When I was a teenager, my friend Sean and I were big into horror movies.  Now, I can't stand them. I still love a good thriller or science fiction film, but horror has lost its appeal.  I do not think I am better for not liking them, nor do I think that horror movies are bad.  They are simply not my thing. 
     Reality for me became more horrific than any film could provide.  Be it hospital stays that became nightmares or instructors and teachers that lost their mind. 

Our hearts are with the Tree of Life in Squirrel Hill Pennsylvania outside of Pittsburg. We begin our show with a moment of silence and reflection. 
News and Links:
Wonder Woman - delayed
Michael Jordan is investing in esports
Wil watched horror movies with the boy. Taking both of his kiddos to see Beetlejuice to see how the ghost with the most and how the movie stands up to time. Picking Halloween costumes for the kiddos! It's ok to let kids dress up - discussion on Moana. 

Tyra is part of a wedding actually today. Discussion of Star Wars theme songs being used and how epic a helicopter is for the bride and groom to leave the reception. She is still playing Emoji Blitz - Nightmare Before Christmas event. ​(However, Nix thinks a Nightmare on Elm Street one would be hilarious!) 

Episode 2 further information links on our news and main show discussion!
The News Side:
​Wil discussed the Netflix cancellations!
Netflix Marvel cancellations - Variety Article 
A moment of reflection for the loss of Microsoft co-founder-Paul Allen. Sadly Mr. Allen passed away at 65 after a battle with cancer. 
New York Times Obituary - Death of Microsoft’s co-founder - Paul Allen -
Tyra discuessed innovations and the reimaginaing of social media tools.  
Portal/echo show - CNet.com article
IG QR codes and school communities at AdWeek 

The Geeky Side - of TV!
We discussed all things Battlestar Galatica and other aspects of how we grew as geeks! 
Wikipedia - Original TV Series
SYFY Reboot
We concluded with a discussion on the impact of all things BSG and how it led into the current atmosphere and how it's creation reinvigorated Sci-Fi in its day.  
Please comment on your favorite or most hated character and share! 
​SO SAY WE ALL! 

    This side of the Geeky had a gaming conference for educators.  I attended the Games for Change conference with about 30 or more educators in and around the metro-Atlanta area.  Games for Change #G4C is a competition that promotes game design in major cities around the US.  It is a non-profit organization that helps provide curriculum and game design tools to those that are willing to compete. For more information, please check out: http://www.gamesforchange.org/studentchallenge/  The conference was hosted at Georgia Tech and the Tech staff was extremely helpful and gracious.
    What struck me as the most intriguing was that I was one of three self described gamers at the conference.  This fact made me reflect on the core of gaming and could non-gamers facilitate game design.  I think an instructor will have to be inspirational and willing to learn without a gaming background, but could find success by harnessing the gaming passion of his/her students.  
       Now, I am a first year computer science and gaming instructor.  I have a huge learning curve in programming and design, but have been a gamer since 1978.  I know what makes a game fun and what makes a game marketable. That is what I saw missing from the conference was an in-depth gamer perspective, but and I shudder, too much talk of educational games....NO! A game should be designed for fun and if you learn: great side bonus!  Once a game is labeled educational, it quickly loses the appeal for the audience and then becomes another worksheet or exercise. 
       However, some positives that come out of this conference.  One was the diversity of the crowd. It was good to see teachers of every background willing to reach out to the interest of students.  The challenge itself lends to innovative thinking and can provide a good, safe arena for discussion on possibly heated topics.  
          I think #G4C has a ton of potential and with some recruitment of gamer-teachers could provide a much needed depth to game design and education.  As with anything, this needs support and the gaming community needs to step up and help others realize how this medium can be used to make all better and to improve education with edutainment! 
​

​Our first podcast is done and ready to go!  However, you might want to ask yourself, "Why should I listen?"  I know we have been asking ourselves that and one simple reason is "to smile." 

A smile has become very underrated in today's geeky world.  We just hope that we inspire you to feel a bit better about yourself and your geeky pursuits.  Our podcast will bring that smile when you here us discuss DragonCon and more.  A smile may occur when you hear Tyra's impatient dogs barking for their Mom to be done.  

We discuss several ways our geek influences our lives and just letting you get to know us.  We want all of you to hear all of our wonderful experiences at DragonCon and how we might do somethings a little different. 

Maybe you will smile at Tyra's abundant energy and my dry sarcasm.  You can smile as Tyra will over and over again take me literally and I laugh as we both get to know how to talk to you.  Come for this first podcast, but make sure to checkout our next as we discuss the historical moment from geek history and all that is has to offer. 

This is Nix and I can't wait to talk with you again!  Be here for the smile and you just might feel better about the world we live!   

It seems like decades ago that I first met Wil Nix...wait, it has been decades. Suddenly I feel old, and I'm only on the second sentence of introducing my partner in geek to you. Well, age aside, our friendship has stood the test of time and here we are about to attempt to entertain you. But first, get to know the geek inside the man - I present to you Nix, geek. 

Tyra has asked me some questions and I have never been able to deny her. 
1. What does self-identifying as a geek mean to you?  How do you define geek?  
I identify myself as a geek because it takes the power from those would mean harm by the word.  I am not easily offended or timid, but I do get irritated by those that use such a positive characteristic in such a negative tone.  
As for what does "geek" mean to me that is simple.  Geek is just a vocal fan.  A "geek" is no different than a sports fan, theater fan, etc.  A "geek" is just better organized when it comes to locales to discuss.  Geeks pioneered conventions, the internet, and other wondrous places to make havens for discussion.