Geek Positive Radio Show #8

Theme: Changing Seasons

As the weather gets colder, our collective mind shifts to the holidays. But before we will dive head first into wreaths of Holly and much over played Christmas music, tonight on CJAI 92.1FM Geek Positive will bring you-Changing Seasons.

With an assortment music from My The Bangles, Bob Seger to Classified & the cardboard crown wearing ska punk gentlemen from The Cardboard Crowns, we have it all!

Check out the new video for The Cardboard Crowns' Single "Tired" here

Among the topics we are breaking down the new Gardens of the Galaxy trailer and Justice League Dark which is available for purchase soon!

The last four words on Gilmore Girls revival also has the debate been settled for Rory concerning the men in her life? (I am unashamed of saying Team Jess since day one!)

As we await the return of the final installment of HBO's Game of Thrones there is officially licensed GOT inspired wine! You can now reenact Tryion Lannisters' famous line; "I drink and I know things" at home with wine. Check it out here

Our Question of the show (#QOTS)  is What item from any fandom is at the top of your Christmas list? Answer in the comments or tweet @rebelheartpengy or @CJAI92.1FM with # GeekPositive and we will read them on air!

Listen Live NOW! Here

Until next time,

WC Alice Lightwood

A Quest for Fandom Food

Being a part of a fandom is a entertaining and often unique experience. From Cosplay's to keeping up with your favorite characters there is often much to discuss. One trend we have noticed over the last year is fandom related foods. Fans have seen, read or heard the characters talk about delicious dishes and have decided to recreate some signature dishes. This week's episode of Geek Positive on CJAI 92.1 FM will feature some of the following recipes we have found along the way!

Whether its ElvenLembas Bread from Lord of the Rings or an exotic dish from A Game of Thrones there is no shortage of creativity in the Kitchen! We found the official Game of Thrones cook book released in 2012 with a forward written by George R.R. Martian himself! It can be found here.Or has anyone else wanted to know the recipe for Dean Winchester's burger? (That one we are still trying to track down).

Elven Lembas Bread Recipe

6 TBSP butter or margarine, slightly softened

2 cups self-rising flour

1 TBSP granulated sugar

½ cup raisins (optional)

1 egg, well beaten

½ cup milk

4 TBSP heavy cream

Mallorn leaves

With a pastry blender of fork, cut margarine into the flour in a mixing bowl until the mixture resembles cornmeal. Do this rapidly so the butter does not melt. Add the sugar and if desired, ½ cup of raisins. In a small bowl, beat the egg and milk together until mixed. Reserve 1 TBSP of this mixture to brush the tops of the Lembas. Add the cream and egg mixture to the flour and mix just until combined into a stiff, soft dough. Knead three or four times on a lightly floured surface. Roll dough to a ¾" thickness and cut with an oval or leaf shaped cookie cutter. Place on a lightly greased baking sheet, leaving 1" of space between Lembas. Brush the tops of the Lembas with the reserved egg-milk mixture. Bake for 12 -13 minutes in a preheated 400 degree oven.

For safe keeping, wrap each Lembas individually in a fresh, clean Mallorn leaf. If these leaves are unavailable in your area, store the Lembas in a tightly closed container. Makes about 1 ½ dozen Lembas.

- Elven Maiden

Pasted from <http://lotrscrapbook.bookloaf.net/other/recipes.html#lembas>

There was also a site that categorized food and drink from Lord of The Rings! From Aragon's Tea to Bilbo's coffee cake. (is that your stomach I hear growling?) and more! Find it here.

There are also many fandom themed restaurants that now live in the real world to give us a taste of the fantasy/ fandom treats in real life! Thanks to Geek and Sundry for the list! We have also added some more local haunts you should check out!

The Pandorica (Beacon, NY)   

The Pandorica is all Doctor Who, all the time. Every inch of the restaurant is decorated to celebrate the sci-fi series, complete with a giant replica of Van Gogh’s exploding TARDIS painting, creepy snowmen, photos from the series, and a TARDIS bathroom that is actually bigger on the inside. If you are a Whovian, you’ll definitely get a kick out of creative menus items like the “fish fingers and custard,” “WHOmmus,” and “Sally Sparrow Duck Salad.” The Pandorica also has “Sip and Paint” nights to help you hone your artsy skills and a Thursday trivia night to test your Who knowledge. Allons-y!

Geeksboro Cinema Café (Greensboro, NC)

It’s a cinema! It’s a café! It’s geeky! Geeksboro Cinema Café is the place to go to indulge in at least one of your interests. You can check out a cinema that shows everything from independent films and documentaries to popular TV series. Or, kick back with your friends and grab some coffee (or beer) while you enjoy the latest episode of your favorite show. You can even pop in on a Saturday morning to check out your favorite classic cartoons! Geeksboro goes beyond TV/film and also hosts video game tournaments every Saturday, board game nights on Fridays, trivia nights, knitting, drink & draw sessions, and more. You can show up in your cosplay, talk nerdy with your friends, and enjoy a place that was designed with you in mind.

Safe House (Milwaukee, WI)

Are you a spy in your own mind? Have you been looking for an unassuming spot to grab a bite to eat while you browse through top-secret files and prep for your next mission? If so, Safe House is the place to check out some memorabilia of your fellow secret agents, munch on delicious food, and experience one of the oldest and most famous “secret spots” in America. Not so fast though–you have to have a password or pass a little test to get in the door! Once you gain access, you’ll enjoy navigating crazy passageways and revolving booths while the staff treats you like a Bond-level boss. Safe House has been the location of movies like Major League and featured in Time and People Magazine, so it is definitely worth a spot on your geeky bucket list.

The Croft Institute. (Melbourne, Australia)

Hidden down an alley in Melbourne’s Chinatown district, this bar claims to be themed after a science lab. It isn’t. That’s a lie. This place is an insane asylum where drinks are served in syringes and (reportedly) sponges.

Tavern Brabant (Prague, Czech Republic)

Nestled in the heart of Prague, this medieval tavern includes its own catacomb and comes complete with a medieval entertainment. If you’re into medieval fantasy, it doesn’t get a lot better than this.

The Sherlock Holmes (London, England)

Many a pub around the world draws connection with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous sleuth, but the one located at 10 Northumberland St in London takes the cake. Not only is this the oldest Holmes-themed bar out there, it also houses a massive collection of Sherlockian memorabilia.

AFK Tavern (Everett, WA)

Located in Everett, WA, this one-of-a-kind geek mecca just might be the most inviting entry on the entire list. Describing itself as “first and foremost a community center for nerds, gamers, geeks, and internet socialites,” the AFK Tavern goes above and beyond to make everybody feel welcome.

The Green Dragon Inn (New Zealand)

It’s almost a cheat that Hobbiton’s own bar gets pride of place here, but since New Zealand went ahead and started converting itself part-and-parcel into Middle-Earth, it’s hard to trump their resolve. Grab a pint in Frodo’s own local and rest your ridiculously hairy feet by the fire. You’ve made it to the geekiest bar on the planet.

The Lockhart (Toronto, Ontario)

The Lockhart is a tapas and cocktails bar at Dundas St. W. and Dufferin St. that gives a strong yet subtle nod to the famous Harry Potter books by author J.K. Rowling, evident in the bar’s name The Lockhart — a name ambiguous to any non-fan but which also refers to a shoddy professor in the series — cocktails and decor, that have caught the attention of Potter fanatics everywhere.

Happy Hunting for your next fandom inspired meal, 

W.C. Alice Lightwood 

Jason Manns' Covers with Friends Album a Hit

Written by Erika 
 

Manns and Benedict share a moment

Covers with Friends, the second “with friends” album by Jason Manns, is an astounding assembly of talent and harmony combined that guarantees to leave you alternately singing your heart out to the rooftops like a rock-god with Come Together featuring special guest Rob Benedict, followed by a rattled to the depths of your soul version of Simple Man featuring special guest Jensen Ackles.

               

The first song on the album is the previously mentioned Come Together, which highlights Manns’ unique prowess in elevating the vocals of his songs with such mastery that you as a listener have only to close your eyes to be transported to the intimate atmosphere of a live venue. If you have never had the unique opportunity to experience Manns’ side project with Benedict, The Station Breaks, all you need do is simply put this song on and let Manns’ deep sultry sound, coupled with Benedict’s raspy trill transport you vocally to the Hotel Café. Accompanied by the driving beat and spectacular guitar riffs that can only be accomplished by the one and only Billy Moran, also part of The Station Breaks, Come Together is your go to song for the in person concert feel without ever leaving your easy chair.

The second song is Mad World featuring the smooth sensuous voice of Michael Rossenbaum. For this song, Manns has crafted the silkiness of Michael’s vocals together with an impeccably precision percussion heavy accompaniment resulting in a velvety sound the likes of which could easily be used to accentuate the sleek sexiness often found in the opening credits of almost all of the James Bond movies.  

               
 The third song, The Weight, which boasts the highest number of special guests, was actually the first song on the album to be offered in its entirety to those who pre-ordered Manns’ album on an alternate website. The Weight, sung by Manns, Benedict, and Supernatural alumni Gil McKinney, Richard Speight Jr., and show front runner Jensen Ackles, hearkens back to simpler times when people actually knew the names of their neighbors, and weren’t afraid to gather together on the front porch with a guitar and a pair of spoons for percussion.  Each of the five verses is covered by a different vocalist; but between each verse, the group harmonizes together during the chorus creating an amazing synchronization of harmony and talent. 

                The fourth, and probably most anticipated song, Simple Man, also features the deep resonate timbre of Jensen Ackles. In a stroke of musical genius, Manns has once again out done himself by putting the spot light on the storytelling properties of Ackles’ vocals, drawing the listener in with the richness and honesty brought out by his natural talent, coupling it with the sweet twang of guitar strings and the haunting strains of a cello. The resulting combination immediately strikes a chord straight to your soul as Ackles croons a heartfelt plea for you to follow your heart.  I dare say many a tear will be shed listening to the ghostly beauty created by this version of the song.

                The fifth song, and the first solo piece by Manns on the album, is the classic (Sitting on the) Dock of the Bay, which is self admittedly one of Manns’ personal favorites to cover. Manns gives credence to the original styling of the song, which boasts notoriety as the first posthumous single to top US charts, by remaining true to the original feel as created by singer Otis Redding; but at the same time, all the special nuances that are unique to Manns’ personal vocal style are readily evident in his version so that even the most diehard Jason Manns fan will be pleasantly pleased to kick back and sing along. This is my personal favorite as it holds a special place in my heart and brings back treasured memories of my time in the service, it’s the kind of song that just makes you feel uniquely American, and proud to be so.

                The sixth track is Wagon Wheel, and features both Benedict and Speight Jr, opening in a remarkable a Capella trifecta of harmonization. Fans of Manns’ that are familiar with Supernatural conventions are already familiar with this tune and have had the unique privilege to see the trio perform it live with a multitude of guest singers, and will be thrilled to have it readily available to enjoy between conventions. Unlike some of the more melancholy tunes on the album, Wagon Wheel is a whimsical melody that will have even the most stubborn toe tapping by song’s end.

 Higher and Higher, the seventh song off Covers with Friends features Texas born Gil McKinney, and like Wagon Wheel before it is a quick paced piece of music that guarantees to do exactly what the song preaches, and that is to lift your spirits higher and higher. McKinney’s infectious spirit and enthusiasm shine through as he serenades himself right into your heart effortlessly. Higher and higher is bound to become a fan favorite to chase the blues away as well as to elevate Gil McKinney to the prestigious position of musical heart throb.  

The last three songs are collectively sung by Manns alone, and have been featured in various YouTube videos, Stage it online concerts, and live shows. The first of the three, the late Prince’s Kiss, is often mashed by Manns with Meagan Trainor’s All about That Bass, which works amazingly well and is among my personal favorites; however, I for one am pleased that he chose to stick to the original, again lending his own unique sultry vocal styling to pay homage to its creator. 

Slowing things down for the second to last song on the album, Manns tackles the King of Pop Michael Jackson’s The Way You Make Me Feel crooning his way through effortlessly. This song has been covered many times by a multitude of artists, but what’s remarkable about Manns is his astounding vocal range. His voice has a unique warble that sets him at a higher precedence than many of your main stream artists. Manns unabashedly taps into his emotions to deliver a memorable performance whether there are hundreds of people watching or just one, he never fails to make you, as the listener, feel as though he is singing solely for you.

The final song on the album is a song that will forever stand the test of time, and while it needed no improvements, it has been enhanced upon simply by having been adapted into the Manns’ vocal range that you should be intimately familiar with by this point in the album. Stand by Me, one of my all-time favorite songs, has been brought to vibrant life in a multifaceted compilation of guitar twang and sweet harmony.  I’ve seen Manns perform this song in a YouTube video, but the clarity and sincerity that shines through in his recorded version will cut straight to your soul.

Stunning B&W photo of Jason Manns performing at Van Con 2016. 

In conclusion, if this review hasn’t already made you skip straight to the buy it now button, don’t take my word for it, listen to the previews for each song for yourself, I’m confident when I say that you will still end up clicking the button. To say that I greatly recommend this album is not high enough acclaim. Is this Manns’ best album ever? I would never box his talent into such a tidy package as that, but I would be willing to say that he has set the standard high for future albums, and that it is quite possibly one of his best to date.

Thanks so much to Erika for her time on the review! Also highlighted is stunning black and white photos done by Megan of Stardust&Melancholy Photography. All image rights remain with the photographer and were used with permission. You can find more of her work here. 

Book Review of ‘Kings or Pawns’ Book One of Steps of Power Series

“With the Elven world crumbling around him, Hairem finds himself in a dangerous political balance between peace and all-out war. 

                                                   - Amazon.com Book Summary 

As an avid reader I usually find myself drawn to a specific type of book.  JJ Sherwood’s writing is one of those books, I found myself not wanting to put it down even when I had to. Kings or Pawns had me blurry eyed-often at 3AM- and drawn in from the beginning, due to continued level of intrigue and excitement .

This first look into the Steps of Power Series starts and finishes off with major bang that leaves readers wanting more. Establishing the world and emotions of the characters. I often found myself able to empathize and sympathize with characters when they were faced with major or minor decisions. Scowling at the book when they made what I thought was a wrong decision. Each character had their own distinct voice and found it easy to differentiate which chapter or break was a change of perspective before names appeared on the page. JJ Sherwood eases readers into each change of character with such clarity and flawlessness that was a welcome breath of fresh perspective and level of caring I had not witnessed from an author in a while.

Just when I thought I had characters figured out, I was always caught off guard with a plot twist. I found myself actually searching back through pages to see what I was missing and where it had come from. If plot twists and action keep you page turning and political deception hooks you in then I highly recommend picking up the first installment of The Steps of Power Series, Kings or Pawns. 

JJ Sherwood is running a contest through Rafflecopter during her upcoming book tour, promoting the second installment of the series. The contest will run from August 25-September 10, 2016). More details, the Rafflecopter code and how to enter can be found here. 

TTFN,

 Vera “Ice Diamond” Rosalind

A a short comic run we are in love with... HUCK

HUCK 

As much as they say, "you should never judge a book by its cover". In life many decisions are made this way. I often purse the New This Week section in our local comic shop, this is how I found Mark Millers' Huck! Published by Image Comics, creative minds Mark Miller and illustrations 
by Alburquerque (the cover art is stunning!) 

A simple story concept that could have infinite possibilities in the first issue we are introduced to a quiet town where the local gas station attendant enjoys making people happy. All he wants in return upon completion of whats asked of him is for his secret to be kept safe. The story is slow to pick up but the title character, Huck is endearing. All six issues have been collected in a trade paperback due out this summer! Stay tuned for our more in depth review of the series. 

For more great comic content click the comic review tab up top to see what else we have recently enjoyed!  

Happy searching, 

W.C. Alex Lightwood 

Harley Quinn Special 1: Road Trip

This DC one shot ft. your favorites from Harley Quinn's universe- Ivy, Catwoman and even the Batman- makes an appearance.  Set in DC's New 52' universe where Harley has unfortunately lost a dear family member. Coming to terms with this and saying good bye takes the three friends on a cross country adventure where trouble is sure to follow!

See what antics the girls get up to and who they may meet along the way in this one off adventure sure to delight 

Sample from Harley Quinn Special 1: Road Trip. All credits and rights of image remain with DC Comics