Category Archives: Geeky

Nightmare before Blocktober!

So, as you may or may not know, I LOVE MARVEL! And why not? It and all things made by marvel are awesome. So I was playing my favorite game, Roblox (woot!), when I looked and saw there were two events going on (woot again!). So, as any curious person would do, I clicked on both pages to see what they were about. I found that both events were sponsored by MARVEL (woot once more!) and had to do them! The first event was sponsored by Spider-Man: Homecoming! and the other by Thor: Ragnarok! I went and played the Spider-Man event before even looking at the Thor event because Spider-Man is cooler (duh). So when I looked at the thor event and saw it was called Nightmare before Blocktober, I knew it had to be good. It sounded even better when two of the games were games I love, WFYB and Assassin. The other game, BTD: Redux, I recommend for those whose hearts are strong and love of hulk and/or zombies is stronger, who like getting scared, and love a challenge. I attempted (and failed) this one. But if anyone reading this loves Marvel or just a fun game, try both these events. But remember, the Spider-Man event goes until October 10, and the Thor until the 14th. Plus, there is the first 10 minutes of  Spider-Man: Homecoming under the event. With four games overall, this is the time to win some sweet Roblox gear, and have some Marvel fun!

The Creation Crate Mood Lamp!

Creation Crate Mood Lamp

CUE FLASHBACK!

So one day, Mom and Dad called me into their office along with Nerdpie and said, “We got sent this buildable mood lamp from Creation Crate, and were wondering if you wanted to make it.” Nerdpie was like, “Kind of, but if Nerdster wants to, he can!” Of course, to this, I said, “I would really like to make the lamp! Thanks!”

 END FLASHBACK!

And here I am, a week or two later, and I learned a lot. A couple of things I learned are:

  • I learned about circuit boards.
  • I learned about charges and how they travel.
  • I (surprisingly) learned about programming.
  • I especially learned about inputting circuits and lining them up.
  • And I learned about CHIMICHANGAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This lamp was super fun to make and incorporated a couple of cool features and skills, including:
  1. Circuit boards
  2. Programming
  3. Troubleshooting and Debugging
  4. Wire attachment
  5. Proper care of wires and LEDs (I learned this one the hard way :)C. Let’s just say, there was supposed to be three LEDs.)
All in all, this was really fun to make. I only have a couple complaints.
1)The wiring is a little confusing.
2)It didn’t come with a power source.
But other than that, the lamp was perfect. I really enjoyed learning how to implement the programming to the board, and how to program the timer for switching colors. Arduino programming is like some of the languages I like, such as JavaScript, Es6, or Python, but it also has its own sort from combining languages like JSON, CSS, or C++. It was really interesting and taught me things I hope to use later in life. Maybe I can get a job making supplies for Arduino. That would be fun. This was a super fun project which was very educational and helped me brush up on my programming skills.  Over all, this was a great experience and I can’t wait to see what will come next time. I rate this creation crate… two enthusiastic thumbs up! Comment on what you think would be something cool to make!
 
NerdMom’s 2 cents:
 
I love Creation Crate and the idea of it! This is one of the first STEM/crafting kits that I have seen that is actually for kids 10 and up.  It is something you can use as an actual curriculum. They claim that if you do 12 kits you will have more hands on programming experience than 99% of college computer science students. The cost ranges between $22.50 – $29.99 just depending on if you go month to month or a year at a time. It was a great project and my son learned a lot. This would make a wonderful gift because it is very educational and very fun!
 
(Disclosure: We were given the Creation Crate by the company and this post contains affiliate links. That said, all opinions are ours and ours alone)
 

Doctor Strange is Finally Out!!! 6 Things You Need to Know

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Doctor Strange is finally out! Nerddad and I got a chance to see it last week at a preview and it was so good!!! Ok, this is just going to be a short post because I don’t want to ruin anything for anyone. But here is a list of a few things you need to know!

1) You must see it in 3D if you can. It is visually stunning! The effects are better than any of the Marvel movies so far. We saw it in 3D and are planning on going back to watch it again IMAX 3D. Just gorgeous.

2) Really sexually pure. There is literally 1 line that says the word lover and 1 kiss. That is it.

3) A little language. There are a few bad words but nothing to bad, probably the lesser end of all the Marvel movies.

4) It is a great plot. It covers Dr. Strange’s origin and is just good. They don’t try to take on too much in my opinion. That seems to allow for better plot development.

5)Stay through the credits. I shouldn’t have to tell you this but stay all the way until the very end of the credits. Don’t pop out half way through when they show the first extra.

6)Just take your kids and go!

(I was given passes to see the movie but all opinions are mine)

The Mighty Splitter Beast!

Attention, heroes! The mighty Splitter Beast has broken out from underground! It has picked up a street lamp and preceding to come towards us! We have sent EVO and FURNO, equipped with a flame sword, micro blaster, and laser lasso to take down this monster. But it can split into two, causing a double trouble, two-ton titanic beatdown!

LEGO® 44021 Splitter Beast V. FURNO and EVO is second LEGO® HERO Factory Invasion from BELOW set. I bought it off Amazon for $27.90. I’m here to tell you why to buy it and why I really enjoy it. I think it is totally worth the price but you have to get it fast! Here’s why:

This set, and all other HERO Factory sets are Taken off LEGO.com. Stores are getting rid of their limited stocks. On Amazon there is only 2 left in stock! That is why if you want it, get it soon.

Here are some cool things about this set:

  • The beast can split in two peices.
  • The small beast has poseable limbs when on the main beast’s head.
  • Not only is this the only set with two beasts, but the blue head is the only beast with an overbite.
  • EVO comes with a LEGO® Holo-pad.
  • The heros have all-new robot limbs.
  • The big beast has rare “beast feat”.

So now you have the facts. It’s your choice whether or not you get it. I just gave you my input.

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Concept: Entertaining for Kids, Engaging for Adults

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Finding games for the whole family can be very challenging. They are either too hard for the kids or super boring for the adults. What? Am I the only one? We are always on the hunt for games that the parents can play with the kids and with our adult friends. We found one of those games in Concept

ConceptplayConcept is a party game. It is sort of like Pictionary or charades but without the acting or drawing. You can compete individual or in rotating teams.

First the player (or team) draws a card. On that card are a variety of words or concepts. They are organized into easy, intermediate, and hard categories. You pick one of those items to describe to the rest of the table. 

Now this is where it gets really interesting, how you describe it. The board has a ton of squares on it. They have themes, colors, arrows, and so much more. (You have a sheet that give ideas as to what every square represent. ) Then you put markers on the board to try and communicate the item on your card to everyone else. The key is you get to pick out of the card. When they adults play we start with intermediate but the keys start with easy. 

It could be something as simple as rain or as hard as something like “Its not the end of the world”. You can used some markers to signify the primary idea and something else to bring in related ideas. You can really do all kinds of things. But you can’t talk. The only thing you can say is the word no. So that can help the group eliminate wrong guesses if they ask the right questions;). 

If someone guesses your word, concept, or quote you get 2 points and the person who guessed correctly gets one point! So this is a game where you want everyone to succeed. And you just keep going until you want to stop as a group, there is no “winning score”. It is so much fun! And with the adults playing the hard level, it is beyond hilarious. 

So on the nerdy side: Concept isn’t just a fun game. It really helps you learn a lot of communication skills. You have to think about your audience. What are your shared experiences that you can call on? What methods of logic and communication will they get? It is an awesome way to learn about knowing your audience, which is key in communicating with anyone. 

We absolutely love Concept and highly recommend it for families and parties of all ages. 

10daysbutton  This is part of the 10 Days of Nerdy Fun!!! Make sure you hop over to see what other great post of nerdy fun that will be shared! 

Free Printables for Geeky Valentine’s Day Cards

Geeky Printable Valentines
Kids go out every year looking for Valentine’s Day cards that represent their personality. But when you pop into the shops rarely do you find great geeky Valentine’s cards for the geeky kids! And when you look online they can be quite pricey. So why not print them off for free? Here are 4 geeky Valentine’s Day cards with a varying level of crafting to get them into give able shape!

First up are the straight printables!

Brain Power Boys has a collection of great “boy friendly” Valentine’s that my girls love too! They range from robots to superheros and are super cute! Just print and hand them out!

Heidi Schulz has the most adorable Doctor Who Valentine printables! They cover everything from Oods to Daleks to Angels. These are another print and go!

If you want to do just a bit more work we can pop over to a Star Wars theme! Design Wash Repeat has the coolest Yoda Best Valentine’s Day printable! They get kicked up to the next level with just the addition of a glow stick!

And if you want to go even geekier and nerdier… the coolest for last! Left Brain Craft Brain has awesome Light Up Circuit Valentine’s. While they sound complicated, they are so easy! If you can use white glue, you can make these!

Remember, even geeks can represent with their Valentines! So how are you and your kids letting your geek flag wave?

Gifts that Grow Intelligence When You #GiftSmart

Gifts, gifts, gifts. While it isn’t what Christmas is truly about, it is a large component of celebrating the season. But I don’t want to just give gifts that just fill the docket of being gifts, instead I want to give gifts that equip, enlighten, or are useful in a fun way (no appliances or towels here;). So I was really stoked when I was approached to write about the #GiftSmart campaign at RadioShack!

I have to declare right out that RadioShack holds a special place in my heart. It has always been the source of components and geek toys long before I had ever heard of any other stores selling geek things! I also credit RadioShack for my wonderful marriage but that is another story for another day;). And I am happy to say that RadioShack is still known for great STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) gifts, along with fabulous geek gifts. And I received 2 of them this year!!!

LittleBits Synth Kit

The STEM gift I received from RadioShack was the LittleBits Synth kit. Have kids who like building things? Circuitry? Electronics? Regardless of the answer they will love this! This kit comes with everything you will need (including detailed instructions) to build 10 projects, with some components being shared;). A naturally geeky kid with jump right in and start assembling. Kids who haven’t really been exposed to STEM or just not actively interested in wiring everything in the world will love this kit. Why? They are going to make musical instruments! You get an instant payoff with every project and the more projects they build, the more they learn! And the pieces just snap together so you don’t have to actually do real technical wiring.

LittleBits is also a great tradition to start. You can buy more kits and combine them to do more and more things! And if you are looking for 1 gift to give a family with children, it is a winner.

Auvio_Bluetooth_Speaker

I also got to check out the AUVIO Bluetooth Portable Speaker. Of course it is geeky, fun, and very useful so it ticks all the marks for me! This is a great bluetooth speaker and so flexible. It is large enough to produce a great sound yet so light and portable. You can use it so many ways too.  I like to watch tv on a computer and while the display is phenomenal, sometimes my sound needs a little help! Having this speaker sitting and charging on my bookshelf means I can just pop it on! At the same time it is usable in the car, on the beach, or in your bathroom while you are having a nice relaxing bubble bath! This is that gift that you might not buy for yourself but you would use a ton if it is given to you! That is the perfect intersection!

RadioShack has a ton of other STEM and geek presents that are just waiting for you to pick up at your nearest location or online! Thanks so much to RadioShack for compensating me for this post and having some great products for gifts this year!

I leave you with Weird Al;).

Bargain Geek T-Shirts!!!

Whovian Grab Bag

TeeFury is having a blowout grab bag sale!!! You have 2 choices: Whovian or Non-Whovian. I am personally ordering a few Whovian varieties for our house. You can see the more than 16 designs of each camp but not choose your shirt. I personally like all the Whovian choices so we will be happy with whatever we get. And did I mention they are only $6!!!

So go grab a few for you and all those you know! These would be great gifts, especially for only $6!!!! And remember, they have kid sizes too!!!

How You Know You are Raising Whovians

CaptainJack
I know that NerdFamilyDad and I are raising our children different than many people but it is shocking some times to see it come out;)! We aren’t trying to raise Whovians per se but it is great that they are!!! And so much fun seeing my kids viewing the world through geeky child eyes!

The final Jeopardy question was read by Alex: “The hero of this 1993 comedy says he’s “been stabbed, shot, poisoned, frozen, hung, electrocuted and burned””

The NerdPie yells out, “Captain Jack Harkness!”

Also my kids are sure that Christina Perri’s A Thousand Years is all about Rory Williams waiting for Amy Pond. They don’t even know what Twilight is much less that the song was on its soundtrack;).

I declaring a parenting win;).