SPOTLIGHT: 10 Ideas to Nerd Up Your Home... in a Cool Way!

As nerds or geeks, we tend to keep the creativity on the page rather than in our feng shui and nothing is more embarrassing when we bring a friend, family member or even a girl/guy over and they're less than impressed with our living surroundings.

So, gather your tools and all your posters because here are 10 ideas you can use to make your home really cool!

Living Room

As geeks and nerds we tend to hoard tons of art prints, posters and toys. Let's not even talk about the comic books and graphic novels. One place to display some of our cool stuff is in the living room where most of our visitors will be hanging out. They make great conversation starters and there's a lot to look at when you go to the kitchen to refill a drink or grab some food for them.

The thing with shelves though is that you need a system with your display. Don't grab all your collectibles and put them in one tiny shelf. Don't fill every space with your stuff. There's a fine line between order and hoarder.

Your living room walls can be used to host your art prints and/or canvases as your very own gallery.

No matter how small or big your space is, make sure the area isn't cluttered to the point you can't walk or put anything down.

BONUS:
Here are some items you can buy to complete your vibe! Note that most of these items are expensive because usually only one site offers them (unless you can find it on ebay).

Whether it's just you at the house or you have visitors, the mug and coaster is a nice little touch!
Buy HERE

Every couch needs some throw pillows!
Buy HERE

Kitchen

There aren't a lot (or any) pictures of geeky kitchens out there but there are some items you can buy for yours!

Check this link out for the cups displayed above and other knick knacks from ice cube trays to oven mits:

 http://distractify.com/geek/2015/03/16/geeky-kitchen-gadgets-1197888810

Bedroom

The bedroom is the most sacred of all rooms in your manor because it's the place where you do two very important things 1.) Sleep 2.) Create the Beast with Two Backs! You know it to be true! It's important that you keep it clean but it doesn't have to be a cliche. You can still add a bit of your flare to it with your geeky obsessions but like I said in the Living Room, there's a difference between order and hoarder!

Bathroom

The bathroom is the place that you clean yourself, relieve yourself and groom yourself. That doesn't mean it has to be boring. Spice it up with the things you love!

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There are so many sites that offer geeky/nerdy household items and appliances. Don't be afraid to shop online and if you don't know where to start, start with Google and type in something like, "Star Wars Bathroom" then click the Shopping button on the top.

SPIDERMAN: Meet Your New Mary Jane!

Since she was cast in Spiderman: Homecoming, fans wondered who she'd be playing well now it's been revealed! She's none other than Mary Jane Watson! We're thrilled about it! How about you? DO you think she has what it takes to be Mary Jane?

THE LITTLE MERMAID: Live- Action in the Works!

So it's official, The Little Mermaid joins the list of movies Disney will "remake" in live-action. The film will feature new songs of which Alan Menken, original composer, is attached to and Lin- Manuel Miranda. Miranda is best known for the popular award winning, Hamilton.

No one has been announced to be attached to the project, for now.

AMERICAN HORROR STORY: Universal Studios Will Feature Series For 'Horror Nights'

Ok, American Horror Story fans! Starting September 16, Universal Studios will feature elements of the show in their annual Halloween Horror Night's!

The attraction will be featured as mazes. For a limited time, visitors can venture Murder House, the Freak Show and the Hotel. Characters from various seasons will visit you as well like Twisty the Clown among others.

Are you excited yet?

SPOTLIGHT: Nerd Brigade's Favorite LGBTQ Characters on TV!

We always talk about superheroes and just barely touch on some equally interesting topics and that's usually when it involves, well... superheroes. Not today! Because television is something that people can't live without these days and it's a big deal here at Nerd Brigade, here are our favorite LGBTQ characters in no particular order.

Victor Strand (Fear the Walking Dead)

This is comic book-ish related, right? His sexuality was slowly revealed in a chill way and I respected that. We got to know who Victor was before we found out who he was in love with. Victor Strand is played by Coleman Domingo.

Fear the Walking Dead is on AMC

Cosima (Orphan Black)

This show is awesome not just because of the story but the character development and Cosima is a favorite here. Cosima is played by Tatiana Maslany.

Orphan Black is on BBC America

Jamal Lyon (Empire)

Jamal struggles with proving his ability to run the family business has nothing to do with the fact that he's gay. He also has a smoking voice! Jamal Lyon is played by Jussie Smollet.

Empire is on FOX

Sophia Burset (Orange is the New Black)

Sophia has gone through some hard times and her character's story line has brought up some pretty important issues regarding transgender rights. I've always been on her side and wish she would have more screen time. Sophia Burset is played by Laverne Cox.

Orange is the New Black is on Netflix.

Boone Clemens (Scream Queens)

His character didn't bring up anything important but he was funny and supportive. I'd share a room with him. Boone Clemens is played by Nick Jonas.

Scream Queens is on FOX.

Lexa (The 100)

She made, probably the biggest impact in 2016 (so far). I'll let you Google why to avoid spoilers. Lexa is a bad ass leader and warrior who I too, wished had more screen time. I'd actually watch a Lexa spin off but that just me. Lexa is played by Alycia Debnam- Carey.

The 100 is on The CW.

Emily Fields (Pretty Little Liars)

It's been 7 years since the show made its debut! We practically watched her grow and although she and the rest of the liars have changed so much, they all have yet to out grow one thing: lying! It's ok, though. Emily Fields is played by Shay Mitchell.

Danny (Teen Wolf)

He may be human but he can handle more! It was a relief, honestly, to see a gay character in a show full of werewolves, you know what I mean? Danny is played by Keahu Kahuanui.

Teen Wolf is on MTV.

Fox (Fox)

The mysterious Fox is not your typical dream girl in any way. Yes, she may be charming and funny but the girl can kick ass to protect the ones she cares about and she'd even go further for the one she loves. Fox is played by Monroe Hayden.

Fox is on SkySoft.

Yera Greyjoy (Game of Thrones)

The show is a pretty big deal for obvious reasons; it's good. Over the years the show has featured few gay characters but very little lesbians. Yera, the current Head of the House of Greyjoy has a badass demeanor that allows her to fit right in with her male co-stars. Yera Greyjoy is played by Gemma Whelan.

Game of Thrones is on HBO.

Sara Lance (Arrow)

She's a superhero who can take a beating and she's into girls too. Need I say more? Sara Lance is played by Caity Lotz.

Arrow is on The CW.

SUPERGIRL/FLASH: Musical Crossover? Wtf?

After weeks of rumors, it's finally confirmed that The Flash and Supergirl will have a musical crossover. Smh.

This is usually a move that shows do out of desperation in their 5th (and above) seasons as their writers run out of ideas but it looks like the CW is either desperate or just taking a big risk for musical fans.

Why would this even be considered? The Flash's Grant Gustin and Supergirl's Melissa Benoist are Glee alumni. Jesse L. Martin (The Flash) was an original cast member for Rent, Carlos Valdes (The Flash) has albums and Jeremy Jordan (Supergirl) starred in NBC's Smash and is starring in Broadway's Newsies. Now word who exactly will be singing or dancing in the episode but it's assumed both stars will be taking center stage for it.

I personally, am not looking forward to this. It seems like a big mistake in my opinion and although comic books have that creative edge to pull off such odd things, I think that doing it on screen this early is not a good move but hey, it might actually be good, who knows?

Do you think this is a mistake?

KENNY BAKER: Actor Who Brought R2-D2 to Life Dies

The actor that played R2-D2 in the Star Wars franchise, Kenny Baker, has passed away at age 81 on August 13, 2016. No official statement has been made regarding the cause of death but it is to believed that Baker was ill for some time and even missed the U.S Star Wars: The Force Awakens premiere due to it.

Thank you for being a part of a movie that inspired so many to look to the stars and dream. Farewell, old friend.

FREEDOM FIGHTERS: CW Seed Will Debut Series With Gay Lead

Although it's not on the main network and it's not in live- action, this is still a big step for humanity. CW Seed, the network's digital channel will debut Freedom Fighters: The Ray based the characters from DC and will feature a gay lead. This is the first superhero TV/Film series that will feature a gay superhero to lead a series. This is awesome!

I really want this to do well because then live-action films will do the same in due time. Most comic book fans aren't opposed to gay/lesbian characters nor segregate from the LGBTQ community but when comics become films or TV series, our beloved stories and characters are judged by a whole new group of viewers and that can discriminate not only fans of the LGBTQ community but comic book fans as well. I think the CW is doing the smart thing by introducing the idea of  a gay superhero lead as an animated series first. Hopefully, if it does well, they'll incorporate it to their live-action series.

Read More on VARIETY

SUPERGIRL: Sharon Leal Cast As Miss Martian

DC is trying their best to salvage Supergirl by featuring some cool characters! In one of my articles, I mentioned a few things that the CW would have to do to save the daughter of Krypton and it looks like they knew what they had to do too. Today it was released that Sharon Leal has been cast as Miss Martian! This marks the first time the character be adapted to live-action, having only appeared in comics and animation.

Read: Can CW Save Supergirl? Here's What Needs to Be Done.

APPRECIATION POST: Tommy and Kimberly!

You had a crush on one of them. Admit it.

STAR WARS: Rogue One Trailer

AQUAMAN: Black Manta Confirmed as Villain

In Jason Momoa's stand alone superhero film, Aquaman, the villain has been confirmed to be Black Manta.

Read More about Black Manta HERE.

Aquaman is set to release in 2017/

JASON MOMOA: The Crow Reboot?

According to Mashable, the Aquaman star is in talks to star in the 1994 cult classic reboot, The Crow. While Colin Hardy is set to direct, Jason Momoa will play Eric Davin.

The film is rumored to premiere before Aquaman's 2018 release.

SPIDERMAN HOMECOMING: Meet The Tinkerer

According to Deadline, Orange is the New Black's Michael Chernus has joined the cast of Spiderman: Homecoming as Phineas Mason, better known as The Tinkerer.

Spiderman: Homecoming will premiere July 7, 2017.

WORLD WAR Z: Sequel Seeking Director

Juan Antonio Bayona was eyed for the sequel but left to direct the Jurassic World (not yet titled) sequel instead, so Brad Pitt is hoping that Fight Club collaborator, David Fincher, according to Variety. Pitt and Fincher have worked previously together on Se7en, Fight Club and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Since no director has officially signed on for the job, the film's June 9, 2017 premiere will most likely be rescheduled.

CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: A Reboot In The Works

The rumor has been circulating for years and now we have a confirmation, TriStar Pictures, The Mark Gordon Company, The C.S. Lewis Company, and Entertainment One (eOne) will finance the film, The Silver Chair. This is not a continuation of the previous films, it'll stand on its own and the any future installments have yet to be announced.

SPOTLIGHT: The Eye Smear

Eye makeup is a crucial part of Hollywood magic whether you're starring in Sex and the City or Captain America but lately, if you haven't noticed, Hollywood and Television have taken eye makeup to a whole new level, a messier level. Let's call it, The Eye Smear, dun-dun-dun!

It dramatic, mysterious and shall we even say, sexy? It's been a part of our film industry since the beginning. When film just began, makeup artists would use the dramatic eye effect due to the quality of film and who are we kidding, for drama. As film became more refined, so did the look.

The messy look that we're more familiar with initially became prominent with rock stars. Kiss, probably the most popular rock band to play with dramatic eye makeup made it more of a cliche, unfortunately, after the rock star era faded. However, rock musicians continued to play with eye shadow in a non-traditional way like Keith Richards, Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie and Steven Tyler, to name a few.

In the early 2000's Johnny Depp's Jack Sparrow brought the messy look back and made it popular with his portrayal of Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. Depp used Keith Richards as one of his inspirations for the character and his look while he, himself, made the character a modern day rock star. Hollywood caught on.

Although not every film stars a character with the smeared effect, it's pretty clear, more and more films/shows are designing their characters to sport them. Khal Drogo, played by Jason Momoa, dawned the eye makeup in Game of Thrones. Perhaps the look was to establish the character's culture and barbarian lifestyle, however, not every barbarian adopted the look. Drogo went on to become a fan favorite. Was this going to be a trend or was it just coincidence that the following characters would also smear the shadow and become fan favorites?

Sebastian Stan grabbed some Maybelline (I actually don't know what brand it was) as Bucky in Captain America: Winter Soldier. Alycia Debnam- Carey grabbed her war paint as Lexa in The 100 and recently, Monroe Hayden smeared her eye shadow as Fox in Fox. Even Stephen Amell took it on as Oliver Queen in Arrow before upgrading to a mask.

Most would associate the dramatic look with villains but as you can see, not many villains are actually sporting it. Most of the characters, however, do tread the line between good and evil with Drogo seeming like a bad guy in the beginning but eventually earning the trust and love of Daenerys Targaryen. Bucky being brain washed to follow evil orders but actually being a good guy that Captain America, himself, stands by. Lexa, appearing to be the enemy of Clark and her "tribe" but becoming the love of her life. And Fox, lying to Mina and Xander, making her appear to be the evil manipulator only to reveal she did it all for love. Maybe the look signifies that. With just a wet cloth, their darkness could be wiped. Even Oliver Queen has a dark past.

The look has underlined their characters onscreen appearance and has made fangirls go wild. Perhaps we'll see more characters dawn the look in the near future?

AVENGERS 'INFINITY WAR': Winter Soldier Confirmed!

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Sebastian Stan will be in Avengers: Infinity War early next year with J.K. Simmons. The news caught the eye of fanboys when it was announced that he would star in We Have Always Lived in the Castle.

CLOAK & DAGGER: TV Series Will Be A YA Love Story

Superheroes are the latest buzz in our culture. With TV shows, movies, conventions, Disney, it's no wonder comic book franchises like, Marvel and DC are squeezing as much juice as they can out of what they do best. When it comes to live-action television series, The CW and Netflix takes home the gold. Networks like CBS tried to get on that bandwagon with Supergirl but failed miserably until handing her over to the CW, TNT gave up on Teen Titans and FOX is barely staying afloat with Gotham. This time, Freeform (formally known as ABC Family) is hopping on the bandwagon with a Cloak and Dagger TV show.

For those familiar with the dynamic duo, their story seems perfect for television; a couple of teenage runaways who are granted with super powers after taking bizarre drugs. Sounds like something more that Netflix can deliver, right? So when Freeform announced they'd be taking the wheel, it was a bit of a shock. Then Joseph Loeb, Head of Marvel Television revealed that the show will be more of a love story and not any love story, a YA love story.

So it will be like every other show on the network just the couple will have super powers. However, Loeb stands by the announcement stating, "the characters and story speak to a younger audience."

Will you be checking it out?

LUKE CAGE: Watch The Official Trailer Now

GOTHAM: Here's Your New Poison Ivy!

Oh man! This season is going to drive me nuts!

For those who've been watching the show, you're more familiar with Clare Foley but the character will be undergoing a transformation-

“Following an encounter with a monster from Indian Hill, Ivy Pepper finds herself reborn, and one step closer to the DC villain she is destined to become: Poison Ivy. Now a 19-year-old woman who’s harnessed the full power of her charms, she sets her sights on Bruce Wayne.”

 So let's give  a warm welcome to Maggie Geha who has taken on the role that brings one of our favorite Batman girls to life. Poison Ivy, everyone. Poison Ivy!

GOTHAM: Harley Quinn and Killer Croc! They're in! But not this season...

Executive Producer, John Stevens announced that Batman characters Harley Quinn and a proto Killer Croc will be be in the show due to Hugo Strange's experiments in Indian Hill last season, their appearances, however, won't make it in this season due to Suicide Squad premiering, which makes me wonder why announce it during this years TCA Press Tour if it won't be relevant this coming season?

Either way, it's all good to know that some of our favorite villains will be appearing sometime in the near future, so long as the show doesn't decline in ratings. If you want to see them on TV then watch Gotham on FOX.

GEORGE R.R. MARTIN: New show in the works!

According to The Hollywood Reporter, George R.R. Martin's anthology series, Wild Cards is in the works to become a TV show. Martin announced on his Live Journal account that Universal Cable Productions have acquired the rights. He's also expressed how he will not be involved with the production due to his HBO deal currently still in progress with next Game of Thrones installment. Also in development with HBO is Captain Cosmos and with Cinemax. The Skin Trade.

SIMONE MISSICK: Misty Knight in 'Luke Cage' not 'Iron FIst'

Earlier, Jeph Loeb, Head of Marvel Television said that Simone Missick will playing Misty Knight in Iron Fist but that was a mess up on his part. What he meant was that Missick will be play Misty Knight in Luke Cage which is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on September 30. Luke Cage will be leading The Defenders crossover series following Daredevil, Jessica Jones and followed by Iron Fist. Iron Fist will premiere early 2017 while Defenders is planned to release sometime next year on Netflix.

CHARLIZE THERON: Happy Birthday!

Am I the only one who thought she would have made a great Selena Kyle (Catwoman)?

Happy Birthday Charlize Theron!

ROTTEN TOMATOES: Losing its cred? Probably.

Since Suicide Squad premiered, the reviews have swayed away from the 'Fresh' score to a 'Rotten' one. Fans even petitioned to get the site shut down due to favoritism. Their claim:

“We need this site to be shut down because It’s [ sic ] Critics always give The DC Extended Universe movies unjust Bad Reviews,”

If you're like me, you stay away from reviews and wait to make your own. Critics and fans alike hated Batman V. Superman, according the site, however, if you read users reviews from IMDb, reviews leaned in the films favor. Is there something wrong going on at Rotten Tomatoes or does Rotten Tomatoes have users that favor a certain type of movie?

Regardless of what is going on, this could be the beginning of the end for the site, seeing that it's bringing to light some questions that can ruin its cred. Take this article for example:

http://www.kansascity.com/entertainment/movies-news-reviews/article93975472.html

The author explains in the first part about what the problem is that's been going on and the second part (both parts are short and the second begins after the video post) goes on to explain their experience while rating/reviewing movies, Tarzan (for example) versus Suicide Squad. Both got the same score of 2.5 (by the user) but Tarzan got the 'Fresh' seal of approval while Suicide Squad received the dreaded 'Rotten'. (Pictured Above).

Something smells rancid to me.

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/entertainment/movies-news-reviews/article93975472.html#storylink=cpy

SPOTLIGHT: Idris Elba

So he may not be James Bond, that doesn't mean he wouldn't be a good one! Idris Elba has taken Hollywood by storm and it's no wonder, either, since he's practically in every movie this year- his voice counts! With films like, Zootopia, The Jungle Book, Bastille Day, Finding Dory and Star Trek Beyond, Elba's career is in good shape. So let's salute his accomplishments and appreciate him today.

Elba was born in 1972 in England and is mostly known for playing Russell 'Stringer' Bell on the HBO series The Wire, Detective John Luther on BBC One's Luther and Nelson Mandela in Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom. He has since starred in multiple blockbuster hits like, Thor, Prometheus and Takers.

Support Elba by watching Star Trek Beyond, now in theaters.