyed and just want to share. Things like photos, articles, Apps, videos, quotes and so forth.
Here is my first set of Geeky Gleanings :
1. GEEK & SUNDRY:
So, if you haven't subscribed to Felicia Day's new YouTube "Geek and Sundry" channel you are missing out. The always zany and witty host brings you the best geek tidbits out there on her segment The Flogand her "Skill Set" segments are hilarious! Also, on this channel are Wil Wheatons' segments called "Table Top" which would interested those into Table Top Gaming.
2. THE PODCAST: WE'RE ALIVE- A "ZOMBIE" STORY OF SURVIVAL
I
really love this podcast! I discovered it a few years ago. I know what you're thinking and no, it's not a bunch of dudes sitting around
talking about how to survive a possible Zombie Apocalypse... it's a
full cast dramatization! As a former Theatre Teacher nothing "rocksmy boat" more than a full cast dramatization. And boy does it "rock"! It has the scariest zombies I've ever encountered in any zombie story. It has über butt- kicking chicks (Riley, Lizzy and Kelly are my favorite). And of course there are cool Army dudes who lead the small band of survivors. I feel the need, however, to make special mention of the character Burt Scott, played by Scott Marvin, this character is so awesome he deserves his own podcast!
This podcast is produced by KC Wayland @ Wayland Productions
and it just stuns me that this high quality production is totally free!
I've purchased some crappy audiobooks that can't compete with the
quality of this podcast. It has a huge ensemble cast, superb sound
mixing, great script writing and most importantly, it comes out consistently! They have a story arc in place and haven't stopped producing shows. This is not always the case with podcasts of this type. I have been suckered into full cast dramatizations before only to be disappointed when they suddenly stop.
At present they are in Season 3 and they are still producing more. I trust the producers of this show to finish what they start. When they do decide to end the podcast, I know we will be left with a satisfying conclusion.
I'm
obviously not the only fan, they have tons of reviews on iTunes and
Zune. They have positive reviews on blogs all over the web and they are
currently nominated for an Audie Award.
The fan base for this podcast is so big that the fans have gotten together to produce a
podcast about each chapter! "Shut the front door!" you say? Yes, you read that right. It's a podcast about a podcast. It is called We're Not Dead. Now, that is just pure geeky madness, and I love it!
We're Alive is a fun ride and I look forward to every
episode! If you are one of the few who haven't discovered this podcast
it's time to check it out!
Still not convinced? Here is a mini documentary about the show from YouTube.
Oh, and I forgot to mention the art design for the each chapter is simply amazing! So, there... I mentioned it!
3. UNDERWORLDS: AN APP FOR iPAD, iPHONE or iTOUCH!
Don't have time to play the new Diablo 3 or you just need a fix in between the time you are able to get back to your Diablo 3 save game. Then Underworlds is the perfect App for you! Here is a little sample of what's in the game:
Explore mysterious graveyards, dark chambers and dangerous crypts
Customize your character's attributes and feats to suit your play-style
Test your skill on 4 difficulty settings, including the ‘extreme’ difficulty challenge
Find thousands of unique armor and weapons to use or trade for gold
Discover hidden traps and treasures
Chose from two control schemes to make playing easy at home or on the go
Save your progress at any time or restart with your current experience and items
Enjoy Underworlds again and again - no two adventures will be the same!
This little App totally makes the time in the waiting room of your Doctor's office whiz on by! I love it! It's completely addictive. The storyline is fun and you can play it over and over ! It's crazy cool and hardcore gamers should love this App because it plays like a computer game on your iPhone.
I know it's a major time waster! But, I have to admit, I love pinning so much I had to start a "Pinning Page" for thisblog. What a great way to "glean" topic ideas for a blog! Looking
through other people's nerdy pins totally get's my mind reeling and
ready to blog. Plus, I've learned what all the "cool kids" are doing
with their nerdy ideas. You have to receive an invitation from a friend
in order to start your own boards but, chances are you already know
someone who is "pinning". So, bug a buddy, get them to set you an
invite and start pinning away! If you only want to look at Pins with a
"Geeky" or "Nerdy" theme then follow my pins@ http://pinterest.com/thescifichick/
5. FOLLOW GEORGE TAKEI ON THE WEB
What? You're not following George Takei on the web? Then you're the only nerd in town that isn't! Catch the bus, man! The former Star Trekker is ALL OVER the web. You can find George on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter. He also, has a website and a blog . You can find his books on Goodreads, watch Star Trek on Netflix and follow his YouTube channel. Oh, an did I mention he is also starring in a Allegiance a New American Muscial? Well, he is... so, if you are missing the awesomeness of "The Takei" on the web well... you must live under a rock. Wink ;)Wink ;)!
BTW:*****SPOILER ALERT!***** THIS Sci-fi Chick Musings is full of SPOILERS! Skip a rant if you haven't finished the books, movie or TV show in which the character appears.
In honor of Mother's Day I would like to pay tribute to my some of my favorite Sci-fi mom's!
Dear
Spock's Mom, We can only appreciate but, never truly understand what it
must have been like to raise a son who, due to Vulcan custom, never told
you how much he loved you. We know for a fact, Amanda, he deeply
regretted this. But, any woman who lived through raising Spock once and
then again a second time. Due to that nasty incident on the Genesis Planet,
which caused your son to be reborn and required you to re-raise and
re-educated him. You also get bonus points for being a working mom
and finding time to help Star Fleet create the Universal Translator! All this earns you a spot in the top 5 on my list of the Best Moms of Scifi!
Oh, poor Sarah Conner! What else is a mom to do but
become an "Ass Kicking , Crazy Woman" when cyborgs form the future have
been sent back in time to terminate you and yours to ensure a Nuclear War
that leads to machines ruling the Earth! Talk about HOMESCHOOLING! You educated yourself and your son on all topics that would help the future resistance fighter. You hooked up with every questionable character who was willing to teach you military tactics! Most Moms just aren't willing to hang out in Biker bars, in Mexico, just to find someone willing to train them in small arms weapons. So, thank you, Sarah for preparing John Conner to lead the human resistance. It is because of your sacrifice the human race will go on!
What's a single mom to do when her daughter is the "Chosen One" and you really can't enforce a curfew or prevent her from dating older men/vampires. You always found a way to support her when she was getting into fights, burning down schools, killing your boyfriend and feeding you "magic" band candy. Your struggle to raise the girl who would "save the world, a lot" was so graceful and steady not a dry eye was to be found when you died. RIP Joyce Summers. The best Mom a girl with superpowers could ever have.
Molly definitely had the biggest bunch of kids to look after. She gave birth to seven children. Six of them turned out to be pretty darn awesome. (We understand about Percy, Molly, we don't hold you accountable. It was Percy's pride not your child rearing skills that caused him to go astray.) She also, took on a motherly role to our dear Harry. Molly endured so much though out the seven books. Percy's betrayal, Ginny's kidnapping by Bailisk, her husband, Arthur, being attacked by Voldemort's snake, Bill's disfiguration by a werewolf, Ron running away from Hogwarts to hunt horcruxs. Georgelosing an ear and the heartbreaking death of Fred. But, the main reason that you take the number two spot on this list, Molly, is your Mama Bear beat down on Bellatrix Lestrange. A mothering moment so awesome we just have to watch it one more time!
Poor Daenerys. Your brother sold you as a child bride to the leader of the Dothraki , a barbarian horse tribe. But, you overcame and flourished! Eventually earning the respect of your husband and the tribe who were honored to call you,
Khaleesi. However, just as soon as things were looking up, you miscarry your only
human child and your husband, Drogo slips into a coma. All caused by
the revenge magic of, Mirri Maz Duur! As you and your, Khalasar find
yourselves suffering in the wastelands of theRed Lands. Your husband's
funeral pyre proves that you cannot be burned by fire and allows you to hatch your
true children, The Dragons. You then spend five books protecting your people
and your Dragons. As you and your Khalasar move across the Great Eastern Continent you free slaves, and help the sick, the poor and the needy. Eventually, thousands
will call you, Mother, as you lead your people to freedom and struggle
to maintain human rights for all. Daenerys, Mother of Dargons! Daenerys the "Breaker of Shackles and Chains"! Daenerys Mother of
the oppressed!
And those, my friends, are my choice of the top five. Of, course there are a ton of Moms in Scifi and many deserve a spot on a favorites list. These are just my favs. Please leave a comment about your favorites (or mine). I am writing another "musing" about Scifi moms and would love to read your opinions.
