Category Archives: Movies

Free Comic Book Day 2013–Be There Or Be Square!

Posted on by

FCBD 2013

      What’s up nerds?  Just a reminder to all my Googley Analytical Unique Visitors that Free Comic Book Day 2013 is just over two weeks away (May 4, 2013).  Here in the Nerd Cave, we’re looking forward to hitting the two local comic book stores, devouring a delicious lunch of steak & shrimp at Logan’s Roadhouse, and then taking in Iron Man 3 in all it’s IMAX glory. Easily one of the best days of the year for Nerd Nation.

     If you’ve never been to a FCBD before, not only can you score a huge stack of free comics and related swag, but many stores (if they’re smart) run crazy sales.  For me, with the expiration of our insurance claim looming, I’m looking forward to picking up a couple of statues I’ve had my eye on.  Let’s just say “Hulk is fixin to SMASH!” And no Honey, I don’t have room for it…but when has that ever stopped me before?

     Besides showcasing all the comics, books, toys, and gear, many stores host artists who’ll do sketches and there’s usually several cos-play guys & girls hanging around.  Boba Fett and the Ghostbusters are always a huge hit with my kids.

     So, mark your calendar and let all your friends know FCBD is coming.  And remember to get those kids down to your local store.  If we want the hobby we love to grow and prosper, we’ve got to create new fans.  And what better way than to give them free comics?  Stay nerdy my friends!

                Copyright 2013 ItCameFromTheNerdCave

Podcast of the Month: The Nerdherders

Posted on by

audio-input-microphone

     A few months ago, I posted some short reviews about several podcasts I listen to regularly in my dungeon-like, windowless, government office. Recently, after catching a quick reference to these guys in one of them, I tracked down The Nerdherders Podcast.  I just finished getting caught up on all 29 published episodes this afternoon and The Nerdherders are now firmly on my Top Five List of “Must Listen” Podcasts.

Continue reading →

Roger Ebert, 1942-2013

Posted on by
Roger Joseph Ebert, 6/18/42--4/4/13

Roger Joseph Ebert, 6/18/42–4/4/13

     Sad news for the world of entertainment yesterday.  Roger Ebert passed away after a long battle with cancer.

     If you grew up in the 70’s ,80’s, or 90’s you know that Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel were THE go-to guys for movie reviews. Before the Internet, Fandango, etc., if you wanted the scoop on a new film, you tuned into Sneak Previews or At The Movies.  I spent many an afternoon in my room watching them on my Panasonic 13″ Black & White T.V.

     Even after suffering massive facial disfigurement due to cancer and losing the ability to eat, speak, or drink (by mouth), Roger just kept an incredible attitude.  He could’ve thrown in the towel and headed for the couch.  Instead, he kept on working and never complained.

     I recently read a review by him and remember thinking “Man, he’s still got it.”   With Roger, you could trust his judgement because he sounded like he’d put some thought into things.  I wish I’d read his review of Highlander 2: The Quickening before I rented it back in the early 90’s.  Talk about 2 hours of my life I’ll never get back! For me, the pain is still too near.

     So, let me express my sympathy to Roger’s family, say, “thank-you, Sir,” and send two big “thumbs up” to him in that big balcony up in the sky. You will be missed.

DVD/Blu-Ray Storage Solution

Posted on by
From this...

From this…

...to this.

…to this.

     DVD/Blu-Ray (let’s just call them “DVDs” to make it easy on me) storage can be a massive pain in the butt.  The amount of space that those plastic cases (DVDs in particular) consume compared to the thickness of the actual discs is crazy.  I like the look of a wall of DVDs, but who has that kind of storage space? And the dust?..c’mon!

Continue reading →

Hellboy & Ivan–Another Etsy Score

Posted on by
Hellboy and Ivan by Jesse Kennedy

Hellboy and Ivan by Jesse Kennedy

     Here’s another recent purchase off Etsy for the Nerd Cave walls.  It’s a one-of-a-kind mixed-media sculpture by the talented Jesse Kennedy from Washington.  Depicting one of my favorite scenes from the original Hellboy movie, the sculpture really captures the look and bad attitudes of both characters. I was looking for something to fit on a small area of bare wall next to my shelving units and this cool, little piece of art fills the bill perfectly.

     Jesse has a nice selection of other pieces inspired by different realms of pop culture.  His renditions of Joker are particularly cool as are his Lord of the Rings characters. Not sure if he’s already done them, but I suspect his versions of the Balrog, Sauron, and the Ringwraiths would be pretty sweet.  I highly recommend Jesse and his Sculptorio store on Etsy if you’re looking for a cool, one-of-a-kind touch for your nerd cave art collection.

Turn It Up And Rip The Knob Off! Podcasts for Nerds

Posted on by

audio-input-microphone

     I work inside a 100+ year old building.  I don’t know what’s in the bricks they used back then, but whatever it was, it isn’t conducive to great radio reception.  Luckily, I’ve got an office in the dungeon that I share with no one so I can pretty much listen to podcasts on my computer all day long. If you could sit and talk about your hobbies and interests for hours on end, then the next best thing while you’re shackled to your desk or stuck in traffic is firing up a podcast.

     Here’s a laundry list of eight podcasts I regularly tune in to during my mind-numbing workday… Continue reading →

Movie Recommendation: The Innkeepers

Posted on by

The Innkeepers (2011)

     I love horror movies. A passion that is unfortunately not shared by my wife. Which sucks a little because part of the fun of watching a scary flick is experiencing it with other people. But alas, it looks like I’m going to have to live with being scared by myself or wait for my son to hit 13 or so.

     For me, the thrill of watching a good horror film comes from becoming physically involved in the story.  I might get a thrill from watching Indiana Jones or The Avengers, but they’re not going to spike my blood pressure, raise my heart rate, or keep me from falling asleep. A truly scary film will stay with you for quite a long time.

Continue reading →

It’s Hard Out There For a Blogger

Posted on by

     Hey there. Long time no blog. It’s been a busy Summer and for various reasons, I just decided to back burner my blogging in favor of some other projects (aka chores around the house). But with Fall quickly approaching, my ducks are rapidly getting in a row and I’m ready to get back to work.

     As a warm-up exercise, here are some quick hits…

Continue reading →

Designing the Nerd Cave–Home Theater

Posted on by

     Maybe “home theater” is a bit of an overstatement.  I’ve never been one of those guys who needs to have the surround sound speakers finely tuned to the acoustic profile of a room and the windows shaking.  If I can understand the dialogue, I’m usually good.

      I actually had contemplated NOT having a TV in the new nerd cave.  But that feeling passed after about 10 seconds.  Let’s face it, no self-respecting nerd would voluntarily exclude a TV from his or her den.  My problem was that I had nowhere to put the TV.  My wife suggested mounting it up high in the corner but that would’ve meant a pretty small screen and I’d have felt like I was sitting in a doctor’s office waiting room watching the Weather Channel.

Continue reading →