Stimulated Boredom | Reviews. Gadgets. Gaming. Geek Culture. Podcast.

The iPhone 5 is released with a new shade of lipstick and Mitt Romney thinks 47% of the country (which includes Grandma and active military personnel) are a bunch of freeloading bums and doesn’t want their vote.

This week saw the release of the iPhone 5 – as I share my opinion of Apple’s newest innovation – which offers BRAND NEW FEATURES…that every smartphone released in the last 2 years already had. I spend a few minutes trying to wrap my head around why people would choose a closed OS that tethers and makes them dependent upon one company’s digital ecosystem.

For the remainder of the program, I wax poetic on the horrific week that Mitt Romney enjoyed and share my opinion and insight on what the electoral landscape looks like heading into November. Can Romney rebound? Are there enough undecided voters left to close the gap in battleground states where the President leads? I also share the exact moment during election night that you should look for, in which I guarantee that you can turn to others in the room and confidently declare, “It’s over.”

Week of: September 22 – October 1, 2012

Enjoy the show!

stimulatedboredom.com

Week of: September 10 – September 17, 2012

This week I’m joined by resident geek girl, Vanessa G of Girls-Gone-Geek.com, as she discusses Dragon*Con and her first foray into the world of cosplay.

Ever wonder what possesses a person to dress up as their favorite movie, video game or comic book character? Ever wonder what it’s like to attend a comic book convention dressed as your favorite movie, video game or comic book character? Frequent SB guest and listener favorite, Vanessa Gabriel, did just that at this year’s Dragon*Con and was kind enough to share her first cosplay experience and what it was like to put her costume together, walk the floor and pose for pictures.

I’ve attended a couple of conventions myself and I greatly admire the time, effort and passion that people put into their costumes. Not only did Vanessa dress up, but she shares what it was like as a first-time cosplayer to be stopped by fans to take photos, the importance of practicing your hero poses in front of the mirror and why you should never wear anything made of polyurethane.

In this 2.5 hour discussion, we had a great time as Vanessa shared a ton of entertaining stories…including an embarrassing fangirl meltdown moment while meeting one of her favorite actors! As they say, “You never forget your first time.” :)

Enjoy the show!

Week of: September 3 – September 10, 2012

This week I’m joined by listener favorite, Patrick…as we tackle everything from the Apple Vs. Samsung verdict, my time at Star Wars Celebration VI and the Republican National Convention.

There’s a little something for everyone this week:

• Tech: What the verdict in the Apple v. Samsung lawsuit means to the future of the (non-iOS) smartphone market
• Geek: Discussion of my experience at Star Wars Celebration VI and why fans make such a big deal out of the franchise
• Politics: What could cause two people – who follow politics very closely and who have watched every political convention in the last few election cycles – to find themselves unable to stomach this year’s Republican convention?

As is the case with every appearance that Patrick has on the program, this week’s show is really nothing more than giving fans of the podcast an opportunity to listen in on the conversation and thoughts of two close friends. I shit you not, these are exactly the kinds of conversations that we have on the phone all the time. :)

Enjoy the show!

My Mom with her new Italian boyfriend in Tuscany…one of the 34 different countries she has visited over the course of her life.

Week of: August 13 – August 20, 2012

Actually, it’s my Mama!

This week I am joined by a very special guest…my mother. :)

Over the past 7+ years of the show, many of you have heard very personal stories about my life growing up, which was instrumental in the development of my world view, personality, humor and opinions. My wildly entertaining (and equally un-PC) Filipino mother had a lot to do with that.

We discuss her life in Manila, her experience as a teenage foreign exchange student in an American high school, her marriage to my father – including the subsequent divorce – and the effect it had on us and my siblings. We also discuss politics, religion, world history and a TON more! This 4 hour conversation taught me a few things that I never knew about her life and views on certain subjects, while also recounting many funny (and often times, embarrassing) stories. :) We have always been very open about discussing our lives, and this personal conversation between mother and son is just another example of that.

She has lived an extraordinary life and traveled the world many times over, so I thought it would be a good time to get her on the show…especially before the old bitch dies and perhaps give myself a chance to lobby for more shit in her will.

Enjoy the show!

stimulatedboredom.com

Week of: August 6 – August 13, 2012

God, Gays…and Chicken? This week I sink my teeth into the meaty controversy surrounding comments made by Chick-fil-A President, Dan Cathy, which re-ignited (yet another) public debate over the topic of gay marriage.

Social media exploded when Cathy told an online Southern Baptist publication that he and his family-owned restaurant chain are ‘‘guilty as charged’’ for openly — and financially — supporting groups that advocate for ‘‘the biblical definition of a family unit.’’ He later added that the United States is ‘‘inviting God’s judgment on our nation when we shake our fist at him and say, ‘We know better than you as to what constitutes a marriage.’’ However, he apparently has no problem with offering his own judgement on the subject of which citizens deserve equal rights under the law…and which do not.

So far the Weather Channel has not reported any recent storm activity fueled by the Wrath-of-God, but I’m keeping a look out…

Although Cathy has every right to express his opinion, the bigger problem lies in the fact that his company financially supports groups that actively seek to deny gay rights and promote intolerance; including “pray the gay away” camps and organizations that strive to prevent homosexuals from obtaining teaching positions or having any contact with children…for fear that their “deviant lifestyle” might rub off on them. Forgive me if some customers might have a problem with their money being spent in that manner.

At the heart of this week’s show, is the debate over whether the personal religious beliefs of an individual (or group of individuals) should apply to anyone other than themselves…especially those who may not share those beliefs. As usual, I have a strong opinion on the matter ;)

Enjoy the show!

stimulatedboredom.com

You Have Been Warned

Week of: Special Mid-Week Show!

Now that the eagerly anticipated, “The Dark Knight Rises” has been released, I am joined by Erika Peterman from Girls-Gone-Geek.com as we review, discuss and dissect the film from beginning to end!

• WARNING: This show contains an almost offensive amount of spoilers, therefore, if you have not seen the film…please avert your ears now. You have been warned.

In this special 3-hour program, Erika and I review every moment of the movie from a fan’s perspective. This includes touching upon story arcs from the comics used in the film, if anything took us by surprise, what we thought of the ending and whether my obsession with Batman requires medial attention.

This is not just merely a review of the movie, but rather a comprehensive discussion of every aspect of the film and how it relates to the established Batman mythos and universe. For readers of the comics, we made sure to point out easter-eggs and allusions to known storylines. For those only familiar with the films, we also point out the parts of the film that were nerdgasm inducing and why, perhaps helping to deepen your appreciation for the many layers of the movie.

Consider this show a companion piece to the movie and your own personal 3-hour collection of bonus features, long after the final credits have rolled ;)

As always, enjoy the show!

stimulatedboredom.com | facebook.com/stimulatedboredom

Kicking ass, taking names and making rainbows…

Week of: July 9 – July 16, 2012

This week I am joined by Vanessa Gabriel from Girls-Gone-Geek.com as we tackle everything from DC Comics, superhero movies, Community, Felicia Day and my (unhealthy) love of Batman; to politics, ObamaCare, the 24-hour news cycle and just about anything in between!

In this over 3-hour program, Vanessa and I had a blast just goofing off and having our own little geek session, before eventually moving to some of the top stories of the week. But don’t let the title fool you, although there is a lot of lighthearted and entertaining discussion, we also approach the more serious topics with the thoughtfulness and consideration that they deserve.

There is something for everyone in this week’s show and we hope that you enjoy our diverse range of discussion, as much as we enjoyed recording it.

As always, enjoy the show!

stimulatedboredom.com | facebook.com/stimulatedboredom

Week of: June 25 – July 2, 2012

Prompted by a listener email, this week’s show revolves entirely around job hunting tips and how to increase your chances of landing the job that you want in a difficult economy.

Leah, a listener in Pennsylvania, wrote to me and described her frustration and fear relating to the current economy and the difficulty that she and her boyfriend have had in finding a job – despite their degrees and experience.

A few years ago, when the economy first started suffering, I covered this subject in length and have since had listeners request that I cover it again. My expertise in the matter is gleaned from many years of hiring, training and managing people through various careers that I have had, in which I have probably hired and managed (cumulatively) well over 1,000 people.

Also, as someone who lost a job a few years ago when the economy was at its worst, I can also speak from the perspective of someone who has looked for (and found) a great job in a very bad market.

All of this coupled together, has given me a perspective from both sides of the 'hiring line' and a strong understanding of the best practices for gaining an edge over other job candidates vying for the same position(s), including:

• * How to make your resume stand out on job search sites and in an interview
• * Best practices for aggressively and proactively gaining an edge over other applicants
• * Interview tips, including pre-interview preparation and questions to ask
• * Gain allies among people who work there, to increase your chances of hire
• * Best practices for following up and securing an interview over other applicants
• * Best practices for finding jobs that are not advertised
• * Other tips and tricks that I can’t think of as I type this sentence ;)

So, if you are currently looking for a job…or fear that you may have to in the near future, this week’s show is perfect for you and provides some practical and effective tips for landing your next position.

As always, enjoy the show!

stimulatedboredom.com | facebook.com/stimulatedboredom

"President Obama is out of touch with the average American and their economic concerns."

- Said the guy who is building a $12 Million mansion on the beach with its own custom-built car elevator.

Week of: June 11 – June 18, 2012

This week’s discussion begins with the campaign fundraising results for May – including what Romney’s superior $77 million-dollar haul could signify – in addition to the infusion of corporate money (thanks to the ‘Citizens United’ Supreme Court decision) into our political process and how new media has made running for President a billion-dollar endeavor.

Next, it’s on to President Obama and how long he can keep blaming the economy he inherited from Bush, before he needs to wholly take responsibility for it. This discussion is coupled – as it relates to GOP opposition – with the difference between, ‘rooting for failure’ for political advantage…and actually helping to cause failure for the same reason.

With Romney essentially securing the Republican nomination, I pose my own questions to the former Governor that I would like the media to ask. Essentially demanding that he back up his repeated claims of knowing how to create jobs and grow the economy…in juxtaposition and reconciling those claims with his record as Governor, in which Massachusetts was 47th in the nation in job growth under his tenure…of which, he served only 1 term because he would be unable to win re-election.

I also challenge his assertion that his time at Bain Capital should be “off-limits” in the campaign…seeing how he claims that his business experience at Bain makes him “uniquely qualified” to be President.

Lastly, I respond to listener requests to discuss the (failed) results of the Wisconsin recall election of Governor Scott Walker. This includes my opinion of organized labor unions and what the recall election result could mean in the general election.

A lot of great topics were discussed this week and I hope that it helps listeners to stay informed and to formulate their own opinions!

As always, enjoy the show!

stimulatedboredom.com | facebook.com/stimulatedboredom

Week of: May 21 – May 28, 2012 This week I am joined by a new voice to the program, Elke, as we discuss Star Wars: The Old Republic and MMORPG gaming, as we put our full-frontal nerdery on display. As a lifelong gamer, I have always avoided the world of Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPG) due to the “time-suck” associated with them. However, as a life long Star Wars fan, the draw of a game dedicated to its universe was simply too hard to pass up. On this week’s show, we cover two different perspectives from both a relative noob to the genre (yours truly) and the battle hardened experience of an MMO veteran, Elke. Therefore we tried to make the discussion accessible to both new players or those interested in trying the game, as well as to appeal to those who have been playing MMO’s for many years. Sprinkled throughout this geek fest is also some W.o.W and Diablo 3 chat. As always, enjoy the show! stimulatedboredom.com | facebook.com/stimulatedboredom