tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30395226552646313692024-03-05T21:54:03.900-08:00Geek TearsIt's my geek day and I'll cry if I want to.Amanda Geiselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01909316598645453349noreply@blogger.comBlogger83125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039522655264631369.post-7458863103314197642012-07-29T17:38:00.001-07:002012-07-29T17:38:37.843-07:00May the Tears Be With You<b>Let me sum up:</b><br />
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Military Dad Return + Star Wars = Whaaaaaa?</div>
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<b>Let me splain:</b><br />
Yeah, so this combines addictive homecoming videos, cosplay, and Star Wars. Well done, sir!!!! This made me cry more than the amazing fish tacos my husband just made me.<br />
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~Geek out</div>Amanda Geiselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01909316598645453349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039522655264631369.post-69824985245026847472012-06-18T18:29:00.000-07:002012-06-18T18:32:05.542-07:00Ben's Awfully Big Adventure<b>Let me sum up:</b><br />
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<a href="http://craphound.com/images/swsa_ben3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://craphound.com/images/swsa_ben3.jpg" width="275" /></a><br />
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<b>Let me splain:</b><br />
From <a href="http://boingboing.net/2012/06/18/young-man-with-autism-sees-off.html">BoingBoing</a>, by Cory Doctorow<br />
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Walt Disney World's Snow White's Scary Adventure ride had its final run this weekend, a casualty of a renovation that will see the erection of a new Fantasyland with a much more thrill-ride-like Snow White attraction. SWSA's greatest fan is Ben, a young man with autism, who had ridden it 3,451 times when the final weekend was at hand. His family brought him to WDW for SWSA's swan song, and rode it with him, accompanied by Disney employees (including one in character as Snow White; also including Ben's grandfather, who works at the park), who understood how important it was to him. Ben's father, Ron Miles, documented the event in a beautiful, moving post.<br />
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<i>And then it was the moment of truth. We all exited the cart. Ken stood off at a respectable distance, allowing us to have this moment as a family. Robert collected his camera and set up to film Ben's last ride. We led Ben over to the loading zone, gave him a big hug, and then told him to go ahead. He looked a little confused at first, and then smiled in disbelief. With his iPod in one hand, a single earbud in his left ear, and with his camera in the other hand he embarked on the very last ride. We waved and blew him kisses as he rounded the wishing well, and then he was through the doors and completely gone. </i><br />
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<i>I turned to Stacey and said, "There are cameras in there, right? There's somebody in a security room somewhere that can see everything that is happening?" "Nope!" she replied cheerfully, "but there are intrusion matts everywhere, and in any case the lap bar will keep him in the cart." </i><br />
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<i>I looked at my watch, and then looked at the exit doors. Empty cart after empty cart paraded by, and I had visions of those doors opening to a cart empty but for an iPod and a camera perched on the front seat. The headlines the next day would read "Autistic Boy Disappears from Disney Ride". I imagined a vigniette several decades in the future, a grizzled old maintenance worker saying in hushed tones to a new employee, "...and to this day you can hear his ghost moaning in this building, mourning the loss of his favorite ride..." </i><br />
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<i>Surely it had been three minutes by now, and still those doors steadfastly refused to open. I realized that I was holding my breath, as I noticed abstractly that Robert had set up his camera shot to get the perfect view of Ben's exit. Finally, after what seemed like hours, those doors swung open and there was my happy young man still clutching his iPod and his camera. We all let out a cheer as the mine cart rolled to a halt, and then Benjamin got big hugs all around.</i><br />
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~Geek outAmanda Geiselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01909316598645453349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039522655264631369.post-33461707893609784842012-06-08T19:47:00.000-07:002012-06-08T19:49:26.556-07:00Did You Ever Grow Anything In the Garden of Your Mind?<b>Let me sum up:</b>
Mister Rogers Remix (from <a href="http://cheezburger.com/38617601">The Daily What</a>)
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/OFzXaFbxDcM" width="420"></iframe><br />
<b>Let me splain:</b>
Remember the early days of the internets? Blender hamster flash videos, etc.? Around that time I found a naughty Mister Rogers audio remix--Jr. High me thought it was <i>hilarious</i>. I've since grown to deeply love and respect this man (whose show I am thankful my Mom made me watch on sick days). And now I feel a little guilty for laughing at the naughty audio.<br />
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Mister Rogers has often me cry. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXEuEUQIP3Q">This video</a> is also a great watch. "Mindfulness"--intentional awareness of what's going on around you--is a big, hip focus of therapy these days. A few weeks ago I googled "Mister Rogers" and "mindfulness," because this dude had it in spades. A few days later I ran into a psychologist friend who also touted Mr. R. as a master of mindfulness. Fred Rogers encouraged joyful curiosity about the world. And encourages me to try to do good (in the grammatically correct sense).<br />
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~Geek outAmanda Geiselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01909316598645453349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039522655264631369.post-69478180192798798872012-05-24T19:58:00.000-07:002012-05-24T20:02:40.984-07:00Blue Ear<b>Let me sum up:</b><br />
Marvel creates a superhero for a little boy with a hearing impairment:<br />
<script src="http://WFXT.images.worldnow.com/interface/js/WNVideo.js?rnd=869106;hostDomain=www.myfoxboston.com;playerWidth=480;playerHeight=360;isShowIcon=true;clipId=7317802;flvUri=;partnerclipid=;adTag=News;advertisingZone=;enableAds=true;landingPage=;islandingPageoverride=false;playerType=STANDARD_EMBEDDEDscript;controlsType=overlay;galleryType=wnstory;galleryId=18597572" type="text/javascript">
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<b>Let me splain:</b><br />
Way to be, Marvel. Sorry the cloying news patter kind of ruins the video....but the kid's quote at the end is great. Also, I took my licensure exam, so I have even more time to scour the internets for tears. Yaaaaaaay!<br />
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~Geek outAmanda Geiselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01909316598645453349noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039522655264631369.post-6462978822317268482012-05-17T20:31:00.001-07:002012-05-17T20:31:55.185-07:00Crayon Dragon<b>Let me sum up:</b> Crayon Dragon<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/41314639" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br />
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<b>Let me splain:</b> Ummm, Crayon Dragon.<br />
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~Geek outAmanda Geiselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01909316598645453349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039522655264631369.post-56976047993208183982012-04-04T18:59:00.009-07:002012-04-04T19:16:57.236-07:00Boo Bass<span><span style="font-size: 100%; "><b>Let me sum up:</b></span></span><div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span>Auditory mixologist Pogo makes more stuff...</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; "><span><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0W1ULoLs6Cg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; "><span><br /></span></div><div><span><b>Let me splain:</b></span></div><div><span>Oh, look, Pogo once again took something lovely and whimsical and made it EVEN MORE LOVELY AND WHIMSICAL!!! It's kinda what he does.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>"Monsters Inc." is my favourite Pixar movie. Two reasons:</span></div><div><span><span>1) </span><span> As a kid, I had recurring nightmares about a creature I dubbed "The Scary Kitty-Cat Monster." He tormented and tickle-tortured me through many a dream. Then, out of the blue, he turned nice. And rather Sulley-esque. And I loved him.</span></span></div><div><span><span>2) </span><span>Laughter > Fear is a rockin' message. </span></span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>"Toy Story 3" comes in a close second. As previously documented, I <a href="http://geektears.blogspot.com/2010/07/wheres-your-kid-now.html">cried 11 times</a> at my first viewing. (They held hands and were prepared to face death, people)! Incidentally, I'm getting to do lots of therapy with kiddos this year. And I've often talked with kids about Lotso. Yeah, Lotso was mean. But was he always mean? Or did he maybe act mean because someone he loved made him sad?</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>~Geek out</span></div>Amanda Geiselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01909316598645453349noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039522655264631369.post-71297115281983911952012-03-11T10:43:00.004-07:002012-03-11T11:04:11.327-07:00Absurdity Everywhere<b>Let me sum up:</b><div style="font-weight: normal; ">The latest video from <a href="http://improveverywhere.com/">Improv Everywhere</a></div><div style="font-weight: normal; "><br /><br /><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/W_6SfMZxoLc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br /><br /></div><div><b>Let me splain:</b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; ">I know, I've posted lots of Improv Everywhere videos. And I know, their name is confusing--it's addressed in the FAQ's on their page. (My husband is constantly pointing out that they don't actually do improv. He's also reading Hunger Games right now, and was happy when Rue died, so come on....don't be that guy). Also...TED talk! Which is some staple <a href="http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.com/2010/09/08/134-the-ted-conference/">stuff white people like</a>.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; ">Unexpected absurdity. Seemingly spontaneous choreography. I dunno, man. The flash-mob thing continues to slay me pretty much every time. It's the mix of the surprise whimsy and the delightful group effort. I friggin love it. Stalin was supposedly a big fan of the early Disney silly symphony cartoons--steam boats, animals, trees, bugs, and tools all dancing and working together. There is something pretty nifty about people working together for a common purpose. And when that common purpose is silliness rather than mother Russia, it's gonna make me cry.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; ">~Geek out</div><div style="font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; ">PS--Hooray for <a href="http://www.pri.org/stories/business/social-entrepreneurs/cash-mobs-profit-locally-owned-stores-8498.html">Cash Mobs</a>, while I'm at it!</div>Amanda Geiselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01909316598645453349noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039522655264631369.post-66357962477954756502012-02-19T17:24:00.002-08:002012-02-19T17:32:28.864-08:00R2DTears<span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><b>Let me sum up:</b></span></span><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">From <a href="http://io9.com/5886076/this-little-boy-and-his-drivable-r2+d2-robot-will-make-you-misty+eyed">io9</a>--a community and Make A Wish help a boy become R2D2.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div><span><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/XWLgpOkANew" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><b>Let me splain:</b></span></div><div><span>When I worked at Disneyland I heard a lot of amazing Make A Wish stories that brought tears to my eyes. This kid's unique pick is completely fantastic.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>~Geek out</span></div>Amanda Geiselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01909316598645453349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039522655264631369.post-36347582839596206742012-02-09T19:55:00.000-08:002012-02-09T19:59:45.601-08:00Geekapella<span style="font-weight:bold;">Let me sum up:</span><br />Sci-fi acapella medley.<br /><br /><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ht24mZ7W_r4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Let me splain:</span><br />Um, sci-fi <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">acapella</span> medley. Nuff said. Spillover achieved with first round of Doctor Who. <div>Oooh eee oooh.<br /><br />~Geek out</div>Amanda Geiselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01909316598645453349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039522655264631369.post-57236119769425430382012-02-01T14:58:00.000-08:002012-02-01T15:35:51.339-08:00Bad Science<span style="font-weight:bold;">Let me sum up:</span><br />Awesome infographic from <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/JenicaRhee">@jenicarhee</a> and crew detailing the murky underbelly of research...<br /><br /><a href="http://images.clinicalpsychology.net.s3.amazonaws.com/bad-science.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px;" src="http://images.clinicalpsychology.net.s3.amazonaws.com/bad-science.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Let me splain:</span><br />I love me some science. Human ingenuity at its best has been a source of <a href="http://geektears.blogspot.com/2011/10/science-tears.html">happy</a> <a href="http://geektears.blogspot.com/2010/12/mythbusters-ii.html">tears</a> for both myself and my husband. But "science" at its worst can produce some very nasty tears.<div><br /></div><div>I'm not planning on pursuing a career in academia, and concern about the crazy/shady subjectivity of research is one of several reasons that path doesn't appeal to me. This will probably break my advisor's heart once he figures it out (the "research vs. practice" bias is another interesting dynamic in psychology). I've been very lucky because my advisor is a stand-up guy...when his students have gotten results that don't map onto models that he's published, he's been really cool about it. But I've heard about students coming up with results that conflict with their advisor's work getting run into the ground, and out of their programs.<br /><br />One of the most disheartening experiences I had was a few years ago. I have one (third author) publication to my name. It had just gotten accepted for publication. I went to a conference on a young researcher grant which included a mentoring session. One professor there had a similar publication with seemingly contradictory results. There were differences in our methodology and the populations being examined that I thought might account for this, and have some interesting implications, but when I tried to engage her in a conversation her response was a brisque, defensive, "No, you guys must be wrong." That experience (and the time a well-meaning mentor made me take Sesame Street clip art out of a presentation) really soured me.<br /><br />At my dissertation defense, the stats expert on my committee raised a lot of concerns that weren't specific criticisms of my thesis, but broader concerns about ways that psychologists routinely misuse statistics (violating assumptions of normality, etc.). I'm pretty stats-phobic, but I've learned enough about stats and the way my colleagues use stats to appreciate that there is a lot of gray area, and a lot of choice points that can drastically impact your results. Throw the tenure system and sketchy lab dynamics into the mix, and you've got a powder keg.<br /><br />It's worth noting that the DSM, our diagnostic bible, is based on studies that are vulnerable to all these flaws. It's disheartening because so many people come to a psychology clinic hoping they'll find a magic diagnosis that will obliterate their distress. But our diagnostic system is deeply flawed and subjective. And I think psychology has done itself disservice by trying to cling to a medical model that is all about symptom obliteration. Trying to get people less focused on what labels best apply to them or how they can quickly numb their symptoms and more focused on changes they want to make in their lives can be very difficult.</div><div><br />Raw data submission is a good call (but can also be systematically faked). And I'd like to believe that some would be willing to publish anonymously for the sake of science, but people do seem to value career advancement over truth/knowledge. Which is a huge problem.<br /><br />I might jump back into research if a really compelling opportunity to study intervention efficacy arises. But this might be more dangerous for me than anything, since I strongly believe in the benefits of therapy, and experimenter bias is a well documented catalyst for bad science. Of course, that's coming from studies conducted by people who believe in the dangers of experimenter bias. Confused yet? I always thought it would be cool to win the lottery and run my own research projects, Darwin style--no funders, no universities, just me and a healthy dose of science-love. Mmmmm. Empiricism.<br /><br />~Geek out<br /><br /></div>Amanda Geiselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01909316598645453349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039522655264631369.post-16797989919346585492012-01-11T19:40:00.000-08:002012-02-01T15:07:12.712-08:00Clerks<span style="font-weight:bold;">Let me sum up:</span><br />A <a href="http://iowacity.patch.com/articles/column-remembering-our-friend-kevin-olish">wonderful, geektastic clerk</a> at our local co-op grocery store passed away suddenly last weekend. Kevin, from Lane #1.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSrZ5AzMaUjJyhqdz40u7wc338vFxDeh-ZkTbnYK861VV2z2-KZUQ5DXvRhirg1zWTSn2vRpUUuwf255r82LBp_yXjPX11fRkPrEzgpyzRpoaStJ2mE6Qtf4hnft3NRjO5o85BO80jVaI/s1600/Kevin+New+Pioneer.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSrZ5AzMaUjJyhqdz40u7wc338vFxDeh-ZkTbnYK861VV2z2-KZUQ5DXvRhirg1zWTSn2vRpUUuwf255r82LBp_yXjPX11fRkPrEzgpyzRpoaStJ2mE6Qtf4hnft3NRjO5o85BO80jVaI/s400/Kevin+New+Pioneer.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696586627035444050" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Let me splain:</span><br />From the article above: <span style="font-style:italic;">Kevin was a person with whom interacting required one to change their pace, and perhaps eventually, their outlook...It’s Kevin who, in the words of another’s remembrance, taught us to put relationships over transactions.</span><br /><br />Kevin was a really cool, quirky dude, with an uncanny ability to remember people's names and co-op member numbers (a little unsettling at first, but a great boon when your brain was tired after a long day). He loved engaging people in conversations about virtually any subject, from astronomy to heavy metal to the silly t-shirts my husband and I often wear. One of my closest friends was booted from his first job as a grocery clerk because he didn’t move the line along quickly enough. I would often think fondly of this friend while interacting with Kevin. And my husband, who typically avoids conversations with strangers, has gradually taken to heading straight for Kevin's lane.<br /><br />My husband and I are at the co-op together several times a week (last year, when I was living in Des Moines, I used to joke that I was worried Kevin would think we were divorced). I feel very lucky to have enjoyed frequent conversations with Kevin and I have often been touched by his passionate, offbeat, and genuinely kind nature.<br /><br />I was at the store for the first time since getting the news tonight. The sight of Kevin's lane, temporarily closed down, was really hard. I am both saddened and moved as I think about the lives this guy has touched and how this loss will be felt. Kevin, with his unique and often enigmatic interpersonal style, truly embodied how one human being can reach out and connect with others. Countless others. In one very singular lifetime.<br /><br />~Geek outAmanda Geiselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01909316598645453349noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039522655264631369.post-11237737452085469382011-12-22T11:22:00.000-08:002011-12-22T11:35:52.187-08:00Christmas Tears<span style="font-weight:bold;">Let me sum up:</span><br />Two tearful Christmas videos for your enjoyment....<br /><br />John Lewis Christmas 2011<br /><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/pSLOnR1s74o" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />Star Wars Christmas<br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/-UPOMhvU-8Q" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Let me splain:</span><br />The John Lewis ad now officially rivals the "<a href="http://geektears.blogspot.com/2010/12/o-holy-night.html">O Holy Night</a>" hallmark commercial in my heart. And, ya know, Star wars.<br /><br />Merry, Teary, Christmas.<br /><br />~Geek outAmanda Geiselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01909316598645453349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039522655264631369.post-33240455566729030562011-11-13T20:06:00.001-08:002011-11-13T21:09:22.042-08:00Operation Dumbledore's Army Boots<span style="font-weight: bold;">Let me sum up:</span> Me surprising my family with the news that I finished my PhD. In the geekiest way I could manage.<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/V-EiC4dH6e8" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="420"></iframe><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwfVG68fx8XH2A0nwWA9Pg0r40f-TkzZZJHRvTeRuCVN648hmmtXLyRgQOXvjfth0ftCvjSwQ7Nc1y293DxUEAPPSwdf-zSJSPqOl4ew1ohTp_DlaBPv1b3g5G3uPuiarO-vh420R54R8/s1600/IMG_5477.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwfVG68fx8XH2A0nwWA9Pg0r40f-TkzZZJHRvTeRuCVN648hmmtXLyRgQOXvjfth0ftCvjSwQ7Nc1y293DxUEAPPSwdf-zSJSPqOl4ew1ohTp_DlaBPv1b3g5G3uPuiarO-vh420R54R8/s400/IMG_5477.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674705892696800722" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Let me splain:</span> If you wanted proof of the genetic/behavioral modeling contributions to overactive lacrimal glands, here you go! My mom is adorable. She is crying in that last clip before we even hit Potterland because the Seuss section of the park had a store named after a character I played in "Seussical the Musical" a couple years ago. Such a fun weekend! The park is pretty awesome on its own, but if you ever get the chance to go with my fantastic family, I highly recommend it! Also, BIG thanks to my dad for what is clearly the best Geek Tears photo ever.<br /><br />I also want to give an usual corporate shout out to <a href="https://www.graduateaffairs.com/">Graduate Affairs</a>. I knew I wasn't going to be walking at the graduation ceremony this December (because I'll be in CA with my family, and because what could top this Harry Potter celebration?) I contacted the makers of the official University of Iowa robes to see if there was any way to rent the UI gear a couple months early. After three weeks I got a response which essentially read "Did we ever respond to this? Yeah, we can't do that." I did a lot of searching and couldn't find anyone that offered affordable, customizable robes. I also got ripped-off on ebay (yay buyer protection) trying to by a velvet tam from a company that apparently went kaput. I'd pretty much reconciled myself to renting a set of all black robes. Then I found Graduate Affairs, which offers customized, souvenir-quality robes for the same price as the rentals I was planning to get. When I ordered, they got back to me immediately. Even classier, they noticed a silly mistake I'd made on the order form, which they promptly helped me fix. I received my customized, super-awesome robes IN THREE DAYS!!! I identify with Slytherin, Gryffindor, and Ravenclaw all in their own special way, but getting grief from park employees all day for being a Hawkeye/Hufflepuff was AMAZING. And probably the most school spirit I've shown in my life. It also got us a free trip through the fast line at "The Forbidden Journey." I will treasure these robes as a memory of one of the niftiest days of my life. Thanks, Graduate Affairs.<br /><br />Dr. Geisel, at your service.<br /><br />~Geek Out<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidqWihBmd0rbXP7rn7IFlYd9iRkNCACdaT64CDR5Am4u8NXEISuT0Zq6EEnZhoz3FSpOQZ81jfowMKCJ3FwJI4U340Zab0JMY1YHJG7i377PnCWXsWlCPMMXBq7MWXamrjK11NYf9JHQQ/s1600/Family+Tint.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 276px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidqWihBmd0rbXP7rn7IFlYd9iRkNCACdaT64CDR5Am4u8NXEISuT0Zq6EEnZhoz3FSpOQZ81jfowMKCJ3FwJI4U340Zab0JMY1YHJG7i377PnCWXsWlCPMMXBq7MWXamrjK11NYf9JHQQ/s400/Family+Tint.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674705653681923618" border="0" /></a>Amanda Geiselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01909316598645453349noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039522655264631369.post-73974516599714254932011-10-30T21:44:00.000-07:002011-10-30T22:01:39.688-07:00I'll Hurt You If You Stay...<span style="font-weight:bold;">Let me sum up:</span><br />Horror flick fun, with The Fly (1986)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGVhxeStWSTFaBF5qrTM8Q9-8XOyFh7Ecbwt9k_nReHHG0xUoYEKa6PlDCrlmEVdq5fXklgN6krpJC36-Pdwq4zG2XI-KRrC6STP5cPpqib4EBpbQDYso7NnSOAGTvquNu9BaXRWHTB2U/s1600/Jeff+Goldblum+fly+finale+i%2527ll+hurt+you+if+you+stay.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGVhxeStWSTFaBF5qrTM8Q9-8XOyFh7Ecbwt9k_nReHHG0xUoYEKa6PlDCrlmEVdq5fXklgN6krpJC36-Pdwq4zG2XI-KRrC6STP5cPpqib4EBpbQDYso7NnSOAGTvquNu9BaXRWHTB2U/s400/Jeff+Goldblum+fly+finale+i%2527ll+hurt+you+if+you+stay.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669514042666100802" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtpP6sDwUf4QvkHF4awrvqHClX03nhdWekIeAacKvcj7ZgI0A6awVqTle9yUCEsF-nXU-8TrXzhbf6SvyzK5JD20NOPC1VlQeyjik8XdbmaVDWz36pDQdRIpNZcOW7vrnDZoity2JSeU0/s1600/fly+finale.bmp"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 312px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtpP6sDwUf4QvkHF4awrvqHClX03nhdWekIeAacKvcj7ZgI0A6awVqTle9yUCEsF-nXU-8TrXzhbf6SvyzK5JD20NOPC1VlQeyjik8XdbmaVDWz36pDQdRIpNZcOW7vrnDZoity2JSeU0/s400/fly+finale.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669514478879882706" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Let me splain:</span><br />The tear photo is from the final scene, right when he puts his grubby mitt on the gun. The other big tearful scene for me is the insect politics/"I'll hurt you if you stay" monologue. Good stuffs. And of course, I'm happy to enjoy Jeff Goldblum's hotness along the way. I've been listening to a lot of the <a href="http://www.nerdist.com/">Nerdist</a> podcast lately, and a while back they had a fun discussion about what made this remake a successful endeavor, unlike so much of the reboot fever today. Namely--Cronenberg took a good idea and actually did MORE with it.<br /><br />If you're looking for sumpin to do on Halloween, grab this version of The Fly, or the Vincent Price version, or both. And have funs.<br /><br />~Geek outAmanda Geiselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01909316598645453349noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039522655264631369.post-67510427463468814842011-10-20T19:34:00.000-07:002011-10-20T19:37:09.508-07:00The Force is Strong with This One<span style="font-weight:bold;">Let me sum up:</span><br />Flower girl makes it through wedding <a href="http://thedailywh.at/2011http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif/10/19/the-back-side-of-the-force-of-the-day/">with Yoda's help...</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP9YqlHX1Du3mBQebjEqiwkiIktcsU2cVkUANhd-l-lHR79wDYUfm1KFOSVNNkC2sFQeyuEPrYEY82RrQ27sEuN3l5mK2KPRMEmYd1Vyaa-duzQlzeVLUyCMpchq0LQLq1eRauvXf72PM/s1600/Yoda+flower+Girl+Autistic.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 296px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP9YqlHX1Du3mBQebjEqiwkiIktcsU2cVkUANhd-l-lHR79wDYUfm1KFOSVNNkC2sFQeyuEPrYEY82RrQ27sEuN3l5mK2KPRMEmYd1Vyaa-duzQlzeVLUyCMpchq0LQLq1eRauvXf72PM/s400/Yoda+flower+Girl+Autistic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665768554226296242" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Let me splain:</span><br />Holy. Cow. Can't even. Tears. Ack.<br /><br />~Geek outAmanda Geiselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01909316598645453349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039522655264631369.post-53084447701519438962011-10-04T18:46:00.000-07:002011-10-04T18:55:32.264-07:00Science Tears<span style="font-weight: bold;">Let me sum up:</span><br />Video of a woman hearing her voice for the first time (submitted by reader Nile):<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/LsOo3jzkhYA" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Let me splain:</span><br />Nile was debating the geeky merits of this video. I say--go team science! Using brain power to enhance quality of life and experience of the world is pretty sexy. And pretty geeky. And she's adorable.<br /><br />~Geek outAmanda Geiselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01909316598645453349noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039522655264631369.post-59321348657041906042011-09-18T16:34:00.000-07:002011-09-18T16:50:41.001-07:00Vincent and the Doctor<span style="font-weight:bold;">Let me sum up:</span><br />The Doctor taking Vincent Van Gogh to see his work on display<br /><br />(Couldn't get the clip, but it's in this lovely vid):<br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/NQLTVI32K4M" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZl50eVALDSkuCRhGxYsvC-hV55iGPs7yDN1AFsnHnT5Nb8tDyM6IFjlyT-PwecKfGme2ABeaf1x6qnUieyNg0J4zKfSrUzGBUVkHzpcQsu6EWhY7j7dLQAw8pEnKVfWuXFRnb6OJ7aEk/s1600/Vincent+and+the+Doctor.bmp"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 341px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZl50eVALDSkuCRhGxYsvC-hV55iGPs7yDN1AFsnHnT5Nb8tDyM6IFjlyT-PwecKfGme2ABeaf1x6qnUieyNg0J4zKfSrUzGBUVkHzpcQsu6EWhY7j7dLQAw8pEnKVfWuXFRnb6OJ7aEk/s400/Vincent+and+the+Doctor.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653848311376393090" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Let me splain:</span><br />Sorry! Naughty! It's been a while. I've been in the magical void that is dissertating. But I handed off a draft to my advisor last week. Hopefully he will greenlight my defense soon, and geeky celebrations will ensue!<br /><br />I had a friend suggest posting some Doctor Who goodness a while back. When it comes to tears and Doctor Who, my dilemma is an embarassment of riches. I've just been having trouble picking. But we recently watched this episode, and it seemed appropriate fodder for posting.<br /><br />I just started a job at a mental health center. I've had a framed "Starry Night" for years and had been toying with the idea of taking it to work. Van Gogh painted it while at Saint-Rémy asylum, which seemed appropriate. Maybe too appropriate. But this episode tipped me...it'll probably always be a staple of my office from now on.<br /><br />~Geek out<br />P.S. Enjoy the geeky musical stylings of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/TheBrand6011#p/a/u/1/ya8-uvugcqE">TheBrand6011</a>!Amanda Geiselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01909316598645453349noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039522655264631369.post-33461973011765876892011-08-09T18:37:00.000-07:002011-08-09T18:55:04.158-07:00Potter AftershocksStill haven't made it to "Cowboys vs. Aliens." Was bummed I didn't find Hugo Weaving quite as compelling as usual in "Captain America" (I'm not enough of a villain geek to cheer for Nazis, even when they go rogue) but the hand grenade training scene did evoke a tear or two.
<br />
<br />Anyhoo, I'm still hung up on "Deathly Hallows," so here are a few more things that got me misty (a little beautiful, mostly silly)...
<br />
<br />1) WTF Japan, Seriously <a href="http://www.wtfjapanseriously.com/2011/07/harry-potter.html">Harry Potter</a>
<br />
<br />2) Metal Potter
<br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/-mieXVkSGb4" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" width="425"></iframe>
<br />
<br />3) Feel Good Potter
<br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/zXzdDRnWFqs" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
<br />4) It Gets Better Snape
<br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/zBsg1urLN7I" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" width="425"></iframe>
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<br />~Geek outAmanda Geiselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01909316598645453349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039522655264631369.post-61946272000590659842011-07-28T13:16:00.000-07:002011-07-28T14:03:24.702-07:00Comic Con AftermathSorry I'm a week behind...I'm on the road with my husband for a bike trek across Iowa (I'm his "Sag Hag" or "Gear Gal").<br /><br />I've caught up on comic con coverage, and here are a few items that got me misty!<br /><br />From <a href="http://thedailywh.at/2011/07/23/spoiler-alert-of-the-day-6/">The Daily What</a>....<br />Spoiler Alert of the Day: This photo is now cannon.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8L3_PpkqormvBxXa5Vi_B_a3ZKl98Hwhaz91eu86weqeo0r-E2YJR7n6cBTBLJB0pivOjA9uc9igQWkmz_Ex9zZVLZER_9AJJzURHfRvmxNrz_n5CznvST0Axageh29X5BIiWTfFBNSM/s1600/R2D2+princess+this+is+now+cannon.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8L3_PpkqormvBxXa5Vi_B_a3ZKl98Hwhaz91eu86weqeo0r-E2YJR7n6cBTBLJB0pivOjA9uc9igQWkmz_Ex9zZVLZER_9AJJzURHfRvmxNrz_n5CznvST0Axageh29X5BIiWTfFBNSM/s320/R2D2+princess+this+is+now+cannon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634501049836475010" border="0" /></a><br /><br />More Star Wars Kiddo Shlock<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiilRfGYAo2-8gsdiFqjTEIb6XGkZ7fNQjtPUq1h43POC0gtIWefmk5uOKsIdDRA_uetPoI7-9sJ3WpQ017c3U8qhEcClzDxH6K1u9BUBAUFDqsZEpRcLkadhj8veU2s-ebYB3pgJWz3DA/s1600/More+Star+Wars+Kiddo+Shlock.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiilRfGYAo2-8gsdiFqjTEIb6XGkZ7fNQjtPUq1h43POC0gtIWefmk5uOKsIdDRA_uetPoI7-9sJ3WpQ017c3U8qhEcClzDxH6K1u9BUBAUFDqsZEpRcLkadhj8veU2s-ebYB3pgJWz3DA/s320/More+Star+Wars+Kiddo+Shlock.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634502449691471074" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Surprise Hugs!<br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/WsPfM1teJN8" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" width="560"></iframe><br /><br />"It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" Day Man Sing Along<br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/J9PzSvTjV0E" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" width="560"></iframe><br /><br />And...my favourite masquerade entry. Futterwacken-ing Hatter!<br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/MQxo1HpFl8w" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" width="560"></iframe><br /><br />In other con news, it sound like "Cowboys vs. Aliens" <a href="http://io9.com/5824187/cowboys-and-aliens-will-blow-you-away-and-make-you-cry">may be tear inducing</a>. We shall see this weekend!<br /><br />~Geek outAmanda Geiselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01909316598645453349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039522655264631369.post-31263772888427714512011-07-21T18:25:00.000-07:002011-10-09T13:58:59.633-07:00Comic Con, Take 1No tears yet from SDCC coverage....but here are a couple tidbits that I greatly enjoyed while cruising flickr...<br /><br />1) From comic con 2010...shots of <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jdhilger/5957114660/">kids and awesome costumes</a> are always fun.<br /><br />2) People who are so excited about comic con, they take a picture of the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/12308893@N07/5960479402/">badge lady</a>.<br /><br />3) <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/12308893@N07/5960479402/"> Groups with </a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bitspitter/5960487107/">delightfully discrepant costumes</a>!<br /><br />4) <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lbc42/5960245106/">Iron Man dress AND a puppy</a>?!<br /><br />5) The <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lbc42/5960228938/">family that cosplays together</a> stays together.<br /><br />6) The fact that I recognize a scary number of cosplay folks...like former "Who Wants to be a Superhero" hopeful, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/12308893@N07/5961955412/">Purrkayla</a>!<br /><br />7) <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/movieviral/5960146835/in/set-72157627246301746">Skeptical children</a>.<br /><br />And finally, via <a href="http://io9.com/">io9</a>, a shirt by <a href="http://akrobotics.com/">Alaska Robotics</a> that started off as something I wanted, and ended up as something my surly husband finds hilarious.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqzJk37MrWe16PkQwvgyRs-4aPKjur0E1tgha7tngWHKtJQR9zyO3iWSeT9n1I1MDeVZFs-Nv6O5VXSkgqf3W7ph-PzP1O121ahYWaXcx6PYS2K70MlWJt8uaR3ZnYE3IOToCUoNBNYNk/s1600/Alaska+Robots+Last+Unicorn.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqzJk37MrWe16PkQwvgyRs-4aPKjur0E1tgha7tngWHKtJQR9zyO3iWSeT9n1I1MDeVZFs-Nv6O5VXSkgqf3W7ph-PzP1O121ahYWaXcx6PYS2K70MlWJt8uaR3ZnYE3IOToCUoNBNYNk/s320/Alaska+Robots+Last+Unicorn.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631983539003741698" border="0" /></a><br /><br />~Geek outAmanda Geiselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01909316598645453349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039522655264631369.post-12090432106428092682011-07-20T19:40:00.000-07:002011-07-21T07:04:08.704-07:00Harley Quinn Makeover Mayhem<span style="font-weight:bold;">Let me sum up:</span><br />Sad tears for the new DC reboot Harley Quinn design...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdDrurL7Uv1lEqleb2WrVVfB_221XFO3BvToqvLv355UrBO0U5KoLP1GHGd3Jv11SkWUfKu3SOud9a11mw5UpmnYjo9BO5GklMgDuyuqIs0kwfmYJ3VaFZEOkbX3ykgyAGjpLB405UsJk/s1600/Making+me+confused.bmp"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 243px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdDrurL7Uv1lEqleb2WrVVfB_221XFO3BvToqvLv355UrBO0U5KoLP1GHGd3Jv11SkWUfKu3SOud9a11mw5UpmnYjo9BO5GklMgDuyuqIs0kwfmYJ3VaFZEOkbX3ykgyAGjpLB405UsJk/s320/Making+me+confused.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631631028965333394" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_BIglO2Dfgr4hZqi85aVVqR828kLSHL2d9a3vuM7pWmu_0X0MdF9W55zX53PXp0Y0i_SvSDYVWtz5R9alqO4k7vkLRgquEX1KUpqebFRaGK7oCoOe1eyucDgeEzuD4FqGMDne27PjzKo/s1600/New+Harley+Quinn+DC+Reboot+Suicide+Squad+SDCC+Comic+Con+Protest.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_BIglO2Dfgr4hZqi85aVVqR828kLSHL2d9a3vuM7pWmu_0X0MdF9W55zX53PXp0Y0i_SvSDYVWtz5R9alqO4k7vkLRgquEX1KUpqebFRaGK7oCoOe1eyucDgeEzuD4FqGMDne27PjzKo/s320/New+Harley+Quinn+DC+Reboot+Suicide+Squad+SDCC+Comic+Con+Protest.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631630894943710402" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Let me splain:</span><br />I know, I know. Things change. My bone is not with change, it’s with silly change. I was actually kinda excited when I heard about the DC Universe reboot. I fell in love with Harley on BTAS. I’ve grabbed some Batman comics over the years, usually for Harley or Joker content, and borrowed other books from my husband. But I’ve never gotten super into comic book geekery because it felt like there was just too much history to ingest. The reboot seemed like a neat potential antidote to this dilemma. That said....I fully appreciate the ire of fans who HAVE dedicated themselves to the comics already in existence.<br /><br />Whatever my initial feelings about the reboot, like many Harleyites, I am really disappointed with how Harley Quinn looks in the new Suicide Squad comic. <a href="http://noviceauthorsjourney.blogspot.com/2011/06/no-dc-just-no.html ">A fellow HQ</a> fan requested that I post about the new design because it elicited some rare tears from her. Harley fans ain’t prudes. My favouite San Diego Comic Con experience (and costuming experience) to date involved some <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45PMt0Yw3xE">rather risqué Harley</a>. Several fabulous pillars of the Harley costuming community have been known to shake their groove-things in burlesque shows. We like sexy! But we like <span style="font-style: italic;">character-consistent</span> sexy. Sexy with a <span style="font-style:italic;">purpose</span>. Harley's nightie getup in "Mad Love" gave us a perfect peek into her relationship with the Joker. Arkham Asylum Harley seemed a little more gratuitous, but I could wrap my head around it because sexy nurse is really just a hilarious bad joke. Harley can make that work. Shorty shorts, a precarious bustier, and a pointless cape...less workable. (Come on…<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M68ndaZSKa8">a cape</a>?!)<br /><br />I have a really sweet memory of my Mom explaining how different takes on the same character come to be. I was trying to reconcile two different King Arthur stories as a kid…probably the musical “Camelot” and Disney’s “Sword in the Stone.” She explained that people pass on stories, and as they do they add on their own ideas. “So if someone really likes Merlin…maybe they add new details about him, or make him funnier, or more powerful.” And that’s art. That’s gorgeous. Over 800 years. But don’t introduce me to a wonderful character and then make her nearly unrecognizable all in my wee little lifetime.<br /><br />Harley has a special place in the cockles of me old heart. She’s a character that resonated with me in those tricky, identity molding, early adolescent years. My psychology-geekery is tangled up with her. As is my love of villainry and hunting for humanity in big bads like the Joker. I won’t be at SDCC this year, but I hear tell there will be a <a href="http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/UltimateSuperman/news/?a=40763">Harleypalooza protest</a>...in addition to other reboot protests. My good wishes and rubber chickens go with them! If <a href="http://www.comicsalliance.com/2010/07/22/super-heroes-vs-the-westboro-baptist-church/">previous comic con protests</a> are any indication, it should be a sweet and hilarious good time. And hey, if anyone might listen to a pack of ladies in spandex, it’s DC.<br /><br />~Geek out<br /><br />P.S. Remember--we stand for sexy with a porpoise!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIUbnSvhIyb7khvsYzNI_agezXOM-FfGpPTSqfu7NKDF6PHhXjoMYVneGnJeSSbhD5nUWHuiBiCeXowzYTfyrEfa_gfQnAzWeL9F4YahfMrrp3mGjGJkgsGOKCt_mc9gCi2x616N6eROk/s1600/sexy+porpoise.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIUbnSvhIyb7khvsYzNI_agezXOM-FfGpPTSqfu7NKDF6PHhXjoMYVneGnJeSSbhD5nUWHuiBiCeXowzYTfyrEfa_gfQnAzWeL9F4YahfMrrp3mGjGJkgsGOKCt_mc9gCi2x616N6eROk/s320/sexy+porpoise.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631638850009992722" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Wait, scratch that, I mean sexy with a <span style="font-weight:bold;">purpose</span>!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNAdBVlP6qhWGR1-ibih7J3rt1t8QE3HOVxpDzHxMaVYFxbKrjm0xVcAM2iHqQlDFOl2yxC6cBBhjAqynrhDggalPYVe6rsJBVcZFFxAh7Pc-vwpUPswaT3y5cFVkV5DZJ3mDwOaFVDIs/s1600/Harley+Nightie.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNAdBVlP6qhWGR1-ibih7J3rt1t8QE3HOVxpDzHxMaVYFxbKrjm0xVcAM2iHqQlDFOl2yxC6cBBhjAqynrhDggalPYVe6rsJBVcZFFxAh7Pc-vwpUPswaT3y5cFVkV5DZJ3mDwOaFVDIs/s320/Harley+Nightie.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631638370123795202" border="0" /></a>Amanda Geiselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01909316598645453349noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039522655264631369.post-53501349512962636962011-07-15T20:37:00.000-07:002011-07-17T13:18:13.079-07:00Deathly Spoilers--Part Tears!<font style="font-weight:bold;">Let me sum up:</font><br />So geeked out and happy with "Deathly Hallows--Part 2." It's been a fun week, full of anticipatory tears. There were many nifty moments etched in my mind that I was really anticipating would get me crying. A few of these didn't hit me quite the way I expected...sometimes because of departures from the book, but also admittedly because I had very vivid, rigid pictures of how these scenes would play. But I certainly cried a ton...twice as much as <a href="http://geektears.blogspot.com/2010/11/deathly-hallows-part-i-tear-countdown.html">the last flick</a>. And I was fully sated by the things I cared most about. Namely...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhezS4iXpqBCELdpmAei94PS7b9XyaW7JZVfh66beXCziY9anx_9Sh2-bRbQjfc62ZnQNBT-tOq0cb9tGgH2Uw4Nqam_flIiPeOJErE3tDcAMJsoWfnet25Y8s4io6BeJGivFZyPnP9OzQ/s1600/deathly_hallows_part_2_snape_poster.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 216px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhezS4iXpqBCELdpmAei94PS7b9XyaW7JZVfh66beXCziY9anx_9Sh2-bRbQjfc62ZnQNBT-tOq0cb9tGgH2Uw4Nqam_flIiPeOJErE3tDcAMJsoWfnet25Y8s4io6BeJGivFZyPnP9OzQ/s320/deathly_hallows_part_2_snape_poster.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629791003894916034" border="0"></a><br /><br /><font style="font-weight:bold;">Let me splain:</font><br />My Snape allegiance is clear in the banner, folks (that's a Snape is Innocent shirt, and before/during shots of <a href="http://geektears.blogspot.com/2010/06/potter-harry-potter.html">my first read through of Deathly Hallows</a>). Seriously, for a "Harry Potter" fan, my investment in the character of Harry Potter is surprisingly tenuous. I joked with my husband yesterday that I wouldn't care if they rewrote the movie so that Voldemort won, as long as I got juicy Severus scenes. With that, let's break down the tears surrounding this flick.<br /><br /><font style="font-style:italic;">Pre-Tears</font><br />Yeah, this is a thing. I knew I was in trouble when, several times over the past few weeks, just thinking about certain scenes got me misty (this happened around 7 times in line for the movie tonight). In addition to those moments, there were some ridiculous events that got me crying before the curtain went up (don't you miss when curtains actually went up?)<br />1) A message I received from my Mom as we arrived at the theater, indicating that she'd cried while reading a review.<br />2) Dead ringer for Comic Book Guy who came in and sat, alone, in an isolated chair in the corner.<br />3) Little girl at the theater with a blond wig (8pm Friday show, no other costumes). I asked her if she was dressed as Luna, and indeed she was. Glee. Don't worry, I didn't cry in front of her.<br /><font style="font-style:italic;"><br />Tear Breakdown</font> <font style="font-style: italic;"></font><br />1) <font style="font-weight:bold;">Headmaster Snape at the window</font>. <font style="font-style: italic;"> </font><font>Rawr.</font><br />2) <font style="font-weight: bold;">Griphook breakin' it down at Shell Cottage.</font> <font>Okay, this was a ridiculous place to cry. But I dug the "Even goblins know Harry Potter" line. And I have a huge crush on Mr. Warwick Davis (I'm a villain geek, the Lep has a sexy tongue). Getting to see him play a lovely, lengthy, subtle scene tickled me.</font><br />3) <font style="font-weight: bold;">Gringott's Dragon! </font> Wow, this one did not hit me in the book at all. But those initial shots of the captive critter almost got me crying. And that made the escape extra gorgeous and exhilarating and tear-inducing.<br />4) <font style="font-weight: bold;">Neville explaining the new DODA techniques, and his refusal to participate</font>. Oh, Neville Hotbottom. You're top notch. This sweet moment reminded me a bit of Fred and George comforting young students during Umbridge's reign.<br />5) <font style="font-weight: bold;">Guess who's at Hogwarts ya'll...Harry Potter!</font> This scene was lovely and hilarious. The lightning has struck! I appreciated the face-time given to this wacky rag-tag band of students. Before many of them bit the dust.<br />6) <font style="font-weight: bold;">Harry calling Snape out.</font> Conflicted tears! Oh lil Harry, if you only knew.<br />7) <font style="font-weight: bold;">Minerva saying she is glad to see Harry</font>. Squee.<br /><br />*** Ron and Hermione kisses should be next. If Ron had been talking about house elves, I would have been paying rapt attention. But in the seconds it took my brain to adjust to the rewrite, I kinda missed the kiss. I'm sure I'll enjoy it the next time I see the movie. I know, I know, they skipped all the SPEW stuff and that would have made the moment random. But Hermione is characteristically compassionate (example...they showed her indignant about the Gringott's dragon in this flick). It wouldn't have been <font style="font-style: italic;">that </font>random. And I like that the book kiss was Hermione's response to Ron's delightful, unexpected thoughtfulness. I'm married to a guy I've known since high school, though we didn't start dating until college. When you know someone for many years, you often get some nifty surprises as you grow and change together. And those changes sometimes let the whole relationship take a new direction. This is makin me misty. Moving on.***<br /><br />8) <font style="font-weight: bold;">Aberforth...hrm, look who hasn't given up</font>. Dug the shot of him fighting. Incidentally, I didn't really mind that they didn't get into Ariana or <font class="st">Grindelwald or other pieces of Dumbledore's backstory, though I'm sure this will bug some folks. These parts of the book didn't resonate much with me...though I haven't reread since Rowling spoke on Dumbledore's sexuality. That said, I was hoping for some allusion to Aberforth's penchant for the goats. Anyhoo, much love for Ciarán Hinds. Really dug his take on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lHKxDq33_g">Rochester in "Jane Eyre"</a> a few years back.<br />9) <font style="font-weight: bold;">Snape's last scene with Voldemort. And Nagini</font>. Lots of anticipatory tears. Thought how they shot Nagini's attack was powerful and well done.<br />10) <font style="font-weight: bold;">Snape's last words with Harry</font>. The tweak to "Look at me" was another moment where my brain took a second to adjust. I appreciate that they added "You have your Mother's eyes" to make the line clearer. Part of me wants to be annoyed they spelled this out, but it's a great moment and I get that they want folks to be in on it. But I was just waiting for those 3 little words, delivered with appropriate...Rickman...gravitas. The addition shifted the punch and took me by surprise. Another case where a change threw me but I'll probably bawl the next time I see it.<br />11) <font style="font-weight: bold;">Fred?...George?...Remus...and Tonks</font>. Yeah, I'm an ass. I adore them, but I can never remember which twin bites it. Sorry. Like the book, this moment was wrenching. And quickly gave way to the other heavy business at hand.<br />12) <font style="font-weight: bold;">Lead up to the pensieve</font>. Again, lots of anticipatory tears.<br />13) <font style="font-weight: bold;">Snape, Lily, and other pensive gems</font>. We're talking 8 minutes or so of solid tears. </font><font class="st">Embarrassing, unavoidably audible sob at one point. </font><font class="st">I LOVED what they did with the childhood scenes. Really lovely. Rock on, kiddos. And so much Rickman goodness. And so many Snape tears. I was elated that they gave this moment its due. I'm a dork and had forgotten this is where Harry realizes he's an additional horcrux, so I should have know it would be in there. I was so glad they got the explanation of the doe patronus in too, though. </font><font class="st">The addition of Harry asking about the doe in King's Cross was a perfect way to bring this point home (this was an addition, yeah?) </font><font class="st">Honestly, the only detail I really missed in the other movies was the connection between Harry's patronus and his dad's animagus. It seemed like a pretty large (and easily corrected) oversight. So I'm glad things were different this time around. I know bits of the pensieve scene will still confuse my Dad and others who haven't religiously ingested the books, but I was so happy with what they chose to include here. Happy sigh.<br /><br />***Incidentally, this series of really rough scenes for Snape-lovers is followed by like 10 minutes of near silence. Was I the only one mouth breathing while holding in a loud, uncomfortable sniffle this whole time?***<br /><br />14) <font style="font-weight: bold;">Lily's words to Harry via the resurrection stone</font>. Fresh on the heels of the pensieve scenes....man, Mom's rock.<br />15) <font style="font-weight: bold;">Neville talking about losses</font>. Aw, Neville.<br />16) <font style="font-weight: bold;">Molly goes mama-bear</font>. Man, I love this line. Again, yay Mom's. Moment didn't pack quite the punch I expected (maybe because the crowd didn't burst into applause like I had hoped), but I loved it. Doesn't hurt that Julie Walters is a dead-ringer for my mom.<br />17) <font style="font-weight: bold;">Decapitation time, Nagini</font>. Again, mad props Matthew Lewis. I'm looking forward to reading adorable interviews with you now that I'm not avoiding Potter coverage. Heh, notice I jump from here to the epilogue. Voldemort, schmodemort.<br />18) <font style="font-weight: bold;">"Albus Severus"</font>. Well earned, tearful finale.<br /><br />~Geek out<br /></font>Amanda Geiselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01909316598645453349noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039522655264631369.post-18392561035567028752011-07-13T19:22:00.000-07:002011-07-13T20:49:39.302-07:00Potter PrepThere's a lot of geeky goodness coming up in the next week, folks. I'll be posting my breakdown of hysterical sobbing from "Deathly Hallows--Part 2" this weekend. I'm planning a reader-requested post on the DC reboot of Harley Quinn next week. Aaaaaand I'll also be posting anytime Comic Con coverage catches my lacrimal glands off guard.<br /><br />Seriously though. Harry Potter. I've avoided info/reviews as much as possible (though, baby spoiler, I did stumble across evidence that the epilogue made it in). And I gotta say, as a Snape girl, I'm excited. I'm blessed with a crap memory, so I'm rarely bummed about details from the book that don't make it into the movie. With the notable exception of Snapey-content. I've been dissapointed in the past by how little flashback/pensieve footage has made it in. So I was stoked when they announced they were splitting Deathly Hallows into two parts. I was happy to fork over the extra cash and sit through the nail-biting "We're hanging out in the woods!" action of Part I if it meant Snape might get more screen time in Part II. I don't expect them to cover Chapter 33 in detail (thought it would be amazing if they did). Honestly, I'd be happy if they just do a couple shots of Snape and Lily as kids as Snape says his final line. Yeah. That'd be good. I get misty just thinking about it. But for once, I think the movie might exceed my expectations, because you need a big dose of Snape and the pensieve to get to the epilogue. And because Snape deserves it, dang nab it. <a href="http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1667081/harry-potter-world-cup-severus-snape-wins.jhtml">Greatest Harry Potter character ever</a>.<br /><br />In the meantime, a little niblet to whet your appetite...Rickman's letter written for the Empire Magazine Potter spread. Which totally made me cry.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0T9_gcwIEVYsDHqCDuuRA_XcgFFWBKM8SMMCAmJhgu0l2meV8SDLmeYaVCwNfMrkNek-C_VTmJ__MwY90rzIuXY1ab0yj6gas4R24Cpp0-oUqdOUm0b32rjBMPtv64Xmqa4YCOkAZ0s/s1600/HarryPotterAlanRickmanSnapeGoodbyeRowlingLetter.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0T9_gcwIEVYsDHqCDuuRA_XcgFFWBKM8SMMCAmJhgu0l2meV8SDLmeYaVCwNfMrkNek-C_VTmJ__MwY90rzIuXY1ab0yj6gas4R24Cpp0-oUqdOUm0b32rjBMPtv64Xmqa4YCOkAZ0s/s320/HarryPotterAlanRickmanSnapeGoodbyeRowlingLetter.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629034096650069090" border="0" /></a><br /><br />~Geek outAmanda Geiselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01909316598645453349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039522655264631369.post-42224551442968262592011-07-10T11:06:00.000-07:002011-07-10T14:48:51.253-07:00Home in the Sky<span style="font-weight:bold;">Let me sum up:</span><br />Shiny video submitted by Smeagol92055...<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/eJrn30WiWXA" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Let me splain:</span><br />Thanks, Smeagol--this video did indeed make me misty. I have Firely on the brain this week, having recently enjoyed Nathan Fillion's important new <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCf9M5GsDSs">Nerd PSA</a> (directed by Chuck's Zachary Levi!) And, of course, as I mentally gear up up for Comic Con geekiness. Thank goodness for youtube, when we're too lazy/poor to make the trek to California for SDCC.<br /><br />Bonus--here's a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BPOYEUyyiI">Firefly rap</a>, if that's more your speed.<br /><br />~Geek outAmanda Geiselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01909316598645453349noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039522655264631369.post-71782240195387617642011-06-27T18:26:00.000-07:002011-06-27T18:42:55.925-07:00Whimsical Disneyland Darth<span style="font-weight:bold;">Let me sum up:</span><br />Awesome commercial for the attraction that inspired sad tears last year (and my first <a href="http://geektears.blogspot.com/2010/05/star-tours-2.html">Geek Tears entry</a>)...<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/t4_dZPVg8KI" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Let me splain:</span><br />It's been a wacky year, folks. Living apart from the hubs on weekdays. Completing that lameness (and internship) this Friday! Recently nailing down a great job/postdoc that I can do while living with my husband. And a whole lot of tears, gleeful and woeful.<br /><br />I never posted any follow-up to <a href="http://geektears.blogspot.com/2010/05/star-tours-2.html">my original post</a>. My husband and I did make it to Disneyland last summer. We rode the original Star Tours several times. My teasy husband kept pointing to boys ages 5-10, and playfully reminding me: "The new ride is for them. Don't you want them to be happy?"<br /><br />We have not yet ridden Star Tours: The Adventures Continue, which recently opened. I haven't looked at much review stuff...wanna be surprised when we do make it. Regardless of whether I enjoy the new attraction (which I probably will, cause I'm a sucker), this commercial is frickin lovely.<br /><br />~Geek outAmanda Geiselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01909316598645453349noreply@blogger.com0