General Cogitation Archives - Page 14 of 40

The Big Bang Theory Does Not Mock Geeks

On September 21, 2016

In Geek Canon, General Cogitation, Soapbox

My favorite type of sitcoms are, what I call, highbrow comedies. Fraiser was the first, and will always be, my favorite highbrow comedy. I enjoyed it because the dichotomy that people with an extensive vocabulary are not necessarily haughty or persnickety. Despite their affluence they still found themselves in the same awkward predicaments as Ross, Rachael, Monica, Chandler, Joey and Phoebe. When Fraiser ended in 2004, after 11 seasons, I thought it was the end of highbrow comedy, until I found The Big Bang Theory.

I own the same caffeine molecule shirt BEFORE I saw it on TBBT

I was surprised to learn there are other individuals like myself (i.e. geeks) who felt the show made a mockery of geeks. I disagree, I think The Big Bang Theory does not mock geeks. In fact, it teaches us to embrace who we are and it teaches the world to accept us the way we are.

The Big Bang Theory paralleled my life in some capacity. Actually it was almost uncanny in many situations. When I saw Leonard wearing that caffeine molecule shirt I knew I was going to enjoy how the show was analogous to my life. It starts its 10th season this year, and the show still makes me laugh myself to tears. It’s the intellectual, re-imagining of Friends.

The Tropes are the Pillars of Our Identity

The show does make heavy use of geek cultural tropes. Comic books, Star Wars, Star Trek, super heroes, video games, etc! These are not tropes, they are the pillars that define us! It is that sense of identity that makes the show so easy to relate to. Let’s face it, we were all socially awkward and intimidated by the opposite sex when we were younger. It’s possible some are the same as adults. When we were growing up, because we preferred books to booze and video games to sports games, we were “geeks”. Today, “geek” doesn’t have the same negative connotation.

When I was a kid, it was a huge insult to be a geek. Now it’s a point of pride in a weird way. – J. J. Abrams

Perhaps those that find the show offensive to geeks are marred by the demons of their past. When you spend your whole life trying to discard that label, you have a hard time letting go of that negative association. If The Big Bang Theory has taught us all anything, it’s that our perseverance will pay off. Penny and Leonard’s relationship shows us that smart is the new sexy; they don’t ignore the “nerdy guy with the hot girlfriend” dichotomy. We can “get the girl” and still be true to ourselves.

Geek is Passion

So I do understand why some may find the social structure in The Big Bang Theory difficult to believe. Bullying back then was just as awful as bullying is today. It’s very difficult to overcome. Our damaged self-esteem makes us believe we will live a lonely and clandestine life. The Big Bang Theory shows us that you can overcome bullying, love something with unbridled passion, and NEVER be afraid to show it. Let go of those old wounds because, in reality, we are all geeks about something.

Being a geek is all about being honest about what you enjoy and not being afraid to demonstrate that affection. It means never having to play it cool about how much you like something. It’s basically a license to proudly emote on a somewhat childish level rather than behave like a supposed adult. Being a geek is extremely liberating. – Simon Pegg

I could accomplish so much more if I only had minions!

Someone Got Run Over By A Greyhound

By Biggs

On August 15, 2016

In General Cogitation

“THUMP! ………………… THUMP!”

It doesn’t really sound like that, figuratively and literally. It’s more of a crushing sound, bones and morale. It will take your life and your loyalty depending on the context. The worst part is, most of the time you won’t even see it coming. One minute you will be going about your day and the next you’re fodder for the wolves! Sure there are usually warnings but depending on who, or what has your attention can affect whether you recognize the warnings. Depending on the severity you might be able to come back from it, but life will be different.

<a href="http://giphy.com/gifs/bus-rBu0nPBNXRw7C" style="float: left;">via GIPHY</a>Obviously the former has more mortal consequences and relies on the hands of good doctors and surgeons. The latter will require more action from you and your ability to subvert the greater evil. If its within your means to influence the outcome, it might behoove you to take the hit. Sometimes its better to lose the battle in order to win the war. It’s important to keep in mind that in these cases you need to help yourself because its clear nobody is going to help you. It’s time to start making plans.

Always Plan Ahead

All you need is the plan,
the road map,
and the courage
to press on to your destination.
Earl Nightingale

You have to know how you are going to handle the immediate situation and you have to make a plan for the future. There is never a good outcome, only the bad and the ugly. The ugly likely means your future plan and your immediate plan are going to be the same and there is nothing you can do about that (except try to be the bigger person). The bad means you have options to consider. Will you constantly feel judged when you are walking through the halls each day? Can you endure the day-to-day and, again, try to be the bigger person? Also keep in mind that no matter how long its been since the beginning, if there is ever another hunt, which you know there will be, are you going to be the target again?

You have to think about what the future will look like, and it may or may not be a pleasant view. Has your outlook changed? Greyhounds have a tendency to make you take a second look at yourself. Talking to your peers may help, especially the brutally honest ones. It also doesn’t hurt to keep all your options open and don’t forget to weigh the pros and the cons. Unfortunately none of this is going to be pleasant; in fact its going to add quite a bit of stress but do not be afraid to make the hard choice.

It’s All About Perception

The important thing in either situation is to keep your cool; thus trying to be the bigger person. It’s obvious you already are because it was the coward that put you here. If you remain calm but keep your guard up, chances are they will be less guarded. Remember, it’s all about perception. Don’t be influenced by their jargon, especially when they tell you that eventually it will feel like it never happened. But you will never forget. Also, don’t stoop to their level and try to run someone else over; that will not make it right.

The jaded will dwell on it but only the guilty will want you to forget.

Life Update – WTF Have I Been??!

By Biggs

On June 13, 2016

In General Cogitation

minion_dave I have suddenly gone silent. It isn’t from a lack of things to say, I have plenty to say. I have plenty to talk about; but sometimes life throws you a curve ball. The wife fell off a ladder a couple of weeks ago. After a couple of doctor’s visits we found out she tore her Lisfranc ligament which meant surgery. She is doing well, but she has to be in a cast for 3+ weeks and on crutches for 6 weeks.

So, since she is practically immobile guess who has to play toddler wrangler 100% of the time now. On top of that, apparently my blog site is classified as “Games” and therefore blocked by the firewall at my new client. So the only time I could write anything is at night, after the kid is in bed and my wife is comfortable but that is also the time when I play games or read to wind down for the day.

I’m sure I will figure something out where I can try to get more blog posts out there during my wife’s recovery; perhaps I can put my iPad to good use in regards to blogging. In the meantime keep your eyes on my Twitter feed or Facebook timeline to see when new posts come out (which means you must be incredibly bored if you are waiting for a post on my blog).

/cheers

/MTFBWY

My First Time Going to the Circus

By Biggs

On March 14, 2016

In General Cogitation

The circus seems like such a nostalgic pastime. It always makes me think of carnies, tents, clowns, Dumbo. I had never really considered going to the circus, despite the huge popularity of Ringling Brother’s and Barnum and Bailey Circus and its near century as “The Greatest Show on Earth”. It’s fascinating how your proclivities change once you have a child. You realize that not only do you want to expose them to the things that you did as a child, but also the things you didn’t do. I’ll be honest, when we were considering buying tickets to the show I wasn’t really interested but they are going to retire the elephants and we found front row seats so it seemed serendipitous. Now, in retrospect, I’m glad we went.

It’s like going to the zoo as an adult for the first time in years, you never realized how much fun it is to be so close to the animals. The literal death-defying acts of the performers is so visceral you can’t help but feel amazed and alive. I would never have the cajones to try any of those stunts, and I’m sure most of us don’t, which is why we are all holding our breath when we watch other human’s walking the tightrope or surrounded by a dozen tigers, cracking a whip so they perform. (Admit it though, there is some infinitesimal part of you hoping to see one of those tigers decide they’ve had enough whipping and go “Siegfried & Roy” on the trainer, just to say you were there when it happened; however that would have traumatized my daughter for life so I’m glad everything went according to plan). By the way, I didn’t find a single clown creepy. In fact they were quite entertaining. So all you coulrophobics shouldn’t avoid the circus just because of the clowns, just don’t sit too close to the ring.

I’d say what I disliked the most about the experience were concession options and prices. The only diet soda option available was Diet Rite. Diet Rite!!! I didn’t even know Diet Rite still existed. I haven’t had a Diet Rite since I was like 12 years old. Then we decided to get Bee a souvenir and since she was distracted by all the kids with the light-up wands, we bought her one hoping she would watch the show instead of the other kids. $24!! So not only do they give you the bottom of the barrel options for pop but they price gouge you on the souvenirs. It was totally worth it regardless, just watch out at the concession stands. You have all of these images in your mind of what a circus should be; huge tents, the crowds sitting on bleachers, trapeze artists (which we didn’t see) but the only feature about the circus that is still true, they still travel by train! If you have the means and the opportunity, you should definitely check it out!

Still Enjoy The Smell Of A Book

By Biggs

On February 19, 2016

In General Cogitation, Technology

As technology evolves, new gadgets come out that change the way we evolve and as a geek I love to embrace that new technology. Also, as a geek, I love to read and I’ve been reading physical books long before there were e-readers. I do own an e-reader and I do use it but I still enjoy the smell of a book. There is also something elegant and nostalgic about the tactile properties of holding a book and turning the pages. Often times I am in the middle of two books at the same time. One on an e-reader and one in print and I have literally sat by the fireplace, in my recliner, reading a book.

Do I prefer one over the other? Not really. I probably use both pretty equally. I have plenty of books in print that I haven’t read yet and I intend to still read them, in their physical form. I don’t see the point in purchasing the digital versions of the books because, in my mind, that would be like buying a second copy. Granted, digital books definitely save on shelf space but with printed books you don’t have to worry about dead batteries or a crashed device. On the other hand, when I travel for vacation, I usually read a lot and I never know how quickly I might finish a book so the e-reader comes in quite handy. It’s a lot easier to have a library at your fingertips than to try to pack a library in your suitcase.

I’m not going to advocate for one format or the other. People should choose which they prefer for themselves and refrain from putting the other down. I do often worry that we will lose brick and mortar bookstores and libraries because there is nothing better than the look and smell of a bookstore or library. I could spend hours in a bookstore wishing I had the cash to buy every book that looked interesting; but I digress.

Whether you prefer physical books, ebooks or both I think its great that you read enough to have a preference. I hope, with all the technology today, kids still take the time to read a book (before seeing the movie). Reading will not only improve your vocabulary (which can make the difference between having a job and unemployment) but will also improve your creativity and critical thinking skills. Indulging in a good book is also a great way to relieve stress, for kids and adults alike.

/cheers

I could get so much more accomplished if I only had minions!

And the Geeks Have Inherited the Earth!

By Biggs

On January 26, 2016

In General Cogitation, Technology

Remember us; from 20 years ago? I know you do. We were the daily mugging. It was never about the lunch money or the dress shirts. We were bullied because we were smarter than you, because we could thrive without trying, because you felt threatened by us. We warned you to be kind to us because you should feel threatened. We had many mantras.

“Be nice to geeks, you’ll probably end up working for one”

“Geeks, will one day, inherit the Earth.”

“Geeks rule the World”

Well now the geeks have inherited the Earth, and we remember! Our minds are steel traps. We haven’t forgotten who bullied and tortured us. Your misplaced machismo may have brought us down on the outside, but it steeled our willpower and drove our ambitions. Now we are the timid tormentors. We are the kings of passive retribution. There are now more of us than there are of you. We may hide behind our monitors and tablets, but that is to disguise our numbers. We may dress like Jedi, Nintendo princesses, hobbits and wizards but that doesn’t mean our resolve has been weakened. We dress as creatures of power because we are creatures of power!

Now we pray on your insecurities and inadequacies. While you sleep, we are building empires but now as CEO, CTO, CIO and even as actors and actresses. Now we control your fate as yours employer and your superiors. Most of us do it as presidents and board members; or we enter your homes through your televisions and Blu-ray players; but there are those of us that do it … “anonymously”, from afar. We know your secrets because we have silently infiltrated your life. Our manifesto from the ’80’s still applies today. You live in our world now! You cannot hide from us; we are smarter than you, remember?

We are abundant.

We are everywhere.

We are watching you.

And we tried to warn you – now go empty the trash!

A Geek's Cogitations, Conjectures and other Cortical Experiences

Category: General Cogitation Page 14 of 40

The Big Bang Theory Does Not Mock Geeks