Well, Halloween is over. And so is the 2012 election cycle that felt like it would never end. And now we're on full throttle to the holidays.
Just in time for Christmas shopping is this awesome gem for the Trekkie/Trekker (won't debate that *hot* topic here!) from ThinkGeek -- a Spock LLAP oven mitt:
The Spock mitt would go fantastically with the Enterprise Pizza Cutter and bottle opener.
Wait, wait! One more! What nerdly friend doesn't want some delicious Trek Christmas cookies too? Cool and delicious!!
Showing posts with label Star Trek. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Star Trek. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Welcome to 2012, Only One Month Late.
As they say, the road to hell is laid with good intentions.

The second project is this little rocket. Technically I think it's a birdhouse, but I think we'll put a little alien friend peeking out instead.

More to come soon!
Back in November, I had every intention of giving my little blog more regular attention, even if just small posts, but totally fell off the bandwagon. Well, I got pregnant last fall and have to say, didn't feel like being on a computer beyond working hours until just recently. Actually, I didn't feel like doing much beyond lying on the couch and watching Dr. Who all winter. Apparently the 2nd trimester is the "good" window and my energy is certainly better, so I'm trying to take advantage of it while I can. (I've been assured I'll be back to mid-afternoon naps in another month or so.)
During the 20 week ultrasound, we found out BabyO is a girl. I was absolutely certain it was a boy, so there go my powers of perception. Somehow, getting past that pregnancy mid-way point without complication made everything very "real." I'm not sure what other women go through, but everything felt kind of theoretical (or I was in denial) before that point. In the last 6 weeks, I've found myself laser-focused on critical issues like nursery colors and themes. Who has time to find a doula or schedule maternity classes when looking for the perfect glider and choosing a color scheme? Priorities, people.
Well, I'm happy to say, we've got our "theme!" (We've narrowed names down to 5-7, but again, priorities people.) I'm not sure if I've mentioned it before, but the Better Half works in aerospace and we are both big Sci Fi geeks, so naturally our nursery theme is: SPACE.
Now, some people might think this is an unusual theme for a baby's room, let alone a baby girl's room, and to those people I say, Suck it. After spending more time than is reasonable looking at nursery ideas, I really got overwhelmed by many of the typical "girl" themes: lots of pink, lavender and white; fluffy pom poms; bunting (what is this??); birds/trees (actually, I like these, but kinda overdone based on a Google Image search); butterflies/ladybugs; and princessy decor.

Maybe a little much?
These are all fine in general, but I'm just not a girly girl. And I'm sure as soon as BabyO can make her own preferences known, we'll be inundated with Barbies, Disney princesses, etc. That's fine, but I just can't start there.
So, space it is! It's a bit of a challenge because a) not a lot of mass-produced space-themed baby stuff out there, and b) if it exists, it is very "boyish." Over the next few weeks/months, I hope to share some of the cool stuff I've found or made for BabyO's Space Room (TM). Given my personality (read: a little obsessive), it will be all I can do to limit myself to a few key pieces, even though my inclination is to get everything cool I can find.
My first project for BabyO's room is this wall plaque with the Star Trek: The Next Generation intro. It also includes glow-in-the-dark paint on the stars, sun, planet, and key text.

Friday, January 28, 2011
Star Trek + Potatoes = Awesome
Wow, I can't type at all today, so I'll keep this short & sweet. Saw this throw away post on io9 and was mesmerized. The good people over at PPW Toys are making, get this, Star Trek Mr. Potato Heads. The first set will feature Captain Kirk and Klingon nemesis, Kor.
Of course, I'll be holding out for the Mr. Spock. And perhaps a whole STNG set (pretty please with sugar on top!). I am already seeing a display shelf full of Mr. Potato Heads with Worf, Picard, Geordi, and Data.
Anyway, look for the first set of Star Trek Mr. Potato Heads later this summer! Just in time for another adventure with Portland's "Star Trek in the Park!"
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Zombie Spock
I love fall, especially because of Halloween and all the fun geek tie-ins that show up this time of year. Also, the leaves changing color is really pretty, and even though that has nothing to do with pop culture, it's part of fall and makes me happy. So there.
Via Laughing Squid today is a post of a supremely awesome zombie Spock t-shirt (by Shawn Conn). Thumb's up! Now, where's my zombie Picard?? (could be titled "Brains, Number 1" or "Grey Brains, Hot"). Could be a whole great series!
Via Laughing Squid today is a post of a supremely awesome zombie Spock t-shirt (by Shawn Conn). Thumb's up! Now, where's my zombie Picard?? (could be titled "Brains, Number 1" or "Grey Brains, Hot"). Could be a whole great series!

Monday, May 24, 2010
So, About that Job at Microsoft...
(via Gizmodo)
When I look for my next job (not anytime soon, I promise) I think I have a new requirement: It must have geek related art in the lobby. And this one takes the cake!
So super cool! Imagine something that awesome at YOUR job! If only...
When I look for my next job (not anytime soon, I promise) I think I have a new requirement: It must have geek related art in the lobby. And this one takes the cake!
Microsoft has an incredible Star Trek sculpture in the lobby of their Studio D office, an installation that continually gives the appearance that Kirk, Spock and the rest are just on the verge of materializing...Beads! The installation, inspired by the 1967 episode "Mirror, Mirror," was created by Devorah Sperber, an artist well known for her illusory creations involving unconventional materials.
So super cool! Imagine something that awesome at YOUR job! If only...

Sunday, May 23, 2010
Star Trek in the Park is Back!
Holy crap, I'm starting to get excited about the summer. And not just because it might stop raining for 5 minutes. There are so many wonderful geek things happening this summer, I can hardly wait!
One of those events is Trek in the Park, a live performance of one of the most classic Star Trek episodes, Space Seed. Enjoy a clip to refresh your memory of how much you love Khannnnnnn!
I missed Trek in the Park last year, and was really bummed about it. Not this year!
Atomic Arts is a local theater company. They are putting this all on for free. Really? How can they do that?! I don't know, but that is added bonus reason to go. Who's in?
Here are the deets:
Woodlawn Park
Corner of Claremont and Oneonta in NE Portland
Saturdays and Sundays at 5:00pm
July 10+11, 17+18, 24+25, 31 and Aug 1
ALL AGES! FREE!
One of those events is Trek in the Park, a live performance of one of the most classic Star Trek episodes, Space Seed. Enjoy a clip to refresh your memory of how much you love Khannnnnnn!
I missed Trek in the Park last year, and was really bummed about it. Not this year!
Atomic Arts is a local theater company. They are putting this all on for free. Really? How can they do that?! I don't know, but that is added bonus reason to go. Who's in?
Here are the deets:
Woodlawn Park
Corner of Claremont and Oneonta in NE Portland
Saturdays and Sundays at 5:00pm
July 10+11, 17+18, 24+25, 31 and Aug 1
ALL AGES! FREE!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Sequels
Over on The Facebook, my friend the Comic Book Guy (well, he co-owns a comic book store and is about to become a published writer) has posed some great comic book-related questions to fans of the store. For instance, last night's was "Who is your favorite supporting character?" I'll let you ponder that for a minute...
If you know anything about geeks, we can spend hours vehemently arguing/discussing topics like this one. Or the merits & flaws of comic book TV/movie adaptations. Or speculate about which actor would make the best (insert random character to appear in next movie here). Or which character/story deserves a reboot. Or how "true" to the story any particular adaptation is to the original work.
But one of the most hotly contested topics (especially at Con after a few drinks) is that of the Movie Sequel. Really good sequels in any genre are hard enough to pull off (I say Godfather 2 makes the cut), but doing a follow-up to a really good comic book or sci fi movie seems to be a particular challenge. A lot of initial offerings suck so much or can't find enough of an audience that they aren't even considered for a sequel. But there are some really good ones, occasionally better than the first. Here are the ones that are on my Decent (or better) Sequel list:
I'm sure there are others. What am I forgetting? Add to comments.
If you know anything about geeks, we can spend hours vehemently arguing/discussing topics like this one. Or the merits & flaws of comic book TV/movie adaptations. Or speculate about which actor would make the best (insert random character to appear in next movie here). Or which character/story deserves a reboot. Or how "true" to the story any particular adaptation is to the original work.
But one of the most hotly contested topics (especially at Con after a few drinks) is that of the Movie Sequel. Really good sequels in any genre are hard enough to pull off (I say Godfather 2 makes the cut), but doing a follow-up to a really good comic book or sci fi movie seems to be a particular challenge. A lot of initial offerings suck so much or can't find enough of an audience that they aren't even considered for a sequel. But there are some really good ones, occasionally better than the first. Here are the ones that are on my Decent (or better) Sequel list:
- Empire Strikes Back (duh)
- Superman II (on TV tonight as a matter of fact, and the reason for this post)
- Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (Khannnnn!!!!)
- Evil Dead 2 (maybe a bit out of genre, but love it)
- Batman Returns
- The Dark Knight (2nd of Christopher Nolan's Batman movies)
- X2
- Spiderman 2
- Underworld: Evolution
- Terminator 2: Judgment Day (don't laugh - I liked it)
- Toy Story 2
- and the most recent release, Iron Man 2
I'm sure there are others. What am I forgetting? Add to comments.

Thursday, April 1, 2010
For My New House...
This might need to be an ongoing series... Let's see what else I can find for my new place!
Submission #1: Spice Invaders salt and pepper shakers! (via Laughing Squid)

Love. Want.
There is also a STNG "Earl Grey Tea. Hot." coffee mug that I really want, but now can't find. Will post when I re-locate the image.
Update: Thank Interwebs! Found it on Wil Wheaton's Cafe Press site:

Submission #1: Spice Invaders salt and pepper shakers! (via Laughing Squid)

Love. Want.
There is also a STNG "Earl Grey Tea. Hot." coffee mug that I really want, but now can't find. Will post when I re-locate the image.
Update: Thank Interwebs! Found it on Wil Wheaton's Cafe Press site:


Monday, February 22, 2010
The Picard Video
(big h/t to Artem)
I couldn't get motivated to sit down and write anything this weekend. I didn't think I'd even get there tonight, but this is too good not to share.
Check out this Jean Luc Picard fan-made YouTube video. Best. Video. Ever. If I could tattoo a video on my person, this would certainly be a contender. Is someone working on that yet? If not, could you?
Have I mentioned my love/adoration of Jean Luc on this site yet? Le sigh. This video encapsulates so many great Picard moments, it's dizzying. I especially love the little dances (see around 1:00). I also like the transition to the New Order-like synth music with the Borg clips (around 3:00 mark). I had no idea how well New Order and the Borg go together. Like chocolate and peanut butter. Resistance is futile. They even work in a few animated clips. And the tune is super catchy. I'll probably end up with "Captain Jean Luc Picard of the USS Enterprise" stuck in my head for days.
I'd like to figure out a way to create an MP3 version of this so my husband can work it into one of his DJ sets. There must be a way, right? It's so uber-fantastic that I think it needs to be shared with many, many others.
Engage.
I couldn't get motivated to sit down and write anything this weekend. I didn't think I'd even get there tonight, but this is too good not to share.
Check out this Jean Luc Picard fan-made YouTube video. Best. Video. Ever. If I could tattoo a video on my person, this would certainly be a contender. Is someone working on that yet? If not, could you?
Have I mentioned my love/adoration of Jean Luc on this site yet? Le sigh. This video encapsulates so many great Picard moments, it's dizzying. I especially love the little dances (see around 1:00). I also like the transition to the New Order-like synth music with the Borg clips (around 3:00 mark). I had no idea how well New Order and the Borg go together. Like chocolate and peanut butter. Resistance is futile. They even work in a few animated clips. And the tune is super catchy. I'll probably end up with "Captain Jean Luc Picard of the USS Enterprise" stuck in my head for days.
I'd like to figure out a way to create an MP3 version of this so my husband can work it into one of his DJ sets. There must be a way, right? It's so uber-fantastic that I think it needs to be shared with many, many others.
Engage.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Star Trek Online Game - Should I Engage?

In case there was any doubt, let me say now that I love Star Trek. I'm biased to Next Gen (Picard!), but I like Original too (Spock!). I even enjoyed a good percentage of Deep Space 9 and Voyager (though I actively avoided Enterprise. Couldn't even buy into that one). I'm such a fan girl that I've read quite a few of the books that are supposed to take place in the Star Trek universe.
Oh, and I may have attended a convention. Or two.
And met some cast members.
And have an autographed photo of John de Lancie (Q).
And named a pet after a character (also Q).
Wow, when you commit that all to fake paper, it's something, isn't it? Don't judge me too harshly.
Given this love, I was pretty excited to hear about the new MMORPG Star Trek game coming out from Cryptic Studios. It's only been available for beta testing until now. There's been household discussion about taking on a new geek endeavor (for me) and branching out into the world of MMO gaming, so this release is well timed.
However, several reviews seem to indicate mixed reviews. On the one hand, character development appears to be very promising (via Mike Smith at Yahoo Video games):
There's near-universal agreement on at least one point: the game's character generation is awesome. That'll be no big surprise to anyone who's followed its developer, Cryptic Studios, for any length of time: flexible, fascinating character design is practically their signature move. If you sit down with the game, expect to spend some considerable time poring over its options.
On the other hand, the game is set 30 years after Nemesis, with the Federation engulfed in war. So the focus of the game is on combat, rather than exploration or diplomacy. Some reviews note that dedicated Trek fans may be disappointed with this deviation from show canon, though apparently this may also be dependent on what kind of Trek fan you are.
Another issue that's come up in a few reviews is that of the combat play itself (via io9):
Less cool is the clunky ground combat on away missions, which all seem to devolve into a basic shoot-em-up that feels very un-Trekky. The lack of full three-dimensional space combat is also a drag. Starships maneuver like underpowered airplanes, unable to loop, roll or deviate from the arbitrary flat "plane" of space by more than 45 degrees.
I guess these reviews leave me undecided on whether or not to try the game. As a newbie to online gaming in the first place, I wonder if it is safer to try a more established, well-loved game.
The cost appears to be in line with similar games ($14.99 monthly fee, with $50 initial purchase price). Given my cautious nature and upcoming tax bill, maybe I'll wait until user reviews are in and see where it lands.
There's always World of Warcraft and Everquest, right?
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Valentines for the Geek in Your Life

Valentine's Day isn't a big deal in our house, but I know there are geeks out there who would love a treat from their special someone. Assuming he/she has one. Let's be optimistic and assume that's the case so I can get on with the point.
The good folks over at Mashable posted a list of 10 V-Day gifts for geeks earlier today. I can't decide which I like more -- the Valentine's themed Zune (yes, I said "Zune"!) or the Geeky Dreamboat magnet set, which includes adora-geeks like Michael Cera, Andy Samberg, and the dudes from Flight of the Conchords.
ThinkGeek.com has an even lengthier list of geek appropriate Valentine gifts here. I like the heart-shaped box of mini-microbes (including Amoeba and Penicillin), Star Trek cologne & perfume (because who doesn't want to smell like Captain Kirk?), Circuit board necklace (doubles as a "Green" gift!), and the LED binary clock or watch (which I doubt I could even read, but love nonetheless).
Of course, you could make it easy and pick up a cool geek t-shirt. There are so many now, because I guess it is finally cool to be a geek or pretend you are one. Pretty much anything from threadless.com seems on target, but I really like this one because of the overwhelming number of pop culture references in one shirt. Or the now (in)famous Rock-Paper-Scissor-Lizard-Spock t-shirt from the Big Bang Theory. Or for the gamer geek in your life, any number of Mario t-shirts.
If you don't have a special Valentine in your life this year, go on and treat yourself. You know you want to. Shiny!!
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