Nerd Factor – Page 10

05

Oct

Featured, Nerd Factor, Opinion

What’s In My Bag?

Dr. Mike Robinson, LC Communication Studies Professor~

I have long made snarky and mocking comments about US Weekly’s attempts to normalize celebrities through its series of features that suggest stars are just like the rest of us while simultaneously promoting products. Recently though, it occurred to me that I may not have taken the difficulties that such articles pose for the unsung heroes of the magazine to write. So, in the finest tradition of experiential learning, I have decided to create my own “What’s in My Bag” article to see just what creating such a feature is like.
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27

Sep

Featured, Nerd Factor, Opinion

Inhuman Conditions

Dr. Mike Robinson, LC Communication Studies Professor~

The Inhumans are not going to happen. Oh, there will be a series called Inhumans and it will presumably air on Friday nights on ABC. It’s just not going to “happen” in the more contemporary, “stop trying to make fetch happen” Mean Girls sense of the term. And the reason for that is fairly simple. The Inhumans never have really managed to happen. (more…)

21

Sep

Featured, Nerd Factor, Opinion

Nerd Factor: King Kong vs Godzilla

Dr. Mike Robinson, LC Communication Studies Professor~

The rematch is on. After a miraculous movie deal, Godzilla and King Kong will square off on the big screen in 2020.

Many fans of giant monsters are buzzing with excitement over the possibility of this title bout. I’m not as excited as I could be. Recently I got around to watching “Kong: Skull Island” (2017), and I think our gorilla friend is in trouble. (more…)

14

Sep

Featured, Nerd Factor, Opinion

Spidey’s Homecoming

Dr. Mike Robinson, LC Communication Studies Professor~

“Spider-Man: Homecoming” is a clever title. Although Spidey had a big part in “Captain America: Civil War,” this title references the character’s rightful placement in the Cinematic Marvel Universe. The prodigal spider-son has returned after a complex series of movie rights agreements were ironed out between Sony and Disney. (more…)

07

Sep

Featured, Nerd Factor, Opinion

Nerd Factor: To Boldly Go Where $9.99 a Month Will Allow

Dr. Mike Robinson, LC Communication Studies Professor~

Popular culture in general and science fiction in particular fall victim to the escapist complaint.

The charge is that entertainment is somehow invalid precisely because it entertains. The assumption is that one cannot simultaneously have fun and also do serious thinking.

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23

Aug

Nerd Factor, Opinion

Nerd Factor: Heroes’ Resurgence

Dr. Mike Robinson, LC Communication Studies Professor~

In popular culture, our heroes often grant us a license to do things in real life that we otherwise could not or should not do.

Back in 1941, there was perhaps no greater act of wish fulfilment than the cover of “Captain America” #1. On it, the brand new, red, white and blue superhero pops Adolf (more…)

26

Apr

Nerd Factor, Opinion

Nerd Factor: Hera, Give Her Strength

Dr. Mike Robinson, LC Communication Studies Professor~

A while back, the Nerd Factor lauded the abilities of Wonder Woman.

Although Princess Diana has many powers, there was one superpower that was deliberately left off the list. It’s a power that she’s only recently had call to use.

While Wonder Woman’s physical might is indeed impressive, super strength is an ability found on many superhero resumes. This trait is more than just car tossing and villain punching. This is a new kind of power for her—the ability to carry an entire genre. (more…)

05

Apr

Nerd Factor, Opinion

Dr , Clifton W. Potter ~ LC History Professor

You don’t have to spend much time on social media today to see that some people figure the end of civilization is nigh. Don’t despair, Hornets. If everything ends, you’ve got your liberal arts education to back you up in the Mad Max-style world of the post-apocalypse. Let’s put it in terms you’ll find familiar.

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