Geek Alabama Rewind: Week of 5-25-13


Geek Alabama Rewind

Here is the latest weekly recap for Geek Alabama!  Some of the most popular posts from last week included an interview with Jeffrey Leachman, pictures and a video from the Operation Ben concert, introducing Geeks Helping Others, a post about the Ragland High School Class of 2013, Summer 2013 animation premieres, and my chance to be a Geek & Sundry vlogger!

Seven Questions with Jeffrey Leachman 

Geek Alabama 7 Questions

This special video edition of Seven Questions was done to help someone I know get a place to live and get off the street.  Please watch!

http://geekalabama.com/2013/05/23/seven-questions-with-jeffrey-leachman/

Operation Ben Concert at Burgess-Snow Field

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Gary Sinise and the LT. Dan Band rocked JSU stadium.  I took some really awesome photos and videos as well!

http://geekalabama.com/2013/05/20/operation-ben-concert-at-burgess-snow-field/

Introducing Geeks Helping Others

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I am starting a new charity to help people in need.  Read this post to learn about Geeks Helping Others!

http://geekalabama.com/2013/05/21/introducing-geeks-helping-others/

Ragland High School Class of 2013

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My younger brother David Storey graduated from high school.  Here are pictures and a video of the special event!

http://geekalabama.com/2013/05/21/ragland-high-school-class-of-2013/

Animation Monday: Summer 2013 Animation Premieres

Geek Alabama Animation

Want to learn what new animated stuff is coming out this Summer?  Then click the link!  I can’t wait to see these animated shows and movies.

http://geekalabama.com/2013/05/20/animation-monday-summer-2013-animation-premieres/

My Chance To Be A Geek & Sundry Vlogger

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Why not!  I have come out with the new vlog series called The Southern Geek.  If Felicia Day, who is from Alabama can be successful, so can I!

http://geekalabama.com/2013/05/24/my-chance-to-be-a-geek-sundry-vlogger/

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Good News Fridays: YouTube Comedy Week


Geek Alabama Good News Fridays

This week, I have enjoyed YouTube Comedy Week!  This is the first time YouTube has done something like this and I have really enjoyed it!  Many different YouTube channels have gotten involved and many YouTube stars have teamed up to create some pretty funny videos!  I have watched many videos with the comedy week theme and I wanted to share my top ten YouTube Comedy Week videos!  Enjoy!

To watch more YouTube Comedy Week videos go to: https://www.youtube.com/user/YouTube

YouTube Through History

Talk Show Subway Car

The YouTube Challenge Challenge

Dr. Good’s Ultimate Shot Giveaway

Drive Thru Zombie Headless Prank

Google Glass Human

Money Bag Prank

Immersion: Simulation Racer

YouTubers React to Try to Watch This Without Laughing or Grinning

TOBUSCUS ANIMATED ADVENTURES #5

Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting


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I wanted to do a simple and quick recipe that I know you would enjoy.  Why not make some simple homemade sugar cookies with a cream cheese frosting on top.  These cookies were soft and chewy!  This could be something you can do during the long Memorial Day weekend!  Here’s what you need:

For the frosting:

  • 8 oz. cream cheese
  • 8 tbsp. butter, softened
  • 1 tbsp. vanilla extract
  • 4 cups confectioners sugar
  • 2 tbsp. milk

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder.

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2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.

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3. Scoop spoonfuls of dough and place onto a baking sheet; then bake for around 10 minutes.

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4. Combine powdered sugar, cream cheese, vanilla extract, softened butter, and milk in a bowl and mix well.

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5.  After letting cookies cool completely, place some frosting on each cookie.

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Enjoy!  These were good!

My Chance To Be A Geek & Sundry Vlogger


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Being a geek and a nerd can be very time consuming!  I spend a lot of time writing posts for Geek Alabama as well as keeping up with other websites I follow and social networks. The YouTube channel Geek & Sundry has announced that it’s launching a new Multi-Channel Network: The Geek & Sundry Vlogs Channel.  So far, eight channels have already been launched and they have plans to have 20 vlog channels!  With eight launched, that means they need 12 more people to launch their own vlog channels.

Any interested people will be able to upload their own vlog videos by embedding videos on the Geek & Sundry Vlog site for community feedback and official review.  According to the official press release, they’re looking to offer:

The opportunity of a vlogging contract to aspiring and current YouTube talent who are not currently in an agreement with any other MCN. Geek & Sundry Vlogs plans to embrace all walks of fandom, if a candidate is passionate about their chosen subject, they can submit a vlog audition for consideration.

Those chosen will be announced at VidCon 2013, being held in Anaheim from August 1 – 3.  Guess what, I am throwing my hat into the ring by creating by own vlog videos!  My vlog videos would be called The Southern Geek, yes there is a geek culture in Alabama.  Having a vlog channel in Felicia Day’s home state of Alabama would be awesome don’t you think?  So without further delay, here is episode one of The Southern Geek!

Learn more about the Geek & Sundry Vlog contest and submit your own vlog video at: http://www.geekandsundry.com/vlogs

Go to the Geek & Sundry Vlog YouTube Channel at: http://www.youtube.com/geekandsundryvlogs/

Weekend Roundup: 5-24 to 5-27


Geek Alabama Weekend Roundup

This is Weekend Roundup.  The local events that are happening in NE Alabama and NW Georgia.  And the bigger events that are happening in Atlanta and Birmingham.  As always if you have an event that needs to be featured on Weekend Roundup.  E-mail me at barcncpt44@aol.com

Weekend Weather:

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Perfect weather this weekend!  Get out and enjoy!

Local Best Bets:

Gospel Singing and BBQ at Christian Corner Meats in Anniston.  Happening on Friday May 24th at 5 pm.  For more info. go to: http://calhounchamber.preview.gochambermaster.com/events/details/gopel-singing-and-bbq-5092381

Lake Wedowee Summer Jam at Chimney Cove happening on Saturday May 25th.  For more info. go to: http://www.lakewedoweesummerjam.com/

Southern Music Fest at the Lake Martin Amphitheater on Sunday May 26th.  For more info. go to: http://www.lmat.org/

Art on the Lake at Children’s Harbor on May 25-26.  For more info. go to: http://www.childrensharbor.com/

23rd annual Memorial Day ceremony at Centennial Memorial Park on Monday May 27th starting at 11 am.

Here are my out of the area best bets for this weekend.  Go to http://www.accessatlanta.com/ for Atlanta events or http://birminghamal.org/events-calendar/  for Birmingham events.

Atlanta Best Bets:

Decatur Arts Festival happening on May 25-26.  For more info. go to: http://decaturartsfestival.com/

Atlanta Jazz Festival happening on May 25-27.  For more info. go to: http://atlantafestivals.com/

Birmingham Best Bets:

Alabama Phoenix Festival at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center from May 24-26.  For more info. go to: http://www.alabamaphoenixfestival.com/

Birmingham Freedom Festival held on Saturday May 25th in Birmingham.  For more info. go to: http://cotsforvets.org/

 

The Evening Post: Anniston Police Building Demolition / Traffic Light Removals


Geek Alabama Evening Post

Today, the old Anniston Police Building at the corner of Gurnee Ave. and 12th St. is being taken down.  This building was very old and had to be replaced.  The new Justin Sollohub Justice Center is already open and the Anniston Police has already moved in.  Also, two traffic light intersections at Gurnee Ave. and 12th St. and Moore Ave. and 11th St. were turned off today.  4-way stops now replace these traffic lights.  The lights will stay up on red light flash mode so drivers can get used to the changes for 30 days.  Enjoy the photos!

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Seven Questions With Jeffrey Leachman


Geek Alabama 7 Questions

I did a special video edition of Seven Questions with a person I know in Anniston who is homeless.  Jeffrey Leachman has come to the Anniston area from the Atlanta Metro and he thought he would find work but so far he has not.  He has stayed with a group of friends who are also homeless in the Anniston Area.  They have spent their nights at empty buildings and behind fences.

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Now in this video below, Jeffrey Leachman explains his homeless problem while living in Anniston.  He also has a plea to city and regional leaders in Anniston to do something about the homeless problem.  As of this post, I have not heard from any city officials even though they said they would do something.  This is a video you must watch!

Weekend Planning: Alabama Phoenix Festival 2013


Geek Alabama Weekend Plans

This weekend is going to be epic if you are around the Birmingham Alabama metro.  The 2nd annual Alabama Phoenix Festival will take place at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center along U.S. 280.  The festival is going to be bigger and better for its 2nd year and there will be plenty of things to do for the entire family.

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Let’s start with the guests, some big name guests at the festival this year includes Colin Ferguson (Eureka), Ernie Hudson (Ghostbusters 1&2, Transformers Prime), Gil Gerard (Buck Rogers in the 25th Century), Janina Gavankar (True Blood, Stargate Atlantis), Robin Shelby (Ghostbusters), and even more guests!  To learn about all the guests go to: http://alabamaphoenixfestival.com/guests.html

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There will be many authors, artists, and vendors that will give you a great time!  There will also be many tracks you can choose from.  It does not matter if you are in Star Wars, Star Trek, Anime, Game, paranormal, Whedon, steampunk, or if you are a fan of geeky stuff.  There will be something for you to enjoy!  If you are coming to the Alabama Phoenix Festival to enjoy the sights and want to attend the bigger panels, here is a list of the panels I would recommend.

- 5/24 5:30pm: Ernie Hudson Q & A (Main Stage)
- 5/25 10:00am: “Buck Rogers” with Gil Gerard (Main Stage)
- 5/25 1:00pm: “Golden” – Legendary creator Alan Bellman shares what it was like to create comics in the WWII era. (Room 7)
- 5/25 1:00pm: “Mass Hysteria” Q & A on all things Ghostbusters. (Main Stage)
- 5/25 8:00pm: Costume Contest (Main Stage) o Photos available upon request.
- 5/25 9:00pm: Bronies: It’s a Thing – interactive My Little Pony panel with hosts Will and Reed Lochamy of Birmingham Mtn Radio (Room 7)
- 5/26 10:00am: Janina Gavankar Q & A (Main Stage)
- 5/26 1:00pm: Colin Ferguson Q & A

Many guests at the festival will be available for autographs and to just talk too.  That’s what great about the Alabama Phoenix Festival!  Other events at the festival will include a charity auction to benefit the Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund, a costume contest, a showing of the movie The Hospital, and of course, a gaming area featuring video games, board games, and card games.  If you are an ultimate gamer, you can register for the APF Top Games Throwdown.  To learn more go to: http://alabamaphoenixfestival.com/events/apf-tg_throwdown.html

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For the kids, they can enjoy the Blast A Trooper, Alabama Ghostbusters Slime Lab, Alabama Ghostbusters Proton Pack Build, The Wizarding Cup, Hero Academy, and they can also play with LEGO’s and games as well!  The festival will also feature a replica TARDIS from Doctor Who, a replica Delorean from Back to the Future, many people dressed in costumes, and much more!  Also, Doc Osborn also known as The Balloon Doctor will be there as well!

If you are in Birmingham and Central Alabama for the Memorial Day weekend, you need to come out to the Alabama Phoenix Festival!  Geek Alabama is going to provide a lot of coverage of this event!  Much more than the other media sources like AL.com.  If you are around this weekend, look for me at the festival!

Geeks Helping Others

And don’t forget, Geek Alabama is starting a fund called Geeks Helping Others that will benefit Toomer’s For Tuscaloosa and Operation Hug Me Tight.  You can learn more and donate at: http://geekalabama.com/geekshelpingothers/

Learn more about the Alabama Phoenix Festival at: http://alabamaphoenixfestival.com

The Xbox One Is Going To End Up As A Disappointment


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This week, Microsoft announced the brand new Xbox One gaming console.  This console is going to replace the Xbox 360 and be a direct competitor to the PlayStation 4 that is also coming out.  I wonder why these companies continues to come out with brand new gaming consoles every few years.  Console gaming is slowly dying away and I say 10 years from now, console gaming will be a thing of the past.  During the Microsoft press conference, the Xbox One was hyped with a lot of promise.  But after all the details are known, this will end up as a disappointment.

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The Xbox One will need an internet connection to use most features!  As you know, I believe people should be able to play games without having an internet connection present.  What if you want to take your games on a camping trip or on an RV?  It’s kind of hard to haul around a way to always stay connected to the internet.  And for the cable companies like Cable One who will charge you extra for using too much internet bandwidth each month, this move will prove to be bad.

The Xbox One will require games to be installed on the console’s hard drive to be played.  If you take a game to another Xbox One console or buy a used game.  You will have to pay an undetermined fee.  So let’s get this straight.  If I wanted to show my friend a very cool game I like playing, I would have to pay extra unless I haul my Xbox One console around?   Microsoft, why do you have to be greedy?  Gamers are already paying money to buy new and used games.  They don’t want to pay extra just to play a game.  Gamers will simply quit using the Xbox One console for good and go to smartphones to play games.  Microsoft is showing their greedy side for sure!

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Microsoft also says the Xbox Kinect will be improved with the Xbox One.  Some people have complained about how the Kinect sensors are not too good.  And if the lighting is bad, or if you have a small room, the sensors have a hard time picking you up.  Some people are not going to like the idea of having an always on camera and microphone connected to internet 24/7 in your living room.  How awesome is that going to be!  Not!

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The Xbox One will be more than gaming.  The console will also allow users to watch TV, stream a movie, listen to music, interact with other people, and much more.  The question I would ask about this is, why would I pay $300 for these features if Microsoft is going to charge people sometimes full price to play a used game.  There are devices that will allow me to stream TV shows and movies for much cheaper.  Sure the console and game controller looks cool.  But Microsoft is going to nickel and dime us to death.  This will turn off many consumers.

The Xbox One is going to be full of hype but hold no substance in my opinion.  The death of console gaming is coming very quickly.  And Microsoft is trying to make all the money they can before the console game joins the museum as a thing of the past.  I would not recommend you buy a Xbox One or PlayStation 4 or any other gaming console.  You can play great games on your computer and smartphone!

Music Thursdays: Muse / Two Door Cinema Club


Geek Alabama Music Thursdays

This week on Music Thursdays, I wanted to feature two music videos that are pretty weird.  In the first music video from Muse titled “Panic Station.”  You will see some giant and weird monsters.  Yes, you could say there is a geeky vibe too it.  The second music video from the band Two Door Cinema Club titled “Handshake” is very weird!  Yes, some guy is chopping the head off of a body then uses the head as a bowling ball.  Enjoy!