Everynerd

If you were a comic book fan alive in the 90s, you probably recognize this video. The X-Men, created by Stan Lee in 1963, hold a unique place in superhero history. Debuting during the Civil Rights Movement, they were a powerful metaphor for social discrimination, their struggles resonating deeply with readers. Unlike heroes empowered by accidents or technology, the X-Men's mutant abilities were inherent, emerging in adolescence, a time often marked by feelings of being different. Though cancelled in 1970, the X-Men's story didn't end. "Giant-Size X-Men" #1 in 1975 marked a glorious return, introducing a diverse international team featuring Wolverine, Storm, Colossus, and Nightcrawler. Under writer Chris Claremont's direction (starting with "X-Men" #94), the series rose to become one of Marvel's cornerstone franchises. The core theme of discrimination has remained a constant. The X-Men have always been portrayed as outsiders, facing bigotry and vi...

  One hobby that I picked up along the way has been tabletop games.  Some people think that means Monopoly, Clue or Guess Who?.  While I enjoy playing those games on family nights, I'm talking about more complex games.  Dungeons and Dragons is, without question, the most recognized, and I enjoy playing that as well.  I just frequently find it more and more difficult to line up all the schedules with friends to play. In 2018, the author of Frostgrave, another game that I am a fan of but don't play often, self-published another game that he had created.  It's set in a dark land overrun by creeping shadows and stirring evil.  You build your own band of Rangers, customizing their stats, abilities, and even giving them names that fit the grim setting. This creates a party tailored to your preferred playstyle, whether you favor brute strength, magical prowess, or stealth and cunning. As your Rangers progress, you can further personalize them with equipment, ...

 Book 2 of the Mistborn series The Lord Ruler has been overthrown, and now what? Vin, once a street urchin and now a powerful Mistborn, faces a new kind of battle filled with political maneuvering and subterfuge. She and Elend must grapple with the heavy responsibilities of leadership in a world on the brink of collapse, while unfamiliar and powerful forces work against them. One of the standout aspects of "The Well of Ascension" is its intricate plot. This sequel leans more into political intrigue and the complexities of governance. The struggle for power in the Final Empire is filled with danger and uncertainty, and Sanderson knits a narrative that is both engaging and thought provoking. Elend Venture undergoes significant development in this book. From a scholarly noble with idealistic dreams, he evolves into a determined leader facing the harsh realities of ruling a fractured society. His transformation is marked by hard decisions and moral dilemmas. Elend's struggle ...

Why Robots Aren't Coming for Your Job: A Realistic Look at AI and the Future of Work Hey, fellow nerds! Today, let’s tackle a topic that's been on a lot of minds lately—Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the persistent worry that robots are coming to take our jobs. Spoiler alert: they're not. Let’s break down why the future of work isn't a dystopian robot takeover but rather an exciting partnership between humans and AI. Historical Perspective: Technological Shifts, Not Mass Unemployment Technological advancements have always caused shifts in the job market, but they haven't led to mass unemployment. Remember the industrial revolution? The rise of factories didn't eliminate all farming jobs; it created new opportunities. People transitioned from agrarian work to industrial jobs, and similar shifts are happening today with AI. AI will automate repetitive tasks, freeing humans to focus on more strategic roles. Imagine a world where lawyers use AI for legal research,...

Ben Potter died on June 6th, 2024 of an unfortunate accident.  To most people outside his family and friends, that won't mean much.  He was known to his 3 million followers as Benny or Comicstorian, the name of his YouTube channel where he would review, reenact, and discuss comic books.  People.com ,  MSN ,  ET  and other large media companies covered the story. I obviously don't have anything to add, as I didn't know him personally.  I've never even met him, and yet, hearing this news makes me sad.  I watched his videos and was a fan of his work.  For over ten years, he was able to bring these already vivid stories to another level with his narrations. Superheroes and comic books have been a big part of my life for as far back as I can remember.  Through his channel, though, I was able to explore and discover titles I otherwise would never have paid attention to.  He and other YouTubers have talked about how they often have to try ...

I've seen a lot of bad reviews on the show, but that could just be the typical review bombing that seems to happen on everything lately.  While it hasn't been a 10/10, the first two episodes have plenty of good compared to bad. Music One of the cornerstones of the Star Wars saga has always been its music. With its iconic and distinct feel, the soundtrack plays a crucial role in shaping the atmosphere of the series. In "The Acolyte," the music continues this tradition, seamlessly integrating with the narrative and enhancing the overall experience.  The score in "The Acolyte" excels in capturing the essence of the Star Wars universe. The composers have skillfully crafted a soundtrack that both honors John Williams' legendary work and brings a fresh experience to the series. The use of similar and familiar tracks mixed with new themes creates a perfect balance, poking at nostalgia while not seeming to rely on it. Visuals The sets and costumes of "The A...

This isn't the first time I've read through the Mistborn series.  That alone should give you a hint of my feelings on the fantasy series from Brandon Sanderson.  While it's not his best work, I find "The Final Empire" to be a solid story.  I've heard it described as Ocean's 11 with magic overthrowing an evil empire, but I'm not sure that I agree with that.  Really, the only similarity to Ocean's is the main cast is made up of a band of thieves.  The story follows the street urchin Vin.  Her life takes a dramatic turn when she is recruited by Kelsier, a charismatic and powerful Mistborn, who leads a rebellion against the Lord Ruler.  The well-developed secondary characters add various perspectives to the story. The plot in "The Final Empire" blends action, political intrigue, and personal growth, culminating in an unexpected climax that perfectly sets up the rest of the series. Sanderson's storytelling is packed with twists and turns t...

 NetworkChuck says I need a website  right now .   So here we are.  This is as much of an experiment as it is an outlet, a means and a challenge. matt@everynerd:~$ whoami In a world full of specialists, there are people who dabble in a bit of everything nerdy. I am the Everynerd. If you ask ChatGPT to explain the term "Everyman," it might say something like this: The term "Everyman" refers to a character that represents an ordinary individual, with whom the audience can easily identify. This character is often used in literature, drama, and other forms of storytelling to symbolize common human experiences, traits, and struggles. The Everyman is typically portrayed as average, lacking in exceptional qualities or extraordinary circumstances, making their experiences relatable to the general populace. The concept originated from a medieval morality play titled "Everyman," where the protagonist, Everyman, represents humanity and faces various moral and existen...