But in a good way. No, really. I don’t have a face anymore. That’s how amazing this is. Watch.

Waiting for July 15th is going to be brutal.

With the final episode of Smallville getting closer by the second, fans are in a swarm of anticipation as to whether or not star Tom Welling will slip into the iconic suit. Well, we don’t have the answer just yet but the CW is painting a pretty picture. Or poster as the case may be.

The image comes via Entertainment Weekly who also have their hands on a (non-embedable) teaser commercial set to air on the network today. Listen carefully and you just might hear something familiar.

Yup, that’s part of the 1978 original Superman score. What are they trying to do to us?!

Along with “The Planet Krypton” notes comes Welling saying, “I finally know who I am,” accompanied visually by the Superman symbol and the word, “Believe.” Honestly, I know the whole motto of Smallville used to be “no capes, no tights,” and that some people are against Welling getting into the real costume but at this point, if he doesn’t, I’m going to be pretty let down.

Smallville returns with new episodes April 15 while the two-part series finale is set for May 13.

Producer Donald De Line recently spoke with the Hollywood Reporter’s Heat Vision blog about the rush to get one of this summer’s biggest blockbusters done in time for its release date on June 17.

According to THR, De Line sat in the audience for the Green Lantern movie panel last Friday at WonderCon as 9 minutes of footage from the film was premiered for eager fans. Afterwards he was happy with the response. “This was important because when we went to Comic-Con last summer, we were still shooting. We didn’t have any shots or any visual effects to show,” said De Line, “This was very important because we finally had something to put in front of people. We showed people what we have finished with visual effects, though only 80 percent was technically finished. Some of it is still work-in-progress.”

Though the audience got a lot of footage, the completion of the film is still a ways away. “We’ve had a very tight post- production schedule. We have over 1500 visual effects shots in this movie, which is a lot,” said De Line. “And we have to convert to 3D. That pushes your schedule up even tighter so they can go through this painstaking conversion process. You want to do it with the right quality so you need a lot of lead time. Those things conspired to make what seemed like a decent amount of post feel like incredibly pressured.”

De Line said their visual effects houses are working non-stop, 24 hours a day, seven days a week but that he’s excited about what they have to offer. “You have this superhero genre and you get to take it into space, go to the center of the universe where you have all these alien cultures represented. You get the best of superhero-meets-space opera, in a way. And you get to bring both of those elements together and it’s the kind of thing that I think that makes it different,” he said. “In a world that is becoming increasingly populated with superhero movies, and everyone is going “Gosh, there’s a lot this summer” and “Is there room for all of us?” we all can say we offer something different. Thor stands on his own with one kind of world, we are an entirely different world. And Captain America is another kind of world. So I say were all very distinct.”

Don’t expect this film to connect with Zack Snyder’s Superman project or the future Justice League film. De Line said, “We didn’t do that but there some little references to what could be outcroppings from the Green Lantern Corps, because as you know, the Green Lantern Corps went on to become a lot of different offshoots and have different aspects. And we’re already working on a sequel script so we have a cool story idea that we think will go in a direction they don’t expect.”

The producer also mentioned it was “fantastic” working with DC and their Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns. “We would say, ‘We want to do this, does this cross a line for you, is it true to the piece?’ And he was our bellwether. He knew we had to be creative and go in certain ways, things would work in a movie but may not work in a comic book, and he would help to think of new ways.”

De Line said besides finishing all the massive special effects, they begin scoring the film this Thursday with James Newton Howard. The next official Green Lantern trailer will show before Thor in theaters on May 6.

As if Mjolnir wasn’t big enough, Marvel decided to go extra large with their new Thor movie standee (you know, those giant cardboard things in theater lobbies).

I was all prepared to find one and take a silly picture with it when I read Marvel is holding a fun contest of sorts for just that type of thing. From Marvel.com:

“[We] wanted to let you know that once the standee begins appearing in movie theaters across the country on March 18 you can send in photos of yourself and your friends standing next to it to a special Flickr page! After you submit your photo with Mjolnir to flickr.com/groups/thorstandees, we’ll review and pick select photos to appear here on Marvel.com!

Thor will hit theaters May 6, the standee will, I’m sure, hit many defenseless patrons on March 18.

Ok, this is just too awesome for words. Up for bid on Ebay for the next six days, a custom tattoo designed personally for you by comic artist Cliff Chiang and inked by artist Brian Stringer at C2E2. The best part? Proceeds go to the Hero Initiative.

Here’s the gist: “The winner will have the unique opportunity to have Chiang draw, in advance of the show, any character of their choice or any other subject matter that can be agreed upon, as an 8″x10″ illustration. Then, this artwork will be tattooed by Brian Stringer at C2E2.”

And not only to you get the tattoo of your choice out of it, you get to keep the original illustration too. Of course you must have a valid state ID and be 18 years or older in order to win. Also, according to the listing, “The tattoo will be black and gray, any color work at tattooer’s discretion. No cover-ups, text, or logos. Any character head shot, bust, or action pose, up to 8″x10″. Up to 4 hours of tattooing. No neck or face tattoos.”

I’m planning on bidding but I’m worried it’s going to get too rich for my blood by the time the six days are up. I will try though. This is such a cool, original idea and a rare opportunity. Not to mention a great deal. And as I mentioned, 100% of the proceeds go to Hero Initiative so it’s a good cause too.

The comic book in which Spider-Man made his first appearance went for an amazing $1.1 million in a transaction Monday night. That’s gonna buy a lot of web shooters.

Amazing Fantasy #15, written by Stan Lee , with a cover by Jack Kirby and interior art by Steve Ditko, was originally published in 1962 and sold to many for just 12 cents. (Sales for the issue were some of the highest for Marvel at the time.) These days, they’re a little harder to come by. This particular comic was graded 9.6 or near-mint, plus, and was sold by ComicConnect.com from a private seller to an undisclosed buyer. Aren’t they always? WHO ARE THESE RICH GEEKS AND DOES ONE WANT TO HELP ME OUT WITH MY CAR INSURANCE?!

I digress.

The sale now makes Amazing Fantasy #15 the second most expensive comic ever behind Superman’s debut in Action Comics which went for $1.5 million last year. However, it is the most money ever shelled out for a Silver Age book.

Chief Executive and Founder of ComicConnect, Stephen Fishler, said in a statement Tuesday, “People have often wondered how much this near-perfect condition book would sell for, and today we found out.”

I think it was Garfield who said it best – “I hate Mondays.” So I’m attempting to infuse a little beginning of the week cheer with another cartoon cat who’s known for being slightly more chipper. I’m talking about Hello Kitty. DeviantArtist Katie Dreyer has put together an adoption centers worth of the disgustingly cute Sanrio character dressed up like DC heroes and villains. Enjoy!

From our neighboring Mars and the much farther Zamarron comes Miss Martian and Star Sapphire!

Seems like a bit of a contradiction to have the Birds of Prey dressed up as cats but hey, it works.

Catman didn’t have far to go but Bane Hello Kitty? Priceless. In fact, the entire Secret Six this way seems like some sort of twisted alternate world torture I could see writer Gail Simone forcing upon them down the road.

Everyone knows the ultimate Gotham villain pairing isn’t Harley Quinn and The Joker, it’s Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy! Although a Catwoman Kitty is sorely missing from the pack.

Stephanie Brown as Batgirl, Stephanie Brown as Robin, take your pick.

And the group wouldn’t be complete without the Trinity. Sure, Superman is taking the day off but Supergirl looks significantly cuter.

Dreyer has one Marvel character so far in her Hello Kitty menagerie and it’s one of the least likely candidates – Deadpool.

Along with the “killing me with cuteness” section of her DeviantArt page, Dreyer also dips her hands in some prop and costume work. She herself has cosplayed as Renee Montoya, has put together some sweet DC masks (the Oracle one is now in the possession of Gail Simone apparently) and made a Kryptonite sample out of rock candy.

Once a week I sift through the millions of Etsy listings to find the best in geek chic for Blog@ readers. Last week I focused on video game daydreamer Scott Pilgrim, this week it’s all about the man, the myth, the legend…Mario.

When I first saw this, I thought it was a gigantic wall hanging. Turns out, they’re much easier to display. User Aristomatic created these Super Mario Brothers Sprite Magnets out of birch wood. A steal at $45 I say, especially since you can arrange them however you see fit.

We’ve already got Mario on the brain, why not have him on our head? Check out these adorable Super Mario 3 Tanooki barrettes from pixelparty. Or if you prefer, he’s also got Froggy Mario bobbypins, both sets, $14 each.

Mario’s Overalls, your Nintendo DS is naked without them. User ellesroom created this truly original case for your DS Lite for $19. Complete with two back pockets to hold games!

I love all of Mario’s power-up outfits but by far, Kuribo’s Shoe has to be my favorite. Also known as Goomba’s Shoe and called Kuribo’s Boot by myself, the first and only appearance of this delightful ensemble was in Super Mario 3, World 5-3 and user gamerpaige liked it enough to make this nifty Kuribo’s Shoe Perler Bead Magnet. Also available, Statue, Raccoon and several other Mario outfits, all for $4 each.

For the extra fancy gamer out there, how about a Swarovski Crystal Super Mario cover for Apple iphone 4? User IcyIcyBlingCouture did this one, which can be yours for a mere $169.99.

As always, bear in mind, since Etsy is a craft website and not a commercial, mass-market dealer, items are almost always one-of-a-kind or in very limited availability. When you see something you like, buy it. It may not be there the next time you surf round. (Yes, it’s a very dangerous site for your wallet.) Also, since most items are created individually, many sellers are willing to customize something specifically to suit your needs. Just ask!

I need a Doctor…Who t-shirt. Or five.

Today the internet has blessed us with some fantastic new Doctor Who inspired t-shirt designs. Hurry though, some of these are only up for one day.

From artist ZeroBriant comes “The Whos.” Or more appropriately, The (Doctor) Whos. Classic British show, classic British rock group. Makes sense to me. Via Teefury.

From New York City’s Anna-Marie Jung comes this spacial bending image called “Who Needs Gravity?” I believe if the Doctor ever goes back in time to visit M.C. Escher, this is what it would look like. Bonus points for adorable Doctors. Via Woot.

From the birthplace of Doctor Who, the U.K.’s Billy Allison gives us “Crack,” the opposite view of what we saw all through Season 5. And there’s a discount on this one thanks to Doctor Who News! Via Qwertee.

TheOneTrueBix has late night talk show host Craig Ferguson to thank for inspiring this one. As shown in this lost cold-open from the show, this is what makes the Doctor, the Doctor. Via MySoti.

Perhaps this one wasn’t meant to include a Doctor Who reference but I’m taking the liberty of crossing the fandom streams here and calling it an overt Star Wars joke with a subtle nod to “bowties are cool.” From D4N13L comes “Imperial Bowtie Fighter.” Via Ript Apparel.

Many politicians use “going green” as a platform these days but in his State of the City address this morning, Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell wasn’t talking about his city becoming environmentally friendly, he dropped one hell of a geek reference.

“If New York is Superman; and Chicago is Batman; and Los Angeles is the Flash; then Austin is the Green Lantern,” said the Texas politician.

We all know the fictional home of Green Lantern Hal Jordan is Coast City, usually compared to real world California cities like San Diego or Los Angeles, but Leffingwell is staking the claim for Austin.

Anyone can name superheroes in a speech but it seems Leffingwell really knows his stuff. “We are a city without fear,” he continued, “We are a city that can create anything we can visualize, through sheer force of will. We are a city with a special charge to shine a light into the darkness and lead the way to a new and better day.”

The mayor also spoke of his cities inhabitants as, ”smart, driven, courageous and compassionate people. People who make things happen. People who keep moving forward no matter what.”

So he messed up the real-world correlation for where the Flash lives but I think we can forgive him after that amazing speech, don’t you?

In his speech, Leffingwell also mentioned breaking ground on a new 800-room hotel in downtown Austin in the next year. His goal? ”We will rock it to the top of convention destinations,” he said.

Build it, and geeks will come.

via Big Shiny Robot and KXAN.com

I was a little late to the Scott Pilgrim party. I started reading the books by Brian Lee O’Malley last year, just finished the sixth one and watched the movie starring Michael Cera this past weekend. And well, I’m a fan. Once a week I sift through the millions of Etsy listings to find the best in geek chic for Blog@ readers. Last week I found some wicked Dungeons & Dragons items for your raiding parties, this week I’m going to show you some handmade items worthy of a power up.

Well here’s something you don’t see every day. A Scott Pilgrim vs. the Day of the Dead statue. User comradecalacas has created this unique item featuring Scott and his Power of Self-Respect sword and it could be yours for $68. Confused skeleton and all.

You won’t find this in just any campus shop but if you partake not in the meat, nor the breastmilk, nor the ovum, of any creature with a face, well then, you’re in luck. Pick up this Vegan Academy t-shirt for $18 from timeandspaceclothing. Todd Ingram would wear it proudly…and then get arrested in it by the Vegan Police. Wanna be the one to do the arresting? Grab this Vegan Police patch for $3.75 from PaladinAnderson.

Want to wear your awesomeness on your head instead? Try this 1Up headband, it will give you that extra edge. User janinebasil will make you one of your own for $20.

Professions of love can be big or small but in Scott Pilgrim’s world they’re always as big as billboards. If you’re one for such expressions something like this Scott Pilgrim Kissing Ramona Flowers Giant Wall Decal might be the way to go. $47.99 from user FixerUp. If you prefer smaller details, perhaps this Scott Pilgrim Initials decal or the Gideon Triforce Symbol if you’re the evil type. Both $5 each from user GlueJunkie.

Totally awesome. Who wouldn’t want this Knives Chau ne0xel? User ne0xel created this 24×30 inch masterpiece of Knives’ depiction in the Scott Pilgrim game out of 1 centimeter wooden “pixels.” This art cost $320 but you have to admit, it is pretty sweet.

As always, bear in mind, since Etsy is a craft website and not a commercial, mass-market dealer, items are almost always one-of-a-kind or in very limited availability. When you see something you like, buy it. It may not be there the next time you surf round. (Yes, it’s a very dangerous site for your wallet.) Also, since most items are created individually, many sellers are willing to customize something specifically to suit your needs. Just ask!

Fans of the short-lived space western Firefly have been eager to see more of their favorite characters since the show was canceled back in 2002. They got their wish with Joss Whedon’s feature film Serenity and again with a series of comic books from Dark Horse. But with the recent news that the lone season of Firefly will once again be airing on cable television, the fever has re-ignited. Fans are now petitioning for Firefly’s star Nathan Fillion to purchase the rights to the series so that it may go back into production. And they’re willing to foot the bill.

According to Entertainment Weekly, fans have created a website and a Facebook page dedicated to the cause. “Help Nathan Buy Firefly” may sound like a ridiculous venture but crazier things have happened. I mean, we did see a feature film made out of this extremely short-live television series after all.

When the news of Firefly coming back to cable was announced, Fillion told EW, “If I got $300 million from the California Lottery, the first thing I would do is buy the rights to Firefly, make it on my own, and distribute it on the Internet.”

Well, that’s all he needed to say. The movement went into immediate action with Fillion’s colleagues even getting in on the fun. From EW:

Jose Molina, a producer on Syfy’s Haven, former Castle producer and author of two Firefly episodes tweeted Friday regarding Fillion’s comment: “For what it’s worth, I’ve told him I’d drop what I was doing and follow.”

Then Jane Espenson, writer of a Firefly episode, a producer on Battlestar Galactica and co-creator of Warehouse 13, replied to Molina: “I’m there, if needed.”

EW also points out, Fillion wouldn’t need nearly the amount of money he mentioned to purchase the rights seeing as how the Terminator franchise recently went for only $30 million and that had a far more successful past.

Now of course, none of this means the people who own the rights currently, 20th Century Fox, have any intention of selling them. And the fans aren’t asking anyone to put up money just yet (so be wary if someone does ask you). But you can’t take the sky from a Firefly fan.

Once a week I sift through the millions of Etsy listings to find the best in geek chic for Blog@ readers. Last week I showcased some sweet geek hats to keep you warm this brisk winter, today I’m shifting gears to something specific – Dungeons & Dragons. I got to discussing it this past weekend with some geek gal pals and it reminded me how much I miss playing. So, without further ado, here are some nifty D&D related products I found on Etsy.

As if you didn’t have enough reason to be scared of what your d20 might do, user Geeklore created this vicious Chomp’d20. For $55 you can squeeze the back of the d20/Chain Chompie amalgamation and eat whichever player is annoying you the most. Or some potato chips.

If you live and breathe Dungeons & Dragons, I’m thinking you might need these RPG Dice Wall Decals to decorate your abode. User seanhexed created six decals, approximately eight-inches in diameter each. Yours for $29.50.

Sometimes you need a place to put…stuff. In game it’s very handy to have a bag of holding, which can hold anything from your lunch to your party’s halfling rogue. Well in real life you can have your very own Die of Holding. $120 from user SmartPencilDesigns, the die is a handcrafted leather d20 and measures a decent eight-inches. No guarantees on being able to hold anything larger than it’s size though. Shucks.

For the little gamer-to-be in your household, I highly suggest this set of My First Gaming Dice for $30. User geekyandcheeky has created fantastic soft replicas of the usual gaming dice, safer when thrown and I’d assume digestible if accidentally swallowed.

And finally, for the distinguished gaming party, how about a Gamer Ready Tea Set? User OlBlueHairsOddities includes a dice bag tray, d8 teapot and six d6 cups with the set for $60.

As always, bear in mind, since Etsy is a craft website and not a commercial, mass-market dealer, items are almost always one-of-a-kind or in very limited availability. When you see something you like, buy it. It may not be there the next time you surf round. (Yes, it’s a very dangerous site for your wallet.) Also, since most items are created individually, many sellers are willing to customize something specifically to suit your needs. Just ask!

Once a week I sift through the millions of Etsy listings to find the best in geek chic for Blog@ readers. Last week I devoted the column to Valentine’s Day to give you time to buy something worthy of your sweetheart/friend/yourself. It’s freaking cold here in New Jersey so this week I decided to think warm by searching for some epic nerd hats. And I think you’ll agree, they are epic.

IT’S A TRAP! Stay warm on your favorite ice planets (or New York City) with this delightfully realistic Admiral Ackbar crocheted hat for $20. User karenjcreations also has a more subtle, yet equally cool, Stormtrooper hat for $18. She also carries a Wicket-inspired hat for $23 that I’m slightly scared of. Perhaps you’re a bigger Star Trek fan. How about a Command Colors hat for $20 from user CutieHats?

You didn’t think Norse Gods wore their helmets all the time, did you? User bettyhess has created this amazing Thor helmet hat for the viking deep inside. It’s a little pricey at $75 but for the worthy, worth every penny. And if you really want to think warm thoughts, perhaps this Hellboy inspired hat from user QueenViktoria for $30 might do the trick. Complete with mutton chops.

Speaking of mythological creatures, how’d you like to scare the crap out of everyone with this delightful Cthulu ski hat/mask? For just $20 it could be yours. User CraftyPA was nice enough to create a mouth hole underneath the tentacles so you can still enjoy some cocoa on the slopes. Maybe you’d prefer something sweeter and less…evil, try this adorable Nerdy Hello Kitty hat for $30 from Motherofthree7515.

You’ll easily show where your brand loyalties lie if you wear this highly realistic Mario hat from user theheadsaid. For $35 you’ll be saving Princesses in no time! Or go for a Ninja Turtle for $23.

Only a certain breed of fans will get the significance of my last (and favorite hat) of the bunch. User knitsbysarah has created a beautful Doctor Who Seal of Rassilon beret for $36. And seriously, if I didn’t already own like six winter hats I’d be picking this one up for myself. For the more outspoken Whovian, a TARDIS hat by amlowi for $14.99.

A few of these hats are specified as children’s but almost all of the sellers say they can make them in any size you need.

As always, bear in mind, since Etsy is a craft website and not a commercial, mass-market dealer, items are almost always one-of-a-kind or in very limited availability. When you see something you like, buy it. It may not be there the next time you surf round. (Yes, it’s a very dangerous site for your wallet.) Also, since most items are created individually, many sellers are willing to customize something specifically to suit your needs. Just ask!

DC Comics’ popular line of manga-style superheroine statues have been transformed into Halloween costumes for the masses. Really? Yes, really.

I’m not quite sure what to say about this. I’m mostly just surprised these exist at all. I mean, they’re costumes based solely on action figures with costumes that haven’t appeared in the comics. And the weirder part is, they don’t look half bad if you consider what most store-bought superheroine costumes look like.

I mean, who knows what they’ll actually feel like in person but they seem decent from where I’m looking. It’s important to note, the Ame-Comi designs have been very popular with cosplayers looking for something new and different to challenge their costume-making skills on the convention circuit the last year.

Online store Costume Craze seems to have the exclusive rights to the Ame-Comi costumes right now and so far just have Wonder Woman, Catwoman and Supergirl in production. But you can bet if these do well you can expect to see them everywhere and probably Robin, Poison Ivy or even perhaps *gasp* a Star Sapphire costume to capitalize on the Green Lantern film hitting theaters this summer.

Costume Craze says they’ll be available for pre-order soon and in stock in the summer but no prices have been revealed. Expect them to be somewhere in the $59.99-$79.99 range just like all the other overpriced Halloween costumes out there.

What’s your take on these? Are you as surprised as I am they’ve been created?

(via Topless Robot)

I don’t care if it’s a commercial trying to sell me a car. This is the greatest thing I’ve seen all week.

Usually the quirky commercials are the only thing I look forward to during the Superbowl. Guess it’s lucky for me some of them are premiering online a few days early. The video is a Superbowl ad for Volkswagon’s 2012 Passat. Not sure what the crossover is between Star Wars fanatics and German engineering but I’m sure there’s a joke in there somewhere.

In other news, Star Wars creator George Lucas and producer Rick McCallum took a visit recently to test out Disneyland’s new Star Tours attraction.

Star Tours has undergone a “reimagining” recently to become Star Tours: The Adventures Continue and is set to reopen May 20 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida and at a time yet-to-be-announced for the Disneyland park in California in 2011.

Lucas stopped to pose with an animatronic C-3PO (who will be voiced and acted by original cast member Anthony Daniels) after he and McCallum gave their test-drive two thumbs up. Disney boasts when the new site opens you’ll be able to experience Star Wars worlds in 3-D for the first time. At Celebration V it was announced guests will be able to visit Endor, Bespin, Alderaan and Coruscant in the new ride.

The original ride opened way back in 1987, you know, before that kid in the commercial was born.

Once a week I’ll be sifting through the millions of Etsy listings to find the best in geek chic for Blog@ readers. Since Valentine’s Day is almost upon us I figured this week I’d pick some items you could buy for your sweetheart or friend to celebrate the day. Trust me, these are much better than going the generic chocolate and flower route.

“I love you more than a zombie loves brains.” And that’s a lot so consider this Valentine’s Zombie for just $14. User razzystar also has a Moody Bunny for $9  in case you need to send a slightly different message this holiday.

Check out my other amazing V-Day finds after the jump! (more…)

In last week’s Etsy Made Me Do It, I bought you an array of geeky cufflinks. Once a week I’ll be sifting through the millions of Etsy listings to find the best in geek chic for Blog@ readers. This week I’m highlighting some of the most unique laptop skins to nerdify your computer. I’ve actually never bought a skin for my MacBook simply because there are so many great ones out there. It’s just too hard to decide. But here are a few to tempt you.

From user MacSkins, this Darth Vader MacBook skin shows the villain choking the life out of the Mac apple. Something I’ve certainly never wanted to do…Retails for $8.99. If you’re a Star Wars fan you may also appreciate this Bounty Hunter skin for $9.99 by macappeal.

(more…)

Last week I introduced a new feature here on Blog@ called Etsy Made Me Do It. I needed to give my wallet a bit of a rest, so this time around I decided to focus strictly on the fellas.

Once a week I’ll be sifting through the millions of listings to find the best in geek chic for Blog@ readers. Now, being the girly girl that I am, I personally don’t have much use for cufflinks (although I know a few gals who would rock them) but I think they make a gentleman look quite dapper. Here are some ultra-cool geek cufflinks I found. (more…)

by David McRaney

This article was authored by David McRaney and republished with permission of http://wwww.youarenotsosmart.com

The Misconception: You prefer the things we own over the things we don’t because we made rational choices when we bought them.

The Truth: You prefer the things you own because you rationalize your past choices to protect your sense of self.

The Internet changed the way people argue.

Check any comment system, forum or message board and you will find fanboys going at it, debating why their chosen product is better than the other guy’s.

In modern consumer cultures like America, people compete for status through comparing their taste in products. (You can read more on how that works here: Selling Out).

Mac vs. PC, PS3 vs. XBox 360, iPhone vs. Android – it goes on and on.

Usually, these arguments are between men, because men will defend their ego no matter how slight the insult. These are also usually about geeky things that cost lots of money, because these battles take place on the Internet where tech-savvy people get rowdy, and the more expensive a purchase, the greater the loyalty to it. (more…)