Dearest Fierce Nerds As of this Friday, Fierce and Nerdy will be going on summer hiatus, and when it comes back on September 1st, it will no longer be a community blog. Believe me, this was not an easy decision to make. For almost five years it has been my pleasure to receive and share the words of our amazing contributors on Fierce and Nerdy. Unfortunately, over the past few months, I’ve come to accept that I can’t run FaN and meet deadlines and take on new paid projects and mother three children. So Fierce and Nerdy will become a one-person blog as of Sept. 1st. We are also working on a new front page design that will allow our readers and authors to easily access every FaN blogumn we’ve ever posted. And many of the FaN contributors have told me that they plan to keep their blogumns going on their own sites, so, of course, we will link to those. Please know that I didn’t make this decision lightly and that if there was any way I could keep Fierce and Nerdy going as is, I would.   Infinite thanks to our contributors for their amazing and inspiring and just plain wonderful words over these past years. And, special thanks to Ryan Dixon, who has been the patron saint of Fierce and Nerdy from day one. I can’t thank Amy Robinson enough for editing the blogumns kindly and well,  for her two years as Blogumns Editor. Also, Joshua Mauldin, thank you, thank you, thank you, for all you’ve done for FaN over the last few months.  And, of course, I want to thank Christian Hibbard (CH), my husband, who quietly did most of the site’s back end work and provided continuous emotional and...

You will probably feel guilty after a visit to See Your Folks, a site that loosely guesstimates how many times you will see your parents before they die. Especially if you live thousands of miles away from your parent(s). Seriously, even if you have a crappy relationship with your parent(s), don’t click through unless you’re ready to feel the guilt. I really wish I hadn’t after getting this number back. It’s perhaps one of those things best left unthought about. [See Your Folks]...

If you previously liked ducks due to growing up with the delightful DUCK TALES cartoon, you won’t after seeing this really NSFW video from Fox ADHD’s “Scientifically Accurate” series. Seriously, ducks–male ducks especially–are gross and horrible animals. [h/t...

Because doesn’t every child need a cleverly illustrated animal chart on their wall. Buy your print from the artist, Andy Ward, HERE. [h/t...

Apparently, Ariel will make it on to ONCE UPON A TIME in this upcoming season. We know this because Ariel sucks ass when it comes to thieving. Seriously, this girl obviously hails from the Mr. Bean school of stealth. Check out the preview...

Delia over at Martha Stalwart has some clever advice for really making your birth announcements pop with cleverly rendered stats. It makes me so super-mad that I didn’t do one for the twins. Grr! [Cute DIY Birth Announcements]     And here’s her inspiration photo–found on pinterest, of course....

But check out this ridiculousness: They were cast in this role, but I had no idea what was going on during the shoot because I’d never seen the show. So my MIL and I watched the first episode of the first season and then the second, and then we were hooked and have been marathoning it at junkie levels ever since–even though it took until the very last episode of the first season before we were able to understand what was going on with the twins’ character in the second. But we’re still about six stolen 45 minutes away from the twins’ episode, so please, no spoilers–yes, seriously, we’re not going to watch their episode until we’re all caught up with this insanely addictive drama. Really, the big news, though, is that I managed not to fangirl squee all over Lea Thompson, who plays one of the moms on the show and directed this episode. I mean, BACK TO THE FUTURE, ya’ll–but I played it cool, “Hi, nice to meet you.” On the outside. On the inside it was all like, “Aaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!! Lea Thompson! Lea Thompson! Lea...

As someone who recently actually left San Diego with her brood on the same day that Comic Con was officially gearing up–and also, as someone who’s about to make a rather sad announcement in the coming week–this video hit so close to home, I nearly teared...

I think I’m finally ready to admit I’m in a dom/sub relationship with my iPhone. Now excuse me while I step out to get it a new Mophie Case. [h/t LikeCool via Bonker’s World]    ...

Sigh. I miss ARCHER. That’s all–well that, and this Hot Topic season 4 premiere tribute T-shirt (H. Jon Benjamin voices both title characters) just makes me miss ARCHER even more. [h/t Fashionably...

Major spoiler alerts, but good job, HISHE series for hitting upon every issue I had with this film.  

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I’m in week 5 of a weight training regimen, and it’s been amazing seeing my old body come back faster than with any other work out I’ve ever tried–as opposed to the She-Hulk body many women are afraid of when they repute lifting heavier weights. Basically, I’m learning that your body is your genetically-assigned body, no matter what workout you use. If I continue to work out and reach my peak, I’m always going to look like a short athlete–as opposed to a long and lean ballerina or a Xena: Warrior Princess, which is A-OK by me, but not necessarily what women’s exercise magazine are advertising when it comes to working out. And this isn’t just me substituting anecdotal evidence for fact. Here’s a scientific explanation from ASAPScience as to why no matter how much I weight-train, I’ll probably never go beyond my peak derby...

A nice simple way to advertise your geek status wherever you go. Click through to get yours for $13, and remember you can always pay a visit to our “Nerdy Ish We Found on Etsy” Treasury to see…well, all the nerdy ish we’ve found on Etsy. [$13 Geek...

Technically, I’m fully onboard with our decision to get rid of cable and subsist on a combination of Netflix, HuluPlus, iTunes Subscriptions, Amazon Prime TV, the PBS Kids App, and basic broadcast. But as a lover of commercials, this decision has really bitten me in the butt a few times. For example how I am just now finding out about this Supermanesque Mr. Clean ad??? Time to start subscribing to an ad blog for sure....

If you loved THE ARISTOCATS, and you loved the trailer for THE GREAT GATSBY (which, let’s face it, was way, way better than the movie), then you then “The Great Catsby” is going to knock your socks off. Seriously, however good you think it’s going to be, it’s even better....

The whole Internet’s talking about Celeste Pille’s re-imagining of 90’s cartoon characters (ex. Rugrats, Hey Arnold, etc) all grown up–as they should be because they’re awesome. Seriously, click through, and come back. But I’m especially in love with her “kirk and her crew” series in which all the original Star Trek characters are re-imagined as women. [Celeste...

Just in case you were under the impression the current version of Barbie was in any way realistic and more importantly wasn’t creating unrealistic body expectations for the girls in the doll’s target market, researcher Nickolay Lamm created this model of what a real-life Barbie would look like. From Lamm: The…Barbie vs “normal” Barbie images were created with the help of a 3D printed model of a normal woman. This white model was made using measurements that match up closely with CDC measurements of the average 19 year old woman in America. The end result is what Barbie would look like if she was a healthy, beautiful, 19 year old woman. It’s super-disturbing. And if my daughter ever ask for a Barbie, I think I’ll let her save up for one, but explain that Barbie is actually an alien from another planet and of course not meant to represent women from this one. [via...

Have you heard of “networked matter?” According to the futurist think tank, Institute for the Future, we’ll eventually be able to program our computers, but also the objects around us, so that they’ll be able to communicate with us and each other. This goes way beyond smart cars, and it’s some pretty heady stuff. Totally worth watching the video and clicking through to io9.com for further breakdown re  “The Age of Networked Matter.” [via io9.com]...

Because it’s Wednesday and because this is Fierce and Nerdy and because KITTEHS!! [h/t Jezebel]...

I mean, I don’t know if that kind of scare is worth a grand and a half, but these White Walker masks created by actual CFX artists would definitely do the trick. Buy yours HERE. [h/t Fashionably...

Let’s see, well, I’m an English major and self-described modern romantic who wrote a book about an Molly Ringwald movie obsessive. Is it even possible for me not to go see a movie about a Jane Austen fanatic? I don’t think so....

This DIY Dinosaur Plate is making me want to try harder at crafts. I won’t, mind you, but it makes me daydream about a parallel universe where I have the organizational skills and patience to put together clever things like this. From Three Monkeys Studios: This fun DIY Dinosaur Serving Dish is so easy to make. You can use old toys and melamine plates from the toddler days, or pick up items from your local Dollar Tree or discount store. How cute would it be to serve cookies at a dinosaur party or surprise the little ones with a snack? And you could easily sub other critters. A bunny for Easter or an owl for Halloween. Click on the pic for the craft recipe....

Ted Education explains why immortality would actually be less sexy and more freakish. Think missing limbs, relationships forgotten, lots of physical and emotional scars, plus dentures. I’ll take a finite lifetime, thanks! [h/t  The Mary Sue]...

Seeing THE GREAT GATSBY before and after the VFX, as it turns out, is way more fascinating than the movie itself. Plus, that Lana Del Rey song, which is sticky fire, as far as getting out of my head is concerned.   The Great Gatsby VFX from Chris Godfrey on...

And it’s so freaking good. See more Avengers magazine covers at the MediAvengers...

So. Deeply. Disturbing. –yet, fascinating. [h/t The Mary Sue]...

Because why not? Buy them here. [h/t Fashionably...

If you’re going to watch one explanation of “The Hero’s Journey” as put forth by Joseph Campbell, let it be this one by Glove and Boots, because it is excellent. [h/t...

At around $10 bucks a pop, the many clever light switch covers at the Modern Switch shop are definitely worth a looksee–and they can be customized to fit over electrical outlets and dimmer switches, too! ***Remember you can see all the Esty items we’ve featured at our “Nerdy Ish We Found on Etsy” treasury list! [Modern Switch]...

After watching the below trailer, I not only need to read this book, but also watch the inevitable movie version. Here’s the summary: Terra has never known anything but life aboard the Asherah, a city-within-a-spaceship that left Earth five hundred years ago in search of refuge. At sixteen, working a job that doesn’t interest her, and living with a grieving father who only notices her when he’s yelling, Terra is sure that there has to be more to life than what she’s got. But when she inadvertently witnesses the captain’s guard murdering an innocent man, Terra is suddenly thrust into the dark world beneath her ship’s idyllic surface. As she’s drawn into a secret rebellion determined to restore power to the people, Terra discovers that her choices may determine life or death for those she cares most about. With mere months to go before landing on the long-promised planet, Terra has to make the decision of a lifetime—one that will determine the fate of her people. [via io9]...

This free Apple Camp for kids 8-12 looks so cool: At Apple Camp, kids ages 8-12 learn how to shoot their own footage, create an original song in GarageBand on an iPad, and put it all together in iMovie on a Mac. This free workshop, held at Apple Retail Stores, spans three days and ends with campers debuting their masterpieces at the Apple Camp Film Festival. Space is limited and workshops fill up quickly, so sign up now for a super-creative adventure.* I know I’ve said it before, but kids are so gotdang lucky these days! [via...

I only wear make-up for book events, but I think this awesome video just convinced me to wear it everyday. [via The Mary...

…as a binary decision tree. [via...

Did anyone else watch UNDER THE DOME last night? What did you think? I tried and failed to read the book, so I was just happy it didn’t take 100+ pages of discovering the dome from multiple viewpoints just to get started. Overall, I enjoyed it, appreciated the diverse cast, and look forward to seeing how it unfolds as a one-off summer series. Plus, one of my favorite comic book writers, Brian K. Vaughn, (SAGA, Y: THE LAST MAN) wrote the teleplay, so I’m definitely in it for the long haul. If you have an Amazon Prime account, you can watch the current episode for free, starting this Friday, June 24th, and every Friday after that. Nice. Meanwhile, here’s the book trailer for DOCTOR SLEEP, the sequel to THE SHINING, which debuted during last night’s live episode....

Thanks to xkcd for bringing this fact to our...

Because does the internet have anything better to do than to remix the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles theme with actual turtles. No. No, they don’t. [h/t...

I have multi-level plans in place for talking to my kid about money, race, and s-e-x, but I have no  idea what I’d do if she were faced with this terrible decision.*   *Haha! Just kidding, of course I’d make her pick the STAR TREK one. That’s just decent parenting....

Slow motion sword fights, dramatic speeches delivered with British accents, Eva Green getting badass with a bow and arrow? Son, I am going to be watching the sequel to 300 SO hard, as soon as it hits theaters. How about...

A high-end watch designed to look like the Deep Space Nine station, which includes a spinning, triple axis tourbillon. Sweet! Now, if only I had $192,000 to spare… [h/t Fashionably Geek]...

This extreme Game of Thrones re-imagining by Cosplay: Piano is either completely ridiculous or completely wonderful. It might somehow be both. But really the main point is Jon Snow on the bongo. Win! [h/t io9]...

Smith College  should totally do an ad like Matt Smith’s alma mater, but use World Class Experts, Authors, World-Changing Activists, Senators, Congresswomen, and First Ladies. [h/t The Mary...

Are we here at FaN just physically incapable of  going a whole month without posting a cat video or is this particular cat video just that dang good? I’ll let you decide. [h/t...

God, I wish I could unsee this. From the (obviously demented) artist, Alex Pardee: “The Human Centipede 3 will have a 500-person centipede so I thought I’d make a 100% medically accurate poster for it.” See the full 500p sequence HERE. [h/t...

As it turns out, they’re pretty good! Enjoy the somewhat mathematical explanation as to why from the PBS series “It’s Okay to Be Smart.”...

Because we should really work on making “I just want to drink you up” a viable alternative to “I just want to eat you up.” Who’s with...

Click through for the Reddit thread, which includes gems like “Mulan: Cross-dressing gets shit done,” “Cinderella AND Mulan: dress for the job you want,” and “Aladdin: sometimes stealing things pays off.” [via...

Oh, my gosh, this movie about a group of middle-aged ladies who used to be high school basketball stars looks totally cheesy, and predictable, and bottom feederish and Brooke Shieldish and Daryl Hannah’s plastic surgery is so bad the camera can barely stand to look at her-ish. But as soon as it’s out on video and I have a couple of hours alone, I’m totally going to watch the heck out of it. I can’t even begin to explain why. So...

Just in case you were looking to be creeped out by the Eiffel Tower and mannequins. [h/t/ io9]...

If your birthday’s in the fall, then it’s pretty darn common, because according to this chart people be like bom-bombom-bomBOM! during the winter months. Then just  bombom! during the fall months. Then like bom…anh, let’s bump nasties when it’s not so dang hot from spring through summer. But apparently my parents didn’t care about the notoriously hot and humid St. Louis summers, because I have the rather uncommon birthdate of Jan. 16th. File this under: Stuff I Really Don’t Want To Think About [via The Daily...

Because I know you were wondering about that. You’re welcome. [h/t LifeHacker]

Oh, my gosh, Kwikset is gearing up to release a lock you can open with your smartphone??? I want to early adopt this so bad. Can’t wait to get more info on it. [Kwikset: Kevo]...

Since Tom Stillwagon put out a new FaN list  today, let’s also take a fascinating look at why music moves us courtesy of PBS Digital Studio series, “It’s Okay to Be Smart.” [h/t...

A handy fresh food lifespan infographic from visual.ly. You’re welcome! [via...

Take 10 minutes to learn something, fool! [via io9]

I swear I’m going to use this method to write something. I don’t know what yet, but you know, something. [via...

I swear I’ve had this exact kind of conversation with CH several times. Once, I told my best friend that I was calling her just to whine, because once I talk to CH about a problem, it gets figured out and there’s no more fun whining to be had. Anyway, this is all to say, God bless the men and women who put up with people like me. [h/t...

As a nerd from like the very start, my mom used to quote the “sticks and stones” line all the time. This xkcd comic perfectly explains why that quote wasn’t particularly...

Rachel McAdams second time travel movie, ABOUT TIME, looks way better than the movie adaptation of TIME TRAVELER’S WIFE. And Bill Nighy, so  yay?...

As someone in the throes of planning a Princess-Winnie-the-Pooh mash-up birthday bash, all I have to say about the below mash-up is “Why didn’t I think of that???” Seriously, gnashing my teeth and rending my clothes right now. [via The Mary Sue]...

Lonely Island was the only thing I used to like about the SNL after the 80s,  and Robyn is the only thing I like about Sweden*. Now they’re together on one video called “#Go Kindergarten,” and however good you think it’s going to be, it’s actually even better. You’re welcome. [h/t Jezebel]   *Joking. I like a ton of musical acts out of Sweden, because I’m a hipster, and liking groups from Sweden back in the early 2000s before liking groups from Sweden was a thing was like a hipster...

Father’s Day is only two weeks away, so get thee to an Etsy store right away! Until they get old enough to say otherwise, my girls love giving their dad nerdy T-shirts on Father’s Day. Here are some of my–I mean their faves. If you want to buy any of these t-shirts, which range from $18-$35, just  go to the Nerdy Father’s Day T-shirts treasury list we created at Etsy. And yes, the first one is Lincoln shooting laser beams out of his eyes with a bear wearing a top hat on his back–because the universe just provides awesome like that.      ...

I guarantee you if being a Disney Princess was portrayed like this fantastic Rachel Bloom song, my daughter wouldn’t be in the throes of full on princess fever right now. [h/t Jezebel via Cracked.com]   If Disney Cartoons Were Historically Accurate — powered by...

Seriously, the one year I set out to tackle my sugar addiction is the one year CoffeeMate decides to go and introduce Girl Scout Cookie creamer??? Eff my...

As someone who called my parents to tell them that I decided to major in English as opposed to computer science less than a month after breaking up with a guy they both really liked, I will say, yep, any two of these oughta do it. But hey, at least I’m still tattoo-free. [via...

“Never just remember how to do something, understand how it works.”  As someone who has been known to answer, “Magic!” whenever anyone asks me how anything works, I’d say this advice given to designer Martin Rue by his grandfather is damn good and probably worth taking. And I love what Rue has come to understand about understanding after years of mulling over this delightful gem: If you simply remember how to do something, then all you can do is use it the same way over and over, but if you understand how it works, you can reason about it. Once you can reason about something in your mind you can contemplate why it is the way it is, you can apply your entire creative mind to making the most of it, and you can implement and question improvement – you own it intellectually. Read the rest of Rue’s fantastic post on the value of understanding here. [h/t...

As someone who abuses loves semi-colons, this Lonely Island (ft. Solange) ode MADE MY ENTIRE DAY. And yay for the ending lines, because I was thinking the same correction throughout. Viva Las Semicolons! [h/t...

If you’re looking for a Father’s Day gift cup, Etsy’s got...

The next time I’m tempted to deflect a compliment, I’m going to think of this awesome, awesome Amy Schumer video. Also, I’m going to start watching INSIDE AMY SCHUMER on Comedy Central like yesterday. [via Gawker]...

Just in case you’re as upset about the Merida makeover as many of us nerds are, here’s a very special episode of DORK TOWER by John Kovalic. [h/t The Mary Sue]  ...

And it is AMAZING! [via...

As a self-identifying hipster (I mean I’m an original L.A. Derby Doll, used to spend a ton of money on high-quality eyeglasses, and run a blog called Fierce and Nerdy for goshsakes), I’m often surprised by how many people in my circles don’t consider themselves hipster. As it turns out that’s because I’m in the 10% of Americans who actually identify themselves as hipsters, which isn’t to say that America is only 10% hipster, but only 10% of Americans readily identify as such. Anyway, the point is that if you’re reading this you’re probably a hipster, so there, admit it already. Also, click through for more information and analysis about this trend of hipster denial....

This Funny or Die She-Ra reboot is supposed to be a joke, but I would watch the heck out of both SHE-RA and SKELLY. Just saying can we get a female-led hero drama or a villain-led comedy around here already? She-Ra with Kylie Minogue from Kylie...

I’m going to do this 7-minute workout for 7 days straight, starting next Sunday. Anyone interested in joining me? Here’s the breakdown: In 12 exercises deploying only body weight, a chair and a wall, it fulfills the latest mandates for high-intensity effort, which essentially combines a long run and a visit to the weight room into about seven minutes of steady discomfort — all of it based on science[…] In the program outlined by Mr. Jordan and his colleagues, this recovery is provided in part by a 10-second rest between exercises. But even more, he says, it’s accomplished by alternating an exercise that emphasizes the large muscles in the upper body with those in the lower body. During the intermezzo, the unexercised muscles have a moment to, metaphorically, catch their breath, which makes the order of the exercises important. The exercises should be performed in rapid succession, allowing 30 seconds for each, while, throughout, the intensity hovers at about an 8 on a discomfort scale of 1 to 10, Mr. Jordan says. Those seven minutes should be, in a word, unpleasant. The upside is, after seven minutes, you’re done. Find out more at the New York Times’ Well blog....

Rubbing my  hands together. Ooooohhhh! This new season of television go’on to be good!!! (And this time, I promise to do a full rundown as opposed to going on massive amounts of bedrest like I did last year). First up, ONCE UPON A TIME: WONDERLAND, which not only stars the second main wolf dude from BEING HUMAN UK, but also looks pretty freaking good. Here’s hoping there will be more actors of color involved than what we’re seeing in the trailer.   video platformvideo managementvideo solutionsvideo...

I’m always saying we should be way embarrassed about what we’re putting out in space for other civilizations to find, and I think this xkcd comic totally backs...

Can you tell I’m super-excited about having seen three whole summer movies already? Here’s yet another spoiler-rific parody– this time Tony Stark covers Justin Timberlake with “Suits that Fly.” However awesome you think this is going to be, I’m telling you right now it’s even more awesome than that, so check it out below. [h/t io9]...

So wish this seat was a real thing you could by as opposed to just a design concept. Find out more at designer Bruno Marques’ website. [h/t LikeCool]...

File this clever duplication Beyonce medley video under “Fills me with glee.” [h/t Jezebel]...

Jenny Parks, the illustrator behind Dr. Meow is back with Kitty Avengers. In other news, Jenny Parks is freaking awesome! [via...

As a mother of three, the thought of having this many hands on deck for child-raising fills my heart with glee. Although, I think in this non-mom-written case, the mom character might be saying “this is awesome” at the end of this HISHE alternative ending for another reason. [via “How It Should Have Ended”...

Deviantartist spicystewdemon, reimagines Disney characters as prom picture-takers and it is AWESOME. Click through to The Mary Sue to see even more Disney Prom Pictures, including ones for the Rescuers and the Hunchback and Esmerelda. [h/t The Mary...

3 members of Boyz II Men crooning about how much they love white jeans on women and girls. Because why not? 90s crush officially killed.  Also, I absolutely HATE white jeans and there is nothing on this earth that would ever convince me to wear them....

Preach! You betta run tell that! [image by misanthropist on most...

As someone who was officially taught to drink by Brits, Aussies, and Kiwis, THE WORLD’S END, the new Simon Pegg/Nick Frost movie, about an adult pub crawl turned sci-fi horror comedy, looks PHENOMENAL. I mean even better than HOT FUZZ. And it might even make up for PAUL–joking: nothing will ever make up for PAUL, but this movie might make me resent those 104 minutes I can never get back a little less. We’ll see. It releases in late...

Looking back on it, I’m not even sure how I made it through the 90s. Viva Los Telephonos Inteligente! (And very sorry if I just butchered that Spanish.) [via...

At least it’s amazing until they come to the part where they remind us that the season finale is next Tuesday. Boo! Why can’t funny shows be year-round? [h/t...

I don’t have any tattoos. I know, super-surprising, right? But I always say that if I do get one, it will be on the back of my neck. So big respect for this one. [h/t...

If you are or have ever been a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle fan, you must, must, must watch this video. But not at work, because this version of TMNT is NSFW. [h/t...

An infographic that covers the evolution of Iron Man’s armor. Also, something to do make do with while we wait for the Star Trek items to start rolling in. Click on the pic to make bigger. [h/t Fashionably Geek] Infographic Created by HalloweenCostumes.com...

Just in case you were wondering… [h/t io9]

Don’t forget that Mother’s Day is right around the corner. And here are a couple of cards from the GrammaticalAlert Etsy shop to go along with your clever gift for your favorite nerdy mom. Click on either card to buy yours for...

My favorite was Bane, and my fellow 80s kids will appreciate the shout-out to both Darth Vader and Lord Dark Helmet! [h/t The Mary...

As someone who is constantly trying to make her routine tasks more efficient, I might take another gander at this xkcd comic before I pick up yet another self-help or how-to...

I’d totally watch this if it were a movie or TV series, but unfortunately, it’s just the fantastical and new wavish music video for “Alive” by Empire of the Sun. [h/t...

For those of us who like to watch ALL the HGTV, this Ikea commercial is beyond hilarious. [h/t The Mary...

Joy of Tech for the win! [h/t LikeCool]...

Am I the only one disturbed that the “gourmet Chinese” restaurant, Panda Express has decided to name their newest dish after a Japanese warrior? I mean, I know, I know, it’s a stretch to call Panda Express Chinese food anyway, but c’mon… Weird vegetarian pandas getting excited over a mostly meat dish named after a Japanese warrior ad...