Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Geek-olution!


By Jennifer James

Miriam-Webser.com defines geek as: (noun)
a carnival performer often billed as a wild man whose act usually includes biting the head off a live chicken or snake
a person often of an intellectual bent who is disliked
an enthusiast or expert especially in a technological field or activity <computer geek>

Miriam-Webster.com defines nerd as: (noun)
an unstylish, unattractive, or socially inept person; especially one slavishly devoted to intellectual or academic pursuits<computer nerds>

In Love Kinection, the hero Tom Walker and heroine Abby Fine are self-professed geeks. In their cases, (thank goodness) neither bites the heads of chickens at the circus. (Because, ewww. How disgusting!)
Modern day geeks and nerds are labeled so because they are obsessed with cult movies, collect action figures, comic books, recite movie lines in conversation—heck I’ve seen people have entire conversations comprised completely of movie quotes. The list of characteristics goes on and can be molded to fit an individual. The real question here is, when did it become cool to be a geek?

I like to go all the way back to 1963 when a little television show called Dr. Who bust onto the scene courtesy of the BBC. The original program ran from 1963 to 1989. It came back in 2005 after a failed re-launch in the 90s.

Some of you may be shaking your heads. You don’t believe that The Doctor is a geek? You must be joking. And, if you know enough about the show to make that argument, then you’re a geek my friend.

Think about it.

He’s smarter than pretty much anyone, ever. He’s totally devoted to exploring time and space in pursuit of knowledge. He gets completely psyched about new civilizations, life forms, and technology.

The Doctor is a geek. (And when he was played by David Tennant, a damn sexy geek if you ask me. Gah, did you see him in the Fright Night remake? O.O )
Abby loves Dr. Who. She even has a cardboard cutout of David Tennant in her spare bedroom. Her coffee mug? A TARDIS replica.

Tom likes Christopher Eccleston’s version of The Doctor better. J
 I think that Dr. Who sparked a revolution of sorts in the television world that has bled into modern life. Geeks and nerds are no longer regarded as nothing but lab rat weirdos with no lives.

Geeks are sexy.

Mac Guyver played by Richard Dean Anderson. Sexy. Yeah, he had a mullet. But, the dude could save you from anything. He knew enough about, well, everything to get out of what looked like impossible jams time and again.

Mythbusters. Two guys in a lab setting up experiments, blowing things up, and nerding out over the results. Complete and total geeks. And we love them. Their enthusiasm is infectious.

Chuck. Computer savvy techhie guy turned secret agent. Gets the girl, has adventures, and yet can be totally sweetly, stutteringly, inept in social situations. Zachary Levi = total hottie.

So, who are your favorite geeks on television or in the movies? I’m giving away a copy of LOVE KINECTION to the person with the most creative answer. Give me a good argument. The more unexpected the better.

Love, romance, hearts, flowers, cupid…. Rubbish.
Abby Fine still hasn’t gotten over the pain of a year-old betrayal and plans to spend this Valentine’s Day drowning her sorrows with a ménage of men named Ben, Jerry, and Riesling. 
Her plans are diverted when she drops and breaks her new iPhone and gives in to a momentary hormone surge, agreeing to let office hottie and tech god Tom Walker squirm his way into her condo to fix it.  
Tom shows up with his Xbox, spicy Chinese food, and a habit of stealing kisses every time she lets her guard down.
Can a weekend of laughter, video games, and movies change Abby’s opinion of stupid Cupid?

Tell me who your favorite "geek" is. One commenter will win a copy of Love Kinection. Don't forget to leave your email address in your comment!


7 comments:

Barbara Elsborg said...

My favorite geek? I have to cheat and say my husband. But sometimes when I ask a question I don't need a fifteen minute explanation and then he's not my favorite at all. Serves me right for marrying someone who seems to know everything.

Jennifer James said...

Bwahahaahaa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Unknown said...

My favorite is probably Daniel H. Wilson.

And yeah, if you know who he is you are truly geeky.

Wait, can I change my mind and say Will Shortz? A little less cougarish and, I've heard, he's mean table tennis player. :-)

Jennifer James said...

*giggle* You kill me Ellie.

Oh, and table tennis ain't no joke, yo.

Jessica E. Subject said...

I remember the original Dr. Who a little, and I always watched MacGuyver. We watch Mythbusters at home, and also a reality show called Canada's Greatest Know-It-All.

As for my favorite geek, I'd have to say Clark Kent. After all, he is an alien (what else-LOL) and the strongest man ever.

Happy Release Day, Jennifer! :)

Jennifer James said...

haha! Clark. But what a delightful geek he is... :) So charming and bumbling and sweet.

Thanks babe!

Jennifer James said...

I've closed the contest and emailed the winner. If you're late getting here, visit me on some of my other stops! Lots more chances to win!

Jenn