10th Annual Toronto Zombie Walk

10th Annual Toronto Zombie Walk, a set on Flickr.

In honor of the season 3 finale of The Walking Dead, enjoy this past Zombie Walk in Toronto.

Happy Easter, Brains and Chocolate Day :)

Super Sunday Shirt Selections

Once in a while, two great days come together in a symphony of awesome...Today is one of those days. That's right it's Easter and The Walking Dead season 3 finale!!!! You know what that means! ZOMBIE BUNNIES FOR EVERYONE! wait, are they chocolate...OH! I don't have any chocolate. SO HOW ABOUT SOME SHIRTS INSTEAD!!!!!

You can easily find these shirts on the Redbubble.

Remember, Zombies just what to hug you really close and tell you how the feel...and eat your head. But at least has a bunny, so kinda Eastery.

I liked this one...it's got a nice ring to it.

An awesome plan...except for the whole zombie thing. I highly recommend this movie, Shaun of the Dead and this shirt, also a cricket bat, just is case.

Table Toppings

Well as you may (or may not) know, This Saturday is International Tabletop Game Day, so that means there will be plenty of swords and sorcery to go around.

Now I personally am in the midst of not one, not two, not even three, BUT FOUR games at this point, Ranging from card games, to RPGs, and I would like to share these with you all.

Now first off, I play this one game, you may or may not be aware of, Yu Gi Oh. Yes, I prefer Yu Gi Oh to Magic the Gathering, mainly because...well, I aight to quick on the draw if you know what I mean, so when I have to remember things like Quick Play timing, and "Chaining" it tends to fill up a lot of the hard drive, if you get where I'm coming from, granted I do play one of the most hated and loved decks of all time Dark World Viruses, but it's still a lot to process. Besides I feel more confident attempting to beat 12 years at Yu Gi Oh, then 30 year old professional Magic players.

Now the second one is a game I have spoke of before, Dragon Age Table Top, which is of course, a very simple clone of Dungeons and Dragons, I'm not going to go into that much detail about it. (for more please refer to Dylan on Dragon Age Tabletop) But I will say as Game Master I have racked up my first two PC kills... *insert evil laughter here*

Now my third game, I have to thank my good friend Kurtis for...It's game he invented. He calls it Vortex, it's like some Dungeons and Dragons meet Borderlands meets Fallout game, and it's pretty cool, I'm a 9 foot tall Troll with Fists of Fury....ON FIRE! Yup, and by that standard the rest of the gameplay is pretty awesome, with almost total combat freedom, it is essentially a turn based mosh pit.

And finally...the king of the castle....Dungeons and Dragons, what more can I say. It's a game that we all know, with dungeons and....dragons, trolls, goblins and the like. The amount of dice can be a little overwhelming though. But it's still a game everyone should check out.

Now normally I'd try to leave with a witty retort, but there's dragons that need a slaying, so from me, Have an AWESOME INTERNATIONAL TABLETOP GAME DAY!

Welcome to Geek Circus

Dylan and Samantha's FIRST official video and introduction!! We are the Ringmasters of Geek Circus!!!

http://youtu.be/oVeWa7WT2uI

Super Sunday Shirt Selection 03/24/13

I have been  fan of Calvin and Hobbes ever since I discovered the comic strip in the Sunday funnies a long time ago. Calvin and Hobbes is the epitome of childhood before reality seeps in and stops us from believing our dreams. Calvin reminds us that we should always hold on to  that sacred the piece of childhood innocents and imagination. Hobbes makes you feel like anything is possible when you do.

It was very hard to pick 3. So this will be part one of my Calvin and Hobbes shirt selection <3
Samantha <3

Star Gazing: TheFind

Ebay.ca

 

 

Chewie and Han by Execute Order 66

“When life gives you lemons, chunk it right back.”
― Bill Watterson

Geek Girl; Comments on Geek Girl Hatred

Now that I have entered the media world of geek culture, I have found something quite upsetting. Hatred, by SOME towards nerd/geek women. Especially if you happen to be an attractive woman. Let me say I have made A LOT of positive connections in geek culture and continue to do so. But this behavior is shocking. I always felt this subculture was a safe haven for all us outcast fans of all genres to be in a "club", able to be free and open to express our love to other like minded people. But as it turns out, according to some men, you have to be male or a homely woman to be 'accepted' (not to mention a walking encyclopedia), AND follow other peoples ideas of what geek culture is to THEM. Not to YOU. My favorite: Most cos-play attractive women are whores and fake nerds. Really......

I feel a definition of the word whore is in order: 

Definition of WHORE
 noun \ˈhȯr, ˈhu̇r\

1 a woman who engages in sexual acts for money : prostitute; also : a promiscuous or immoral woman

2 a male who engages in sexual acts for money

3 a venal or unscrupulous person

Hey, that's odd. No where could I find the word whore associated to meaning fake nerd/geek/fangirl. You know who talks like that? Bullies. And that is what some of  you nerd/geek men are BULLIES! You have become the very people that picked on any of us as children, that were different individuals and non-conformist. Why is being a good looking woman a threat to geek culture?  Women make up a lot of the sci-fi fan base. For me, I don't want to see provokingly dressed women with big breasts, tiny waist, and round asses all the time. (You can't get away from men always sexualizing women) I want stories that are engaging, characters to care about, writing that keeps me interested. Oh. Is that the problem? Most of you men are so use to objectifying the female characters in your comics and stories and collecting your anatomically incorrect body image of a woman, you actually feel threaten and uncomfortable being around a good looking geek girl? That's YOUR issue. And that doesn't make a woman a whore (see definition above).

Growing up, my family could not afford a whole lot and I came from a broken home. It was my beloved characters, cartoons, toys and series that helped me escape my life and give me a sense of peace. We moved around a lot. I was the A typical awkward kid, didn't make friends and I wasn't always able to keep much. It wasn't until later in my life with my own family and home that I was able to start collecting my childhood loves to share with my children and really get the chance to dive into geek culture. So does that make me any less of a geek than YOU? I carry my fandom in my soul and DNA. I admire people who have been able to collect for years, go to Cons.  I have embraced my awkwardness at 40. I am very comfortable in my own skin. Just because I'm a woman I should not have to defend myself regarding geek culture and what it means to ME. So WHO decides what a REAL nerd/geek is? And to what degree of a fan do you have to be that qualifies any person as one? Is there a panel I have to consult, a questionnaire, broad of directors, Oracle, The Powers that Be, a DICTATOR??? I know this sounds funny and really it would be, if it wasn't so offensive to me and other females in geek culture.

Lets talk about how disgusting a lot of men (and even boys) are regarding women in general. You hide behind your computers, getting your 'keyboard courage' on and gaming headsets spewing hate, derogatory name calling, and horrifying threats. You are cowards! What is WRONG in your life, that you need to spread some hate? What do we as women take away from geek culture or gaming? Seriously, Haters. Stop hating.

I do agree that there are people out there who hop on the popularity bandwagon and for a fleeting moment they are "fans" too. This is nothing new. Its happens with EVERYTHING from music, movies, technology, fashion and pets. Those people get bored and move on to the next thing. And unfortunately that is how most of society is. Check your local animal shelter and see how many cats and dogs are surrenders by owners because they are not cute babies anymore and they got bored.......See that offends me MORE then the "fakers" and "posers" in geek culture. What about the 'jock' guys who have hopped on the Marvel train? Do you 'uber nerds' have issues with them? Are those 'jocks' whores too?

Look, we all know the people who are committed fans in geek culture. We are passionate about our characters, toys, movies, gaming, etc. They have left an imprint on our souls. What I don't think a lot of you men understand is how many of us geek girls get judged and made fun of by other women who have no understanding of geek culture. As I have said, I'm 40, I love my movies, books, toys and Cons. And through this I have made the most fantastic, interesting friends ever! I am not ashamed to talk about any of it.Yet I get the eye rolls and snickers or people change the subject on me. I use to think it was these 'normal' women who were the ones that were judging me, instead its some very unhappy men in geek culture.

I really don't understand all this hate. Why some of you men feel the need to decide what a REAL fangirl is. Why do you care? How does it affect you? I could go on about my life, my job, how it was ME that introduced my kids to geek culture, etc. But that would be like I'm trying to prove the authenticity of my geekness, to a group of people who already de-value me because I am a woman. And that would make your opinion seem like it matters in my life, when it really doesn't. What really bothers me is the small-minded pettiness of some that harbor out right hatred. Geek culture is the last place I thought I would find such bullshit.

And in reality this just shows that our culture actually does rule world. We geeks/nerds ARE the coolest kids in town. And we have the awesome toys to prove it!

Fight the Good Fight.
Samantha

Two fantastic responses regarding "fake nerd girls":
http://www.newstatesman.com/alex-hern/2012/11/fake-nerd-girls-whores-and-sexism
http://www.fanboynewsnetwork.com/the-fake-nerd-girl-myth/

More recent article:
http://www.dailydot.com/geek/wondercon-t-shirt-response-missed-point/

Observations: Pacific Mall

In early December I was on the hunt for Godzilla, toys that is, and thought about checking out Pacific Mall in Toronto. I have never been there before and just figured it was like any other mall.

It was a Saturday, so we made sure to get there at a reasonable time to ensure a parking space. At 10 am to our pleasant surprise, there were a lot of spaces! Cool! Pacific mall is HUGE! Set up as a flea market but all arranged in rows of very neat cubicles consisting of two floors and over 500 hundred shops that are either Chinese or Korean. I have never seen a mall like this and quite liked the lay out. Unfortunately we didn't get to really shop (remember, mission Godzilla), the Mall doesn't open until 11am and most stores open between the hours of 11 and 12:30pm.

picture taken from the second floor

looking down one of the "hallways"

If you love Hello Kitty, cell phone covers, contact lenses to change your eyes, Pokemon, Bubble Tea and Asian or Koren food and fashion this is the mall to go too! Unfortunately I didn't find Godzilla anywhere, but I got to experience Pacific Mall. Its a pretty interesting place, people should visit at least once!

Various types of contact lenses

 I was really impressed with the Gundam Store. Pretty Fantastic!

The Lucky Bridge

     
Samantha (Geek Circus)

"Never laugh at Dragons"
J.R.R. Tolkien

Dylan on Dragon Age Tabletop

Once upon a time, there was a game...not just any game, but a tabletop game. This game was like no other. It pushed the boundaries of the imagination, and helped to shape the course of Role Playing Games for years to come. This game was called Dungeons and Dragons.

Years later, whilst the "D&D" franchise is still pushing forward with Pathfinder, a new "competitor" has arrived, based off Biowares hit game, the dark fantasy role playing game, Dragon Age.
Ever since beating it, I've always wondered what it would be like to play with group of friends, to challenge the Darkspawn Horde with my closetest buds, and then see which one would die to stop the dreaded Archedemon. Unfortunately such a feature won't likely show up until Biowares Dragon Age 3 hits shelves.
 But until that time I've discovered somewhat of a replacement.

Now while not many are familiar with the story of Dragon Age you don't have to worry, this game has almost nothing to do with the video games, although playing them will help you by giving you a basic knowledge of the lore. However, knowing the lore isn't always the best thing, so if you have a Game Master, check to see if it's okay that you drop those "Lore Bombs" in case the game gets it wrong.

Now for the actual game play. It seems relatively simple, you get a character sheet and 3 dice. Now the abilities are largely based off stat saves and bonuses, meaning that if you use abilities that are based heavily on your big stats, enemies tend to not make their saves. Coupled with the extremely large defence (to hit stat)
man player characters tend to go untouched...until you reach the higher ranked enemies.
The higher ranked enemies are relentless, boarding on D&D style mini bosses. A single Hurlock matched to player characters is devastating! It can kill at least 3 PC's WITHOUT SUPPORT. Meaning that typical fighting is worthless against these pseudo-mini bosses. Teamwork is what most players tend to avoid in these games at early levels and that would work in your typical table-top RPG, but as I stated the tougher enemies will simply hack through your allies. Granted it depends on the Game Master on how aggressive you want the enemies to be (I would know I tend to make my creatures overly aggressive). Sticking with Dragon Age tactics derived from the games is the best bet, 1 mage, 1 archer, 1 rogue, 1 tank, and 1 damage dealer seems to work, any difference from that in my experience, usually means you're going to have issues when facing counter classes.

Given that this game is probably the easiest to pick up and play with friends, it's surprising how much strategy is involved. Meaning that when you play, you must PLAY, or this game will be short. Really Short. With the unbalanced combat, heavy teamwork, and cunningly deseptive difficulting, Dragon Age Table Top is not a game for everyone, but Dragon Age fans and hardcore table top RPG players will find some enjoyment out of this game.

Super Sunday Shirt Selection 17/03/2013

Happy St. Patrick's Day my geek brethren...and sisteren.
TO CELEBRATE THIS DAY, I'VE CHOSEN SOME T-SHIRTS THAT WILL MAKE YOU GREEN WITH ENVY.

Don't Make Me Angry...what was that second part? Ah well check out this shirt on Superhero Stuff

 

This shirt, brought to you by Redbubble, features Yoda's greatest weakness....

                     For some more great shirt picks, return next week...
                            Talos guide you friends...Talos guide you....

LOTR Action Figures and Toy Collection

Photo Blog: Some of our Lord of the Rings collection. We are still looking for a few of the missing Companions. The pictures below are shots figures from the mini sets.

D & S

“It's the job that's never started as takes longest to finish.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings