Geekscape Roundtable: Our 2019 Holiday Wishlist!
The holiday season is here, and regardless of the exact holiday that you plan on celebrating this year, we know that you’re just in it for the presents (well, and the family/friends, and the food, and some other things too, but mostly the presents).
As always, instead of doing a traditional gift guide (if your giftee likes x, get them y, etc), we thought we’d take another route: tell you what we‘d want for our holiday gifts. You know our writers, so chances are that if you need to pick up a gift for someone similar, they’ll probably be into the same stuff!
Here goes! Enjoy, and be sure to let us know what gifts you’re hoping to receive this year!
Derek Kraneveldt
Yeah, I’ve already maxed out my subscription (you can’t have more than 36 months of Xbox Game Pass on your account at any one time), but as Xbox Game Pass is the very best value in video games, I want to stock up as much as I can now before the price inevitably goes up.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate gets you full access to Xbox Live Gold (and the free monthly games included with it), Xbox Game Pass, and Xbox Game Pass for PC, all for one shockingly low monthly cost. Just the console version of Xbox Game Pass has more than 200 games on it at this point, and I’ve discovered so many amazing titles that I wouldn’t have ever played otherwise.
Seriously, I love Xbox Game Pass so much that I have a freaking podcast focussed on it.
I’m a huge fan of Alan Wake and Quantum Break. I was so freaking excited for Control, but somehow it slipped right by me. Between games like Blair Witch, The Outer Worlds, and Death Stranding (not to mention all of the other awesome Game Pass additions… see recommendation above), I just didn’t make the time for Remedy’s latest.
After walking by the Control booth at PAX West back in September, I just became more and more interested in the title.
In the game, “after a secretive agency in New York is invaded by an otherworldly threat, you become the new Director struggling to regain Control in this supernatural 3rd person action-adventure.”
I’m finally ready to take the time to get through it. Check out the game’s launch trailer below, and you will be too!
Note: there are also rumblings right now of Control coming to Xbox Game Pass. 505 Games has denied this shortly after Xbox’ chief Phil Spencer himself said that he was excited for the game to come to the service.
I won’t be able to explain just what bias lighting is as well as Linus here, so maybe just watch this (semi) quick video to understand some of the benefits.
We use our TV a lot (especially so over the past year as I’ve made the Xbox Game Passengers podcast). It’s a decent television with a low amount of FALD zones, and I’ve been very happy with it aside from in a few specific situations.
Bias lighting seems like an very inexpensive way to help increase the apparent contrast of the unit, and if for just a little bit of money it can actually make my TV look better, I’m absolutely down for that (especially as Mikaela won’t let us buy a new one)
I’m a sucker for advertising, and apparently I really love things that are pushed on podcasts.
I’ve never thought much about the type of toothbrush that I use — whatever works, and I replace it a few times per year. I’ve tried those expensive electric toothbrushes, but always found the vibrations just too harsh for my apparently baby mouth.
Based on all of the podcasts I listen to, Quip has become my new obsession. Oh god, I’m excited about a toothbrush — I must be getting old.
The toothbrush brush is sleek, available in either plastic or metal finishes (and in many cases, even the bristles match), and powered by a single AAA battery. When you press the single button on the Quip, the sonic vibrations start — this will continue for two minutes, and every 30 seconds you’ll feel a different vibration letting you know that you should move to a different quarter of your mouth. Pretty cool.
If you sign up for their refill plan, every three months you’ll get a new brush head and battery, and you can also choose to have their neat-looking dental floss or toothpaste delivered as well.
I may be super lame, but I’m super interested in the Quip.
1. Oculus Quest
Three years after the PSVR first released, I still love watching people have their very first VR experiences on the platform.
I’ve had so many incredible gaming moments with the PSVR myself — I’ve literally been blown away by it far more than any other platform in recent memory.
But I barely ever use the damned thing. It’s super awkward to set up / tear down (especially as I own the v1 headset that didn’t support HDR passthrough through the breakout box), and because it’s tethered to the PS4 itself, I always feel like the I need to clear out a ton of space in the living room before starting it up.
The Oculus Quest is Oculus’ first completely untethered 6DOF headset. Everything you need to play a huge selection of VR video games and experiences is built right in. There are no cables or physical connections (though you can connect it to your supported gaming PC to play SteamVR and other titles that require more resources. A ton of games that I loved on PSVR like Moss, Superhot VR, and Beat Saber are available on the Oculus Quest (but again, without any wires, tethers, or setup), as are ports of bigger Oculus games like Crytek’s The Climb and Robo Recall.
I’m love VR, and I think that I would love it even more with one of these.
Deidra Kathleen
1. Geeky Getaways by Blue Monarch Travel
I was lucky enough to have met Kat Baxter, the owner of Blue Monarch Travel, at Geeky Teas & Games during one of their Diagon Alley Craft Faires. They have specific trips called Geeky Getaways that really piqued my interest – two in particular – a LARP cruise and a Harry Potter-inspired trek through Scotland. With the latter, you get a chance to ride the Hogwarts Express and check out places that inspired the infamous magical series. With the formerly mentioned LARP cruise, you get to delve into non-combative LARP with fellow fantasy lovers at sea! I absolutely love traveling, tack on the geek factor – especially Harry Potter, and I’m extra sold! It also doesn’t hurt to help a local business! (LARP Cruise: $704.64-$784.64, Harry Potter Tour: To Be Announced Soon)
2. Harry Potter Murder Mystery by Maid to Order Mysteries
I have actually attended this event before as you can see in the picture below – and I had a BLAST! For all of my fellow Potterheads, this is a must if you can. I absolutely love solving mysteries/puzzles and with the Wizardverse focus, this was quite rightfully my cup of tea – grim not included. And, I won some magical gifts to boot! I would love to go to another one!
(Price: $55 counting handling fees)
3. The Labyrinth Masquerade Ball
I absolutely love any reason to dress up and pretend to be some sort of character, so when I stopped being a virtual recluse and found out about the Labyrinth Masquerade Ball, my eyes turned into stars anime-style. You get to dress as whatever fantasy creature your heart desires and step into another realm for a night! What’s not to like? (Price: $35-$330)
4. Beginner Hip Hop Classes at Millenium
For someone as clumsy as I am, you would be surprised to find out I used to take dance classes. Lately I have been having an itch to start up again and am in the process of saving up so that I may consistently – excuse me while I put on my Picard voice – “Make it so.” (Price: $14-$17 per class)
5. Geffen Playhouse Create Your Own Package
I absolutely love live theatre – whether onstage or in the audience, it’s my favorite place to be. I would absolutely love to have a show package subscription to the Geffen Playhouse. I was able to see Alan Tudyk of Firefly in Mysterious Circumstances this past year with a visiting Welsh friend of mine. And I was mesmerized by the extraordinary work they do there. Their Create Your Own Package is what I like to think of as a customizable theatrical Groupon. (Price: $144-$387)
Mikaela Maxwell
Sewing Supplies
A couple of years ago a sewing machine was on my list, and it actually happened (thanks Mom).
It sat unopened in its box for an extended period of time, until a little over a year ago when I made a wicked halloween costume, and I was off!
Flash forward to a kitchen table conversation with my sister about how difficult would it actually be for me to dabble in quilting… well, here we are a little over a year, 3 cushion covers, and 2 (baby sized) quilts later, with the answer: not that incredibly difficult.
Last year I was hoping for sewing accessories, rulers, sheers, rotary blade, etc, and I got a whole lot of that (thanks to my Mom and Derek’s parents). In truth, being supplied with these things made a big difference in me being able to take on quilting, and I am absolutely loving it!
This year I continue my request to be decked out with all the quilting comforts. Funny that somehow my interest in cosplay took some twists and turns and brought me to this lovely hobby of quilting. I will accept my honorary Grandma status now, thank you.
Now that I have the basics covered, I’m looking for a few accessories that feel positively luxurious. I’ll link a few of them here in case you’re looking for something to make your sewing life a little easier!
A Rotating Self Healing Cutting Mat:
After cutting a million quilting squares, and then re-cutting them because I am learning all of this as I go along, I recognized the value of being able to leave the square laying flat and not having to reposition and smooth it out four times in order to trim each edge! This mat will be a time saver and make it cutting more accurate.
I find I am constantly struggling to keep the ruler from sliding as I try to make a 2 foot cut with my rotary cutter, and if it slips, well now my cut is crooked and I have to trim the edge before I can even start the piece again, and I better hope there is enough fabric for me to off this up multiple times!
This accessory distributes the pressure across the ruler more evenly, which helps it to stay in place even when making long cuts.
You know what’s easier than picking fabrics that will hopefully match, and then cutting them into the desired shape and size? Getting a package of rematched, pre cut fabric!
Ok Sewing aside, there are other things I am interested in… I think.
This year I have noticed myself leaning into buying a few more things locally. It seems every time I am on the Vancouver Island, visiting friends and family, if I end up anywhere near the cute downtown shop Blue Poppy, I inevitably end up coming home with a piece of art that I simply can’t live without. Some of my faves include this beautiful Vancouver Island mug from Pottery For Peace, and this wall art from West Coast Art, and this year I am hoping that someone will be leaving a beautiful hoodie from Vancouver Island local West Coast Karma:
Personal Health
Looking back it seems like every year I hope and wish for some magical force of nature to swoop down and provide me with motivation to get my butt into shape… that hasn’t changed, I’m still searching for this.
I would like to figure out the physical activity that I am into so that I can start working towards cultivating a healthier body, while actually enjoying myself.
That being said I would also like to work on my mental health. I’m not totally sure what the best strategy is to make this happen either, but I am hoping that I will stumble across this in the near future as well.
I would also like to find a way to give back, I don’t know how to articulate that without feeling my eyes roll at my own self. So I will leave it at that for now, but it is time I start putting it out into the universe, so I can find the thing that fees my soul while allowing me to be of service to others.
As always the New Year is creeping up, and fresh starts are in the air, so maybe, miraculously, this year I will actually figure it out! (Stay tuned next year to see how I do!)
More Travel
For years I have been hoping to go on an amazing adventure to Bali, and I believe it has been on every wishlist I’ve made for Geekscape, but this year it will not be. BECAUSE WE ACTUALLY MADE IT HAPPEN!
This October, Derek and I ventured off to Bali for 16 fabulous days and it was the dreamiest vacation a girl could ask for. And the biggest thing that this dream vacation did for me, was make me realize that I want more!
I am not sure where, or what, or how yet, but I do know that I would like more adventure. So if Santa wants to surprise me with tickets to somewhere mysterious under the tree, well, no complaints here!
Jonathan London
“Pick It Up: Ska In The 90’s” on BluRay!
I’ve been following this documentary since it was crowdfunded and it kept getting better and better along the way! Filmmaker Taylor Morden assembled the ultimate who’s who of Ska groups to tell the story of the late 90’s Ska explosion, including Less Than Jake, Geekscape friends and guests The Suburban Legends, The Aquabats, Goldfinger, Reel Big Fish, Geekscape’s own Scott Klopfenstein (who is hilarious in his man on the street appearance) and more! My favorite band growing up was local Austin group The Impossibles and it’s a credit to how thorough a job Taylor did that some of these lesser known but still incredible groups are included. Tim Armstrong from Rancid narrates and for the nostalgic ska fans in your family (or Matt Kelly and I because Geekscape pretty much IS a family), this one is not to be missed!
I don’t care that it won’t actually show up until April! As a quick convert to the awesomeness that is The Mandalorian (and the cuteness that is Baby Yoda), this plush doll is the second best thing to having the real deal! Sure, it won’t use its nascent force powers to get you out of trouble but it also won’t wander around getting itself INTO trouble so let’s call that even! You don’t even need to feed it any alien frogs (but you can try)!
Another Year of Geekscape!
There aren’t many material things that I want for anymore and I can honestly say that starting Geekscape all those years ago on Christmas Day, 2006 has grown into one of the most rewarding decisions of my life. I’ve made countless friends, family members and collaborators over the years and don’t know where I would be without you all. So in the spirit of the holidays, let’s keep this gift that I once gave to you that you in turn increased in value and gave back back to me going and growing! Geekscape Forever and Happy Holidays!
Shane O’Hare
This year has been the most life changing for me. I’ve had the biggest and most monumental shift towards living a happier and healthier life.
As of the writing of this, I am ten months sober, with my nine month AA coin in my wallet. Giving up alcohol, for me, has brought upon an intense clarity and zen like I’ve never experienced. I am not against alcohol in any way, it’s just not for me anymore.
That all being said, all my old booze money can go to buying some sick gifts for the holiday season!
1. The first on my list isn’t a tangible thing. Obviously, you can’t BUY happiness and prosperity (even if you got a small loan of a million dollars). I wish everyone at Geekscape happiness and healthiness for life. I cannot be more grateful for the myriad of crazy adventures, memories, and opportunities this absurd group of misfits has given me. Jon, Derek, Josh, Juan, Carlos, Matt, and everyone else past and present, I love you dearly.
2: Geekscape Games Revival Tour 2020
THATS RIGHT BABY! Much like Tiger Woods and his epic comeback, I wish for the OG Gaming Pod on the GeekscapeDotNetwork to come back. During the first year of one’s sobriety, it is HIGHLY suggested to not enter any new romantic relationships. The failure rate in AA for those is astronomically high. So, I obviously had to give up my first love during this time of healing. So maybe come February, Cupid will reunite the cutest couple on Geekscape.
This is at the top of my Christmas list, so far at the top that I already bought it for myself. The Nokia 8110 4G is the younger Brother to the 8110 made famous in The Matrix as Mr. Anderson’s phone.
After reading the book Industrial Society and Its Future for a second time, I’ve realized the harm constant connectivity is. Checking RSS and news feeds at stoplights, checking Twitter and Facebook, wondering what’s happening on Tinder, not using your brain and natural direction finding capabilities to get to a destination. These are all harmful to the human mind.
When Facebook bought Instagram, they teamed up with a consulting firm to see how they could up engagement and get more eyes on ads. They determined that changing the Insta-Feed to an endless scrolling, putting posts out of chronological order, it would trigger the same portion of the brain that gambling does. Scrolling and scrolling, hoping for that big jackpot of a new post to like. It drove up engagement, and more ads could be served.
The 8110 4G is my attempt to go Off The Grid (OTG). It has great voice calls, predictive texting is easy enough but just annoying that I actually would prefer to pick up the phone and talk to someone. Battery lasts a week, and it has Google Maps and a basic GPS if I ABSOLUTELY get lost. No turn by turn though, so I still have to rely on looking at signs.
I still keep my old decommissioned smartphone for podcasts and music, but after two weeks on the 8110, I am feeling a great reduction in anxiety. Even if this is all hokum, it gives me moral self licensing to feel superior to other people, and at the end of the day, isn’t thats what is MOST important?
4: ROSEN-X Custom Techwear clothing
Ever wanted to look like an extra from Bladerunner? Well now’s your chance.
I’ve been a huge fan of the techwear/cyberpunk fashion aesthetic for ages. Futuristic lines, synthetic materials, high collars, and outlandish pockets. All fun things to start adding to your wardrobe. ROSEN is a fantastic company run by a great group of people, that will answer your questions and help you design your custom garments. They’re made to order, and can even accept odd measurements. Their entire collection is stellar, but the Tenjin Hanten is my number one choice from their shop.
5: Kotobukiya My Little Pony Statues
Announced last year, anime figure creation company Kotobukiya My Little Pony Mane Six figures are shaping up to be some of the best looking figures you can get, if you’re a Brony. The cute anime designs of the Human girls, with the show perfect sculpts of the ponies has my clopping all the way to the bank. Twilight, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity are out now, and Applejack was just revealed. Collect the whole set.
6: If you want to get me, your favorite recovering alcoholic, please feel free to check out my Amazon Christmas List!
Scott Roger
I know it may seem odd that a guy who does a horror movie podcast would be into books, but rest assured, I can in fact read. I love reading! Reading makes me feel powerful, like I could take over the world…or reanimate the dead…summon demons…bring ruin to my enemies…that kind of thing. Books are perfect Christmas gifts, and here are the top 10 on my wishlist this year:
Necronomicon Ex-Mortis (Evil Dead)
Great for calling on some Deadite pals to keep you company through the lonely winter. Gift wrap suggestion: garbage bags and barbed wire!
The Grand Grimoire (Warlock)
A puzzle, board game and scavenger hunt rolled into one! See who can learn the Name of God first and undo creation!
Lemegeton Clavicula Salomonis (Ghoulies)
The problem with gremlins is that they can’t be controlled and have that pesky water allergy. Ghoulies have neither downside, and love partying just as much!
The Diary Of Patience Buckner (Cabin in the Woods)
For the biography junkie in your life. A thrilling tale of family bonding!
Initiation of the Virgin Goddess (Silent Night, Deadly Night 4)
Every little girl needs strong female role models, and this book is a great starter! Full of great tips on how to get a leg up in the world, and how to chill out when things start getting too hot.
In the Mouth of Madness by Sutter Cane (In the Mouth of Madness)
This hard-to-find manuscript never actually made it to print, but I’ve heard it’s CRAZY. People are going nuts over this one!
Libro Mortis (Evilspeak)
This one is for the gamer on your list. Strengthen your computer knowledge, stand up to bullies, and even learn how swordplay – it’s got everything!
The Arcanum (Thir13en Ghosts)
A wonderfully illustrated fairy tale set that tells 13 heart-warming stories of the enduring bonds of love. Read to your kids before bed!
Handbook for the Recently Deceased (Beetlejuice)
The industry standard of posthumous self-help; the extended version will keep even the most voracious reader busy for centuries!
Divana’s Spellbook (Elvira, Mistress of the Dark)
Equal parts spells and recipes, this one is perfect for the cook in your family who wants to add some bite to their casseroles, and some sexiness to the next potluck. Look for one with the companion estate ring!
John Moorehouse
Book It! The Pro Wrestling Card Game
As a lifelong fan of professional wrestling and a pretty avid fan of card games and deck builders for the past few years, this game has been in my sights for a while now. You run your own promotion, drafting cards to upgrade your roster, your venues, and also potential dirty tactics to sabotage competing promotions. Most of the cards are wrestling-related gags (a saluting gal in a baseball cap named Joan Sienna, for example). Between a busy life and expenses (2 girls in competitive cheer at once… the horror…), I haven’t picked it up but I hope to find it waiting underneath the tree this holiday season!
I love a good hard-boiled PI story. Now… add robots. That’s right, robots. I’ve heard some positive feedback about the series and “Made to Kill” is the first in the series. Since my other favorite PI series, the Dresden Files, is still on its extended hiatus, I might as well hop on the cybernetic horse and indulge in some speculative noir.
Homicide, Life on the Street: The Complete Series
With so many streaming services, there are still plenty of shows and movies out there you can’t find. Homicide is one of them. Created by David Simon, who went on to be the man behind The Wire, this was one of my all-time favorite shows and features my all-time favorite TV character, Detective Frank Pembleton (Andre Braugher, currently in a completely different show in a similar setting, as Captain Holt on Brooklyn Nine-Nine). The complete run of episodes only is available second-hand, it seems.
