Secrets of the Traveling Geeks

Looks like a move to Denver, Colorado will be coming in the next month.  With mixed feelings, I decided to take some extra time on our travels to visit a few cities.  I'm aiming to stop over in Atlanta (to see what all the fuss is about), then maybe spend a couple hours with Athena at the Parthenon Replica in Nashville, Tennessee.  Then maybe head over to Kansas City for a last nap before the home stretch.  I'm not a big fan of long road trips, but I will be sure to bring along all my tech gadgets to keep me busy, not to mention my band of geekpanion and my 1 1/2 furballs.  It will be intereseting.

Flying Frontier

 A Zoo-like Experience

It's been a while since flying with Frontier. I honestly couldn't remember my first experience, but after my second I can see why I chose to forget. 

For starters, the flight was cheap compared to others, but if you like to actually sit with your party, plan on paying an extra $40 per seat. There were more than three couples separated by this little ploy for extra cash. In fact, it seems Frontier charges fees for things many airlines include at no cost. For example, $25 for carry-on, $20 for first checked bag, $30 for second checked bag. 

Ordinarily, baggage fees wouldn't matter much because they are mostly expected. However, Frontier employees are trained to spot "over-sized" carry-ons. In my recent experience, the woman made my entire party measure our carry-ons (which of course had already been passed by TSA & the Airline at check-in & screening). The employee claimed it was a regulation set by TSA to size the bags at boarding, which it is not. TSA regulates weight & items within the carry-ons (www.tsa.gov). To be sure, this felt harassing and was more than annoying. 

 You can receive a complementary cup of water with your flight, however if you'd like a bag of chips or a soda, it'll cost you. Like most planes you have the opportunity to watch tv or in-flight movie, but even basic channels will cost you $5.99.

Overall, I'd prefer to pay an extra $40 for my ticket if it means not worrying about extra fees being charged and having all the comforts of a typical 3 hour flight; but if all you're looking for is a cheap flight from A to B, then look for Frontier flights wherever you're headed.

PROS: 

• No delays 
• Cheaper than average 
• Relaxed leg room for non-member seats 

CONS: 

• Fees for basics 
• Likely to be seated separate from travel party 
• No complimentary snacks, drinks, or in-flight tv 
• Over-crowded baggage bins 
• Overly-ambitious staff

3D Printing New Homes

Brilliant!

Mega Con 2014

Mega Con was in Orlando, FL this weekend at the Orange County Convention Center.  Saturday was packed!  Many more attended this year's Con compared with previous.  Special media guests that were a must-see included John Barrowman (Doctor Who & Torchwood), Karl Urban (Star Trek - 2009), Manu Bennet (Arrow & Spartacus),  John Header (Napoleon Dynamite), and Ming Chen, Bryan Johnson, and Mike Zapcic from Comic Book Men. With the exception of the last three, most were difficult to get pictures with unless willing to wait hours in line, which I was not.

[from left to right] Ming, Mike, Joey (my husband), and Bryan

Comic Book Men airs on AMC and podcasts can be heard at smodcast.com/channels/the-secret-stash/.  Rumor has it that a podcast was taped here at Mega Con today, so check it out!

Stan Lee did appear and was the guest of honor, although I did not get a chance to see him.  I did, however, get the autograph of one of my favorite comic book artists, Skottie Young, known for his variant covers for Marvel's Avenger comics.

Needless to say, I was a happy Mega Con goer this year and already looking forward to what and who next year will bring!

3D Printing

 Enough! One to go please...

Gaming Gear - Controls

I definitely prefer using a keyboard over a game controller for PC gaming.  My Razer Tartarus is the best for this! It's perfect for my small hands, but the size can be adjusted for those with larger hands.  I like the minimized audible click of the keys. It is fully programmable for game controls and/or macros. After using the Tartarus, my attention has been turned more toward Razer's products.  I am curiously awaiting their new gaming laptop.  Last but not least, Razer's gaming gear offer the aesthetically pleasing green glow which can turn even my mediocre desk into a tech hub.

Elder Scrolls Online Beta Test!

It's #ESOBeta test weekend!  I love playing Skyrim on my PC so needless to say I am excited about the release of Elder Scrolls Online!  For those of you familiar with The Elder Scrolls video games, this is the first in the MMO style.  

The game is set about 1000 years before Skyrim.  The main story line features the Daedric Prince Malog Bal trying to pull Tamriel into his realm, Coldharbour.  You can explore virtually all of Tamriel.  As with past Elder Scrolls games, there are plenty of side quests to keep you busy.  And although there is no direct tie to previous Elder Scroll games, there are references made (ie. dragonborn).

I'm not a big fan of MMO games, but I'm still loving it so far!  Interacting with other players is easy with chats, the ability to add and join groups, and adding friends.

I was a bit disappointed that there is no "offline" mode, however gamemakers say there is content designed with 'solo-players' in mind.  I am looking forward to seeing all that the full game has to offer.  

Elder Scrolls Online is set to officially release April 4, 2014 for PC and OS X.  Playstation and Xbox players have a June 2014 release to look forward to.

Check out elderscrollsonline.com/en/ to pre-order!

Day Off

Give me a day off & this is what I do with it.  Chajangmyun is the best with a little Legend of Zelda! This day was not a waste.

What's in Your Bag?

This was actually in my bag last year.  I will soon do a "what's in your bag" for 2014, which in my opinion has significantly been improved. So...what's in your bag?

Nerdizens Welcome

I am your average geek, pc gamer, comic/anime lover, con-goer, etc. etc. If your time is occupied with similar interests then follow me! I plan on posting a wide range of things so feel free to comment & participate in conversations! Great minds can speak out, million-dollar-ideas will be made, a general contribution will be made to society (somehow). Enjoy!