Hello ~Paused Lifers~ I bring to you a new obsession. A creepying, sinking, all-encompassing obsession. Welcome to Nightvale
So I found this darling little gem of supernatural magic on Pinterest. There is quite the little fandom on there, slowly growing more powerful day by day.
I was going to insert a Highlander "There can only be one" reference or funny pic here, but I feel like that movie's so outdated no one would get it. Damn kids...Go watch The Highlander. Now. I'll wait...
Anyways, Nightvale is like NPR and the X-Files had a mutant offspring. Its a twice-monthly podcast, which is formatted like a radio show in a small town. It has a town calendar, adds, traffic reports, and of course, the weather, which is just a free song played in each episode.
Crazy stuff happens and its treated like normal, everyday things. Floating glow clouds dropping dead, small animals (all hail the glow cloud), subterranean cities of tiny people, cloaked people that reside in a dog park that is forbidden to enter or leave, a five-headed dragon running for mayor, the dreaded Desert Bluffs.
Its just...I need to explain so you can understand... I love it so...
Cecil is our pleasant and dapper host on the podcast. Cecil pretty much only has two settings: Enthusiastic fangirl and serious reporter. He is in love with scientist Carlos, who came to Nightvale to study its crazy, and eventually starts dating him.
Yes, he's gay. Deal with it if you can't. He and Carlos are adorable.
Another great thing great about Cecil? We have absolutely no idea what he looks like. Which is fine by me. The fanart for Cecil is fervent and ranges from nearly albino to African American. He does usually get depicted with a third eye on his forehead and tattoos on his arms that never stop moving.
Oh, yeah
He absolutely hates Steve Carlsberg. With a burning, flaming passion.
When Cecil hates you or disagrees with you, you will feel his dapper wrath. Like with the Apache tracker. He's a white guy that runs around in a plastic, racist Native American headdress claiming to be an Apache well versed in old magic.
Then there is Khoshek, the monstrous cat stuck floating in the news station's men's bathroom.
He becomes Cecil's de facto pet and he fangirls over him on many occasions.
I really don't want to get into too much detail. Actually, I don't think I can explain why I love it. Its got sci-fi, sarcasm, the occasional words of wisdom. Welcome to Nightvale is truly something you have to experience to understand. Many of you will probably not get it or like it. Some of you will fall in love. Either way,
Go check out Nightvale, its free on itunes. Go comment below! Go subscribe and share if you if you likey~ please...
* Pinterest and Tumblr have a growing fandom for Welcome to Nightvale. Warning: some inappropriate content*
Hey there, ~Paused Lifers~! We've all been there. You have a bad day, get some bad news, run frantically around trying to rethink your entire life. Again. Ugh. Life just sucks on too many occasions.
Who knows why it does this. Other people have pretty good lives, right? Guess its just the luck of the draw. Some people can't get a break and never will. But you know what???
Yeah, take that, existential crisis! Until someone tells me what the freak is going on or what I should do in life, I'll do whatever I can to make my self happy! So, in honor of this new-found " I don't give a freak", I'm going to share with you what I do to help get myself (temporarily) out of a funk.
Pinterest
Ah, Pinterest. My old and new found addiction.
Once upon a time I gave you up, fearing the distraction would impact my classwork in college. Well, guess who's not in college anymore and doesn't have an important enough job to care about?
The time waste, its so hypnotic. You just keep scrolling and scrolling and scrolling. You literally never have to stop looking at funny pictures or mouth-watering food. Just accept the zombification and let all your worries fade away.
Movie Marathon
For me, its Mel Brooks specifically. There really is nothing like curling up on the couch in your pjs with a bowl of rocky road icecream and watching some of the funniest movies ever. Blazing Saddles, History of the World: Part 1, The Producers Young Frankenstein, etc. All Brilliant.
Seriously, its so hard to bed upset while watching any of these movies.Check them out if you haven't. Now. I'll wait... Here's a clip to get you started
Anyways, just watch your favorite movies. Nothing too depressing though, that's counter-productive.
.....Get your minds out of the gutter! There, now that that is done, there's just something about making sweet treats that just puts me in a good mood. Cupcakes, cookies, candy, bread. Especially bread. Kneading bread is WONDERFUL for working out some issues. You're pretty much beating the crud out of the bread dough, its fantastic.
Take that, emotional strain!!!! Plus, you then get to eat said baked goods. Instant cheer up, nothing like eating your feelings away!
Look at the little face, its saying "eat me, feel better, its ok, you can diet when you're older".
Pokemon, aka Violent Video games
I get such a rush of joy from playing the Pokemon games. Don't judge, at one point in time everyone who was a child during the 90's played it. Many of you still do too. Don't lie. Posers.
Now, I'm not saying you have to play Pokemon specifically, just any violent-ish video game. It goes back to the Pinterest and kneading bread thing: Mindless and useful in venting rage. For me, though, Pokemon also has that nostalgia of a more peaceful time. Just happiness, no crazy adult worries. Just me, my team, and that punk-ass rival from Red/Blue.
Yeah, take that Gary Oak! Take that Life!
Well, there you have it, the things I do to cheer myself up. I'm not claiming that these will work for you, or that they even work for me 100% of the time. No one is perfect, internet...Stop with the judgement!
So, what do you guys do to cheer yourselves up? Leave a comment below and, as always, subscribe and share if you likey~ Seriously, though, subscribe. Now. I can wait...
*Pinterest is Godly in its mindless scrolling. So...much...geekyness...*
Hello, true believers! On Friday, I gave you guys my Top 5 recently cancelled sci-fi/fantasy t.v. shows, and someone asked me " What about the one show you used to talk about all the time and cried over when it got cancelled?".
So, yes, I didn't put Fringe on my list. Mainly because it technically got a series finale and secondly because I love it so much it deserves its own post, like I did for Stargate.
Anyways, Fringe!!! *Spoilers Alert*
Running from 2008- 2013, it took its viewers on quite the wild ride for only 5 seasons. The premise is that really strange things start happening, so the FBI's Fringe division gets created to figure out why. Sort of like The X-Files, but with less aliens.
There is also a ton of crazy pseudo/Fringe-science going on: Alternate realities, genetic modifications, telekinetic abilities, the occasional Leonard Nimoy cameo.
(This man never stays "retired" for long)
All presented as to be as scientifically accurate as possible. Or at least as far as I know. I can barely do normal science, let alone fringe science. That's why I got the history degree.
Haha, get it? Cause atoms make up all matter? Yeah, that's the extent of my science knowledge....
Getting back on topic, Fringe was one of those sci-fi shows that always kept you guessing. Its plot had more twists and turns than I can count, and even when it got a little iffy it was still entertaining.
For instance, the Monty Python tribute from when Walter was, umm, doing inappropriate substances to help him remember how to save the world. Yeah, its crazy.
Probably the best thing about Fringe is its characters. The interactions and personal growth of Olivia, Peter, Walter, and even Astrid and Broyles, are the real reason to watch. I do admit that at first, Agent Olivia Dunham put me off a bit. She seemed dull and flat. But as the series progressed, she became quite the bad ass and grew on me.
Then there is Dr. Walter Bishop, who I maintain is one of the greatest characters in the history of television. Period. Walter is hilarious, genius, tragic, and frightening all at the same time.
(Yes, that is Denethor from LOTR. Yes, he looks ridiculous)
The man literally tore a whole in the space-time continuum to save kidnap an alternate reality version of his dead son. After that, he was so afraid he'd go full-blown evil scientist that he had Nimoy's character remove a part of his brain. Still manages to save the the world countless times, though, and have enough extra time to just relax like a normal person.
Unfortunately, Fringe didn't attract too large of an audience for the Fox Network, and it constantly faced cancellation. The fans stayed true, though, and got it a final 5th season to wrap everything up. Sadly, the last season is a bit rushed. A few extra seasons were definitely needed to wrap up the many different story lines and all the loose ends.
Oh, well. All I can do is recommend that you give Fringe a chance. It's a show that can make you think AND laugh, which is quite something in the sea of horrible reality t.v. that most of us swim through these days. I, for one, will always enjoy the memories I had of watching Fringe and will always be a fan.
So, what's your opinion on Fringe? Will you be checking it out? Leave a comment below and, as always, subscribe and share if you likey~
*Pinterest. Where finding fringe clothing is easier than the t.v. show.*
Hello there, true believers! Today is a very special post, requested by my very good friend CaptainBarnes (that's what I'm calling you, you know who you are!), and it takes a look at a well known fictional sport that isn't so fictional anymore: Quidditch. And no, I'm not talking about a drinking game.
Thanks college, you can turn any game into an alcoholics' dream! Anyways, Quidditch is real.
(I know I've used it before. So sue me)
So, all you Harry Potter fans who already didn't know, take a deep breathe and get ready to see what happens when members of a Fandom love something sooo much they make it real.
Like how Star Wars fans made being a Jedi an actual religion or how Trekkies speak Klingon.
(where is this Barista and when can i befriend them?)
Oh, Quidditch. It really is a dream come true for Harry Potter fans. It tries to follow the rules the almighty J.K. Rowling laid down in her epic series as much as they can for being mere Muggles.
Started in 2005 at Middlebury College by Xander Manshel, it quickly spread through out the college world. It celebrated its first World Cup in November 2007, and continues to have them. It has even spread across the pond to Europe, and there are even some non-college teams out there, beating the crud out of 18-23 year olds everywhere.
(Totally endorsed by me)
It even got discussed on The Daily Show with John Stewart.
So, yes. This could be the world you've been waiting of. The world in which Harry Potter fans come together and play a nice, friendly game, quoting the book and movies and then run past each other on soft, dewy grass.
WRONG! Quidditch is BRUTAL. People have broken limbs, been bitten, gotten bloody noses. Fights have broken out, people have been banned. It is not a game for those who merely want to goof off. It is a legitimate, athletic sport.
See CaptainBarnes there? She's shoving that poor girl in the face. Hard. She wont take anything from anyone. No Quidditch player will.
Then again, this isn't to say Harry Potter fans shouldn't go out and play. The teams will welcome you with open arms and enthusiastic cheers. Just be warned they will hurt you if you aren't playing as hard as you can. Also, go University of South Florida Quidditch!!!!
All in all, if you're a fan of Harry Pottter, I definitely recommend googling a Quidditch team near you and checking it out. Its tons of fun and you get to pretend you're in the Potterverse. What could be better than that?
(ERMERGERD ITS POTTERCHU!!!)
Also, still debating over Lemon Cakes or Pumpkin Pasties for next week. Let me know which you want or your views on Harry Potter below!
*Images from ze Pinterest. Also, check out the Harry Potter Musical. Tis awesome*
Ok, Ok, stop shouting. This is a delicate subject, I know. But bear with me and all will be fine! As a warning this list is just an opinion that I've mused over for a while. Also, I have experience with these different fandoms, so it isn't just me listing off my favorites. I took many things into consideration besides my persoanl favorite series or books. Honestly, some of my favorite didn't even make the list. Why can't you be more popular Harry Dresden????
Kidding, kidding. I've met Dresden Files fans and they are awesome! Sadly, many other people don't know what I talk about when I reference the series...Jerks...Anyways, for this list I looked at the popularity of the fandom, how the fans are, quality of the fandom material, and then a little of my own opinion.
#5............Firefly
Yes, Firefly. Such a short-lived piece of science fiction art. The combination between sci-fi and western was brilliant and Joss Whedon did an awesome job of making it flow together seamlessly. Hear that, Cowboys vs. Aliens? huh, huh, huh???
Yeah, didn't think so.....You guys should be sacked!
Along with a great story came great acting, and along with that came a great group of fans. Firefly fans, the Browncoats, have to be the most dedicated group among the fans I'm discussing here. Sorry Trekkies/Trekkers, I still love you! However, Firefly's one big drawback is that it ended so quickly. Sure, there was a movie and a comic book, but so much more great t.v. could have happened! Thanks, network producers....always killing the good stuff. The fact that the future looks bleak for a resurrection (and I really hate to say it, I'll wait for you Wash!), is the reason Firefly comes in at #5, but the optimism and general awesomeness of the fans is why it gets here. Never forget, Browncoats, never forget!!!
#4...........Star Trek/ Star Wars
Alright, you two, listen up and play nice! I know lumping these two together is risky business, but I feel that it needs to be done. Both series and fandoms have a lot in common: Long lasting and reoccurring forms of media, crazy influential on popular culture, great Con presence, awesome internet memes, dedicated fans. All great things. Which is why I personally have a hard time picking between the two as a whole. My only reservation is that while dedicated, the fans can get a little...umm....defensive? Especially in regards to each other. I've been in so many arguments over which is better and sometimes it can get nasty.
Then there is the battlegrounds amongst the fandoms themelves! Trekkies or trekkers, kirk or Picard, original trilogy or new trilogy, Pro-Jar Jar or kill Jar Jar. I've had stuff thrown at me by fans that didn't agree with my views, even though we both love the same series! Maybe I'm just too much of a non-combative person, and please don't think that I'm saying that I hate these series. I've seen all the movies for both. Even the bad ones. I've seen all the episodes for every series. Just, take a page from the Browncoats and make love not war!
See? We can laugh at our inside jokes together!
#3.....Harry Potter
"Wwwwwhat? Only #3? Blasphemy!" You may be shouting at your screen as you report me for inappropriate behavior. Again, take a seat, take a deep breathe and hear me out. I love Harry Potter. It was the series that made me love reading. It makes me laugh, makes me cry, along with millions of other people in the 16-30 age range. It made being geeky and reading for fun cool things. I mean, come on, who doesn't want to be sorted by the sorting? cough * go Ravenclaw * cough
Even (most) of the movies are great. Seeing Hermoine punch Draco in the face in Prisoner of Azkaban? Priceless. Plus, the Harry Potter musical.
(I love you Joe Walker <3)
The fans are still so Potter crazy that they made 3 musicals, an amusement park, and even invented REAL LIFE QUIDDITCH. Which, having played (once) and watched numerous times, is hard core crazy.
The cons you may be asking? Besides getting beamed in the face by a quaffle, not much. I think the only thing that prevented Harry Potter from being higher on the list is that J.K Rowling has the potential to do so much more in its universe. But isn't. And its driving the fans crazy. She just keeps releasing extra little tidbits to moist our appetites. I understand how that she might want to branch out and write different kinds of novels, which have been great too, but please. Stop releasing extra spoilers. Just write. It doesn't have to be about Harry's kids, or the first Order of the Phoenix. It can be a really gritty, human murder mystery based in Timbuktu for all I care. Why make such an in-depth world and not venture back in? The potential! In summary: I feel you Potter fans, we need more Potterverse!
#2..........Middle Earth/ Lord of the Rings
Not all those who wander are lost, especially when it comes to reading some good old fashion Tolkien. Despite this blog's relative youth, I'm sure my love for LOTR has shone through. There's such something about being in the LOTR fandom that just makes me giddy inside. Be it fangirling over smexy actors
Or laughing over the ridiculous stuff I find on the internet
(party on, Thranduil, party on)
I just love it. The fans too. I've never met a Tolkien fan I didn't like. Of course, finding fans of the books, like real, hardcore, Similarion-reading fans ( not just those who read the Hobbit for school), is a rarer sight. From what I've seen at movie premieres and at the random Con, many became fans because the LOTR movies came out when they were in the middle school/high school age and fell in love with the awesome. And lets face it, Tolkien's writing is like a early to mid 20th century British guy's writing. Its slow and meticulous. It takes the man around 30 pages (17 years!) for Frodo to even do anything in Fellowship. Oh well, it is high fantasy, and no one can say that the man couldn't do world building. Elvish anyone? Real language. People speak it. I've met them.
All in all, Middle earth and its fandom is High Fantasy at its best. Classy, Epic, and not afraid to kill people (Boromir forever!!!!). If you like the movies I definitely recommend powering through the books. They start slow, but then blow. Your. Mind.
AND FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
#1..............Doctor Who
In reality, there isn't much that separates any of the top 5. They were all super close. Heh, I guess that's what happens when a fangirl tries to choose. Back on topic! Why is the Doctor on the top of this list? Honestly I'm not quite sure. Real talk: I'm a lapsed Whovian. I watched all of 9, only saw bits of 10, and most of 11 (Saw none of the first 8, but how many of us have really seen EVERY episode?). But whenever I do stumble upon the Doctor and his antics, I can't help but watch. Its funny, its heartbreaking.
Hear that? Its my heart breaking into a million little pieces.
Doctor who is just one of those shows that has been pleasing people for generations, and you don't have to watch every episode to follow along. Its all about time travel anyway, pretend the stuff you missed hasn't happened yet. Also, the fans are awesomely nerdy and, at least from those I've met at Cons, so freaking friendly.
9, 10, River Song, another 4, and a few other Doctors missed out on this pic. The other 4 gave us all Jelly babies. Yum! Word of advice: if you go to a Con dressed at a Doctor Who character/object, you will get so much love! I think the reason the Whovians won out on this one is because of this openness. Be it the t.v. show or the fans, you can allonsys any time and you'll get along swimmingly. You don't have to read 7 books, watch 5 different t.v. series, or mourn its cancellation.Easy access fandom. Even when a new Doctor gets announced and the haters appear from the shadows, every one (as a whole) tends to stick around and love the Doctor.
As I said, though, this list is all just my opinion, and I even left our some fandoms that I love to pieces (Stargate will rise again from the burning ashes that are the SYFY network's taste in television). Even the top 5 are all pretty equal to me, I'm a multi-purpose geek, so sue me.
Let me know what your favorite fandoms are in the comments, or just troll me, whatevs.
*All images/videos come from more creative and talented people on the interwebz, mostly Pinterest people. Pinterest for life!*
