Listen to Christian and Friends at Geekerati Radio

Geekerati Radio 6/11: "The Truly Independent and the Blatantly Mass Market."

The theme of tonight's show is "What does it means to be independent?" From films to roleplaying games, the panelists will discuss the tensions between "commercial" or "sell out" entertainment and what most consider to be independent.

You can listen to the show LIVE at 7pm PST tonight at www.blogtalkradio.com/geekerati, or you can listen to our show at a later time when you can hear our after show discussion. In addition to the discussion, we will be giving away a 10 day Guest Subscription to Lord of the Rings Online and a copy of Wicked Fantasy Factory's "Rumble in the Wizard's Tower" published by Goodman Games.

Listen in, participate when we have our "Film Trivia" moments where we ask panelists, and you, to name films based on criteria provided by "Cineplexity" cards. "Cineplexity" cards are a part of the entertaining "Cineplexity" game by Out of the Box Publishing.

Our show has no affiliation with Out of the Box games, but it's a great game and I think it can use all the free advertising it can get.

Future episodes of the show will include a rundown of Zombie Armageddon entertainment, a special episode this Wednesday, and an interview with SF/Fantasy author Susan Palwick regarding her newest novel Shelter.

I am Legend Preview Now Live

In 1954, Richard Matheson's I am Legend was published. The book featured a world depopulated due to the effects of a plague which infected its victims with an illness similar to vampirism. The novel's protagonist, the world's last "pure strain" human, explored the phenomenon from a purely scientific approach. He attempted to find out why and how what happened occurred, while simultaneously hunting the "undead" during the daylight hours. What begins as a simple monster hunt ends with the protagonist discovering not all of his victims were a scourge. In fact, Neville Morgan (the protagonist) finds that he himself is viewed as a monster by many of those he hunts.

The novel explored the psychological terror of being the last person in the world and the moral consequences of an "obsolete" organism murdering the next stage of life. Like later films of "Zombiegeddon" the book contained its share of social criticism and insight into the human condition.

The book has already been made into two films. Both The Last Man on Earth starring Vincent Price and Omega Man starring Charlton Heston are classic films in the apocalyptic genre. One can also see echoes of the underlying narrative in Danny Boyle's 28 Days Later.

This December we will see the release of a third film based upon the novel. Will Smith stars as the protagonist in the Francis Lawrence (Constantine) directed version. The trailer for the film is live. The film also stars Salli Richardson from the great new SciFi series Eureka.

Cinerati Becomes Mysterious Galaxy Books Affiliate

All book recommendations at Cinerati will now include a link to Mysterious Galaxy Books where readers can purchase the selection from one of the internet's best independent bookstores. In addition to being a great place to purchase your books, the folks at Mysterious Galaxy host some of the most interesting panels each year at San Diego's Comic Con. Each year, Mysterious Galaxy provides the opportunity for fans to meet with many of their favorite Fantasy, Science Fiction, Young Adult, Mystery, and Media Tie-in authors. Their website features a great page featuring Southern California authors, and after looking at the page you can see why they can sponsor so many excellent panels.

Mysterious Galaxy is what independent bookstores are all about.

In Preparation for the Upcoming Zombie Apocalypse

50%Mingle² - Free Online Dating

Given that there will be a Zombie Apocalypse next Wednesday, at least all signs seem to point to one occurring, I thought I might take a little quiz to see my likelihood of survival.

I guess having a coin-flip chance of making it is better than nothing. Now if only I knew which kind of Zombie Apocalypse in which I was going to find myself.

Possible Good News for Shaun Omac Radio and Jericho Fans

In news that should give hope to fan's of Shaun "Omac" Daily's "Discussing Jericho" show on BlogTalkRadio, TV Guide has leaked a rumor that Jericho is very close to being renewed for eight episodes. At this time there is no way to tell how accurate the rumor is or isn't, but for fans of Jericho this is big news indeed.

What if "Star Trek" Had Been Invented in the Silent Era?

Thanks to the good folks at SF Signal, I have discovered an interesting little gem of a YouTube film.

You can visit the host site to read the many comments this interesting film has received. I particularly liked a very recent exchange discussing the propulsion system of the Enterprise.

reallyevilcanine:
Nevertheless I find myself drawn not to the social aspects of your picture show as to the technical premises. In the views presented of the engine room it appears that the Steamcraft Enterprise is powered by a triple-expansion steam engine but surely a steam turbine would be more efficient, would it not? Perhaps there are problems when flying through the heavens which prevent the use of high rotational speeds but I should think that we shall overcome such limitations.

DSisterson : I am indebted to you for your perceptive observations sir. It is my understanding that Steamfleet Command are presently engaged in research to determine the feasibility of a turbine propulsion system. There are concerns that such a machine might propel the vessel through the ether at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour, and that the crewpersons would be unable to respirate at such a velocity.

As a fan of Space 1889, I know that we must be ever concerned with the properties of etherspace.

Blogging the Pending Zombie Apocalypse

Next Wednesday, June 13th, Cinerati will be participating in "Blog Like It's the End of the World" and will blog about the Zombie Uprising which will begin on that date. Cinerati entries on that date will be written as if the Cinerati gang were experiencing an ongoing Zombie Apocalypse.

To prepare for the event, I will be reading my copies of The Zombie Survival Guideand World War Z by Max Brooks. I will also be checking out the Xombie website to catch up on what is happening.

What is a geek's life like on a Zombified Wednesday? Come check it out.