How To Grow Your Geek: Parenting and More! » Board Game Reviews http://www.howtogrowyourgeek.net Parenting while being a Geek, and maybe, just maybe, getting your kids to be Geeks too! Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:54:15 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 ©Susie the Southern Geek howtogrowyourgeek@gmail.com (Susie the Southern Geek) howtogrowyourgeek@gmail.com(Susie the Southern Geek) Family and Hobbies 1440 Kids, family, Parenting, games, hobbies, humor, science fiction Parenting while being a Geek, and maybe, just maybe, getting your kids to be Geeks too! Parenting while being a Geek, and maybe, just maybe, getting your kids to be Geeks too! Not just for parents, HTGYG is for any Geek who really wants to enjoy sharing your favorite geeky pastimes with younger friends or family members. We will discuss games, tv shows, news, and cultural issues, as well as try to have a lot of fun! Come join us! Susie the Southern Geek Susie the Southern Geek howtogrowyourgeek@gmail.com No clean http://www.howtogrowyourgeek.net/images/HTGYG144x144.jpg How To Grow Your Geek: Parenting and More! http://www.howtogrowyourgeek.net 144 144 HTGYG Show#69: Incan Gold and Meteorite Men http://www.howtogrowyourgeek.net/2010/04/21/htgyg-show69-incan-gold-and-meteorite-men/ http://www.howtogrowyourgeek.net/2010/04/21/htgyg-show69-incan-gold-and-meteorite-men/#comments Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:06:28 +0000 susiethegeek http://www.howtogrowyourgeek.net/?p=211 Sponsor: Try GotoMeeting free for 30 days!

In this episode, we review a card-based game Amanda got for her birthday, Incan Gold. I recommend it for kids – it is quick, easy, and you can work on their simple math skills without them complaining much! Next, I review the Science Channel show Meteorite Men, which I recommend for hardcore rock hounds and meteorite buffs. Finally, Wyatt calls in with a discussion of motion control platforms in gaming, a commentary on  Army Men, and a comment on Bioshock.

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Please email me with your own comments at howtogrowyourgeek – at-gmail -dot-com, or call my voicemail number at 206-202-7309 and leave your thoughts. You can also visit our forum at the Farpoint Forums. And last but not least, you can follow me on Twitter at SusietheGeek or the show at HowToGrowGeek!

Theme music courtesy of Jonathan Coulton

Promos: The Parsec Awards and the Safe Haven Podcast

]]> http://www.howtogrowyourgeek.net/2010/04/21/htgyg-show69-incan-gold-and-meteorite-men/feed/ 3 00:01:01 Sponsor: Try GotoMeeting free for 30 days! In this episode, we review a card-based game Amanda got for her birthday, Incan Gold. I recommend it for ... Sponsor: Try GotoMeeting free for 30 days! In this episode, we review a card-based game Amanda got for her birthday, Incan Gold. I recommend it for kids - it is quick, easy, and you can work on their simple math skills without them complaining much! Next, I review the Science Channel show Meteorite Men, which I recommend for hardcore rock hounds and meteorite buffs. Finally, Wyatt calls in with a discussion of motion control platforms in gaming, a commentary onnbsp; Army Men, and a comment on Bioshock. Please email me with your own comments at howtogrowyourgeek - at-gmail -dot-com, or call my voicemail number at 206-202-7309 and leave your thoughts. You can also visit our forum at the Farpoint Forums. And last but not least, you can follow me on Twitter at SusietheGeek or the show at HowToGrowGeek! Theme music courtesy of Jonathan Coulton Promos: The Parsec Awards and the Safe Haven Podcast Board,Game,Reviews,,TV,Show,Reviews,,Video,Game,Reviews Susie the Southern Geek no No HTGYG Show #51: Fan Congrats and Pandemic! http://www.howtogrowyourgeek.net/2009/10/02/htgyg-show-51-fan-congrats-and-pandemic/ http://www.howtogrowyourgeek.net/2009/10/02/htgyg-show-51-fan-congrats-and-pandemic/#comments Fri, 02 Oct 2009 20:25:45 +0000 susiethegeek http://www.howtogrowyourgeek.net/?p=163 Sponsor: Try GotoAssist Express free for 30 days!

This week, I wanted to play some of the great voicemails I got from you all out there congratulating me on the 50th show! Then I reviewed the board game Pandemic, and its expansion On the Brink, produced by Z-Man Games.

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Amanda was a little sick as I produced this episode, so since we had sort of a disease theme going here,  we finish up with a song by MC Frontalot featuring Jonathan Coulton called “Diseases of Yore.” The video is from their live performance at PAX. You can download this song and many of his other Nerdcore offerings free at his site!

Don’t forget to check out the 365 Days of Astronomy Podcast!

Please email me with your own comments at howtogrowyourgeek – at-gmail -dot-com, or call my voicemail number at 206-202-7309 and leave your thoughts. You can also visit our forum at the Farpoint Forums. And last but not least, you can follow me on Twitter!

Promos: The Dollhouse Podcast and Tuning in to SciFi TV!

Theme music courtesy of Jonathan Coulton

]]> http://www.howtogrowyourgeek.net/2009/10/02/htgyg-show-51-fan-congrats-and-pandemic/feed/ 0 00:01:01 Sponsor: Try GotoAssist Express free for 30 days! This week, I wanted to play some of the great voicemails I got from you all ... Sponsor: Try GotoAssist Express free for 30 days! This week, I wanted to play some of the great voicemails I got from you all out there congratulating me on the 50th show! Then I reviewed the board game Pandemic, and its expansion On the Brink, produced by Z-Man Games. Amanda was a little sick as I produced this episode, so since we had sort of a disease theme going here,nbsp; we finish up with a song by MC Frontalot featuring Jonathan Coulton called "Diseases of Yore." The video is from their live performance at PAX. You can download this song and many of his other Nerdcore offerings free at his site! Don't forget to check out the 365 Days of Astronomy Podcast! Please email me with your own comments at howtogrowyourgeek - at-gmail -dot-com, or call my voicemail number at 206-202-7309 and leave your thoughts. You can also visit our forum at the Farpoint Forums. And last but not least, you can follow me on Twitter! Promos: The Dollhouse Podcast and Tuning in to SciFi TV! Theme music courtesy of Jonathan Coulton Board,Game,Reviews,,Cool,Music,,Shows,,Special,Topics Susie the Southern Geek clean No HTGYG Show #48: The Colony and I Fight Dragons http://www.howtogrowyourgeek.net/2009/08/21/htgyg-show-48-the-colony-and-i-fight-dragons/ http://www.howtogrowyourgeek.net/2009/08/21/htgyg-show-48-the-colony-and-i-fight-dragons/#comments Fri, 21 Aug 2009 20:42:49 +0000 susiethegeek http://www.howtogrowyourgeek.net/?p=159 This week, I review the new reality/experiment show on the Discovery Channel, The Colony. Next, I have a great song for you from the group I Fight Dragons, who use old video game music in their songs. Their song is a cover of Jonathan Coulton’s “The Future Soon,” which I use as my theme song. Finally, we have an email from listener Joe, who recommends the following RPGs as being kid-friendly!

Mouse Guard Game and a Mouse Guard Review

Update – Mouse Guard recently won ENie awards for Best Production Value, and Product of the Year!

Misspent Youth

Inspectres

And don’t forget, our friend Doug is at sea on the JOIDES Resolution expedition, and is blogging and Twittering back his experiences as a science teacher witnessing lots of scientists studying the sea floor. Check out Doug’s blog!

Thanks for all the input, and keep it coming! And, if you have some time, I would appreciate a review on iTunes!

Don’t forget to check out the 365 Days of Astronomy Podcast! We had a show on Aug. 18, all about helium and the Sun!

Please email me with your own comments at howtogrowyourgeek – at-gmail -dot-com, or call my voicemail number at 206-202-7309 and leave your thoughts. You can also visit our forum at the Farpoint Forums. And last but not least, you can follow me on Twitter!

Promos: The Dollhouse Podcast and Angel Between the Lines

Theme music courtesy of Jonathan Coulton

]]> http://www.howtogrowyourgeek.net/2009/08/21/htgyg-show-48-the-colony-and-i-fight-dragons/feed/ 3 00:01:01 This week, I review the new reality/experiment show on the Discovery Channel, The Colony. Next, I have a great song for you from the group ... This week, I review the new reality/experiment show on the Discovery Channel, The Colony. Next, I have a great song for you from the group I Fight Dragons, who use old video game music in their songs. Their song is a cover of Jonathan Coulton's "The Future Soon," which I use as my theme song. Finally, we have an email from listener Joe, who recommends the following RPGs as being kid-friendly! Mouse Guard Game and a Mouse Guard Review Update - Mouse Guard recently won ENie awards for Best Production Value, and Product of the Year! Misspent Youth Inspectres And don't forget, our friend Doug is at sea on the JOIDES Resolution expedition, and is blogging and Twittering back his experiences as a science teacher witnessing lots of scientists studying the sea floor. Check out Doug's blog! Thanks for all the input, and keep it coming! And, if you have some time, I would appreciate a review on iTunes! Don't forget to check out the 365 Days of Astronomy Podcast! We had a show on Aug. 18, all about helium and the Sun! Please email me with your own comments at howtogrowyourgeek - at-gmail -dot-com, or call my voicemail number at 206-202-7309 and leave your thoughts. You can also visit our forum at the Farpoint Forums. And last but not least, you can follow me on Twitter! Promos: The Dollhouse Podcast and Angel Between the Lines Theme music courtesy of Jonathan Coulton Board,Game,Reviews,,Cool,Music,,Shows,,TV,Show,Reviews Susie the Southern Geek clean No HTGYG Show #43: John, Amanda and I play Space Alert!!! http://www.howtogrowyourgeek.net/2009/07/12/htgyg-show-43-space-alert-with-john-and-amanda/ http://www.howtogrowyourgeek.net/2009/07/12/htgyg-show-43-space-alert-with-john-and-amanda/#comments Mon, 13 Jul 2009 01:30:20 +0000 susiethegeek http://www.howtogrowyourgeek.net/?p=150 Sponsor: Try GotoAssist Express free for 30 days!

This episode is really fun! I get my husband John and my daughter Amanda to tell us about one of our newest games, Space Alert. This new game by Vladda Chvatil of Czech Games Edition, produced by Rio Grande Games, puts you as the crew of a spaceship, encountering problems in real time. John explains the game, we play it, and you hear what we did and how we did it, and how it didn’t go so well due to a giant asteroid! This game is great fun recommended for 12+, although we did let Amanda play it. Enjoy!

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Thanks for all the input, and keep it coming! And, if you have some time, I would appreciate a review on iTunes!

Don’t forget to check out the 365 Days of Astronomy Podcast!

Please email me with your own comments at howtogrowyourgeek – at-gmail -dot-com, or call my voicemail number at 206-202-7309 and leave your thoughts. You can also visit our forum at the Farpoint Forums. And last but not least, you can follow me on Twitter!

Promos: The Chronic Rift and Short Cummings Audio

Theme music courtesy of Jonathan Coulton

]]> http://www.howtogrowyourgeek.net/2009/07/12/htgyg-show-43-space-alert-with-john-and-amanda/feed/ 1 00:01:01 Sponsor: Try GotoAssist Express free for 30 days! This episode is really fun! I get my husband John and my daughter Amanda to tell ... Sponsor: Try GotoAssist Express free for 30 days! This episode is really fun! I get my husband John and my daughter Amanda to tell us about one of our newest games, Space Alert. This new game by Vladda Chvatil of Czech Games Edition, produced by Rio Grande Games, puts you as the crew of a spaceship, encountering problems in real time. John explains the game, we play it, and you hear what we did and how we did it, and how it didn't go so well due to a giant asteroid! This game is great fun recommended for 12+, although we did let Amanda play it. Enjoy! Thanks for all the input, and keep it coming! And, if you have some time, I would appreciate a review on iTunes! Don't forget to check out the 365 Days of Astronomy Podcast! Please email me with your own comments at howtogrowyourgeek - at-gmail -dot-com, or call my voicemail number at 206-202-7309 and leave your thoughts. You can also visit our forum at the Farpoint Forums. And last but not least, you can follow me on Twitter! Promos: The Chronic Rift and Short Cummings Audio Theme music courtesy of Jonathan Coulton Board,Game,Reviews,,Shows Susie the Southern Geek clean No HTGYG Show #20:Games and Toys We Got! http://www.howtogrowyourgeek.net/2009/01/08/htgyg-show-20games-and-toys-we-got/ http://www.howtogrowyourgeek.net/2009/01/08/htgyg-show-20games-and-toys-we-got/#comments Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:30:19 +0000 susiethegeek http://www.howtogrowyourgeek.net/?p=82 Sponsor: Try GotoMyPC free for 30 days! For this special offer, visit www.GotoMyPC.com/podcast

Hi everyone! I hope you had a great holiday break! We did, and we wanted to tell you about some of the games and toys we got! I also wanted to let you know about the episode I am going to do for the 365 Days of Astronomy Podcast, and the AstronomyCast.

Please email me with your own comments at howtogrowyourgeek – at-gmail -dot-com, or call my voicemail number at 206-202-7309 and leave your thoughts. You can also visit our forum at the Farpoint Forums. You can also see our super cute t-shirts, mugs and bags at our Zazzle store link, if you are interested. And last but not least, you can follow me on Twitter!

Promo: Dragon Page with Class Podcast

Logo Art by Tim Coffey

Theme music courtesy of Jonathan Coulton
Sound effects and other music courtesy of pacdv.com

]]> http://www.howtogrowyourgeek.net/2009/01/08/htgyg-show-20games-and-toys-we-got/feed/ 3 00:01:01 Sponsor: Try GotoMyPC free for 30 days! For this special offer, visit www.GotoMyPC.com/podcast Hi everyone! I hope you had a great holiday break! We ... Sponsor: Try GotoMyPC free for 30 days! For this special offer, visit www.GotoMyPC.com/podcast Hi everyone! I hope you had a great holiday break! We did, and we wanted to tell you about some of the games and toys we got! I also wanted to let you know about the episode I am going to do for the 365 Days of Astronomy Podcast, and the AstronomyCast. Please email me with your own comments at howtogrowyourgeek - at-gmail -dot-com, or call my voicemail number at 206-202-7309 and leave your thoughts. You can also visit our forum at the Farpoint Forums. You can also see our super cute t-shirts, mugs and bags at our Zazzle store link, if you are interested. And last but not least, you can follow me on Twitter! Promo: Dragon Page with Class Podcast Logo Art by Tim Coffey Theme music courtesy of Jonathan Coulton Sound effects and other music courtesy of pacdv.com Board,Game,Reviews,,Shows Susie the Southern Geek clean No HTGYG Show #10: WALL-E (SPOILERS) and Pandemic http://www.howtogrowyourgeek.net/2008/07/25/htgyg-show-10-wall-e-spoilers-and-pandemic/ http://www.howtogrowyourgeek.net/2008/07/25/htgyg-show-10-wall-e-spoilers-and-pandemic/#comments Fri, 25 Jul 2008 04:40:12 +0000 susiethegeek http://www.howtogrowyourgeek.net/?p=45 It has been a while, since our last show, due to more dental problems and lots of painting! The kids and I finally got time to sit down and review the movie “WALL-E.” We all enjoyed this show, and beware, there are SPOILERS for the movie.

My husband John explains the board game “Pandemic,” with commentary from my daughter Amanda.

I am having wisdom teeth removed tomorrow, so it will be about 2 weeks until the next episode. School starts here in early August, so then I will be able to get back on a regular schedule.

Thanks to Darcy Low for all of the great book and movie reviews up on the blog!

Thanks so much for listening!

Please email me with your own comments at howtogrowyourgeek – at-gmail -dot-com, or call my voicemail number at 206-202-7309 and leave your thoughts. You can also visit our forum at the Farpoint Forums.

I would also love your comments, family stories and questions!

Logo Art by Tim Coffey

Theme music courtesy of Jonathan Coulton
Sound effects and other music courtesy of pacdv.com

]]> http://www.howtogrowyourgeek.net/2008/07/25/htgyg-show-10-wall-e-spoilers-and-pandemic/feed/ 0 00:01:01 It has been a while, since our last show, due to more dental problems and lots of painting! The kids and I finally got ... It has been a while, since our last show, due to more dental problems and lots of painting! The kids and I finally got time to sit down and review the movie "WALL-E." We all enjoyed this show, and beware, there are SPOILERS for the movie. My husband John explains the board game "Pandemic," with commentary from my daughter Amanda. I am having wisdom teeth removed tomorrow, so it will be about 2 weeks until the next episode. School starts here in early August, so then I will be able to get back on a regular schedule. Thanks to Darcy Low for all of the great book and movie reviews up on the blog! Thanks so much for listening! Please email me with your own comments at howtogrowyourgeek - at-gmail -dot-com, or call my voicemail number at 206-202-7309 and leave your thoughts. You can also visit our forum at the Farpoint Forums. I would also love your comments, family stories and questions! Logo Art by Tim Coffey Theme music courtesy of Jonathan Coulton Sound effects and other music courtesy of pacdv.com Board,Game,Reviews,,Movie,Reviews,,Shows Susie the Southern Geek clean No HTGYG Show #7: Dangerous Things Kids Should Do http://www.howtogrowyourgeek.net/2008/05/19/htgyg-7-dangerous-things-kids-should-do/ http://www.howtogrowyourgeek.net/2008/05/19/htgyg-7-dangerous-things-kids-should-do/#comments Mon, 19 May 2008 19:52:07 +0000 susiethegeek http://www.howtogrowyourgeek.net/?p=28 This episode was inspired by this video, linked to by the Thoughtful Geeks podcast, about what dangerous things we should let kids do in order for them to learn important lessons. I go over their examples and add my own family’s experiences.

Then, I review the tile-based board game Carcassonne, which is an inexpensive classic that is great to play with everyone ages 5 and up.

Thanks so much to Darcy for her kind email! Please email us with your own comments at howtogrowyourgeek – at-gmail -dot-com, or call my voicemail number at 206-202-7309 and leave your thoughts. You can also visit our forum at the Farpoint Forums.

I would also love your comments, family stories and questions!

Logo Art by Tim Coffey

Theme music courtesy of Jonathan Coulton
Sound effects and other music courtesy of pacdv.com

]]> http://www.howtogrowyourgeek.net/2008/05/19/htgyg-7-dangerous-things-kids-should-do/feed/ 0 25:14 This episode was inspired by this video, linked to by the Thoughtful Geeks podcast, about what dangerous things we should let kids do in order ... This episode was inspired by this video, linked to by the Thoughtful Geeks podcast, about what dangerous things we should let kids do in order for them to learn important lessons. I go over their examples and add my own family's experiences. Then, I review the tile-based board game Carcassonne, which is an inexpensive classic that is great to play with everyone ages 5 and up. Thanks so much to Darcy for her kind email! Please email us with your own comments at howtogrowyourgeek - at-gmail -dot-com, or call my voicemail number at 206-202-7309 and leave your thoughts. You can also visit our forum at the Farpoint Forums. I would also love your comments, family stories and questions! Logo Art by Tim Coffey Theme music courtesy of Jonathan Coulton Sound effects and other music courtesy of pacdv.com Board,Game,Reviews,,Shows,,Special,Topics Susie the Southern Geek clean No HTGYG Show #3: Parenting Styles and Lego Star Wars http://www.howtogrowyourgeek.net/2008/04/21/htgyg-show-3-parenting-styles-and-lego-star-wars/ http://www.howtogrowyourgeek.net/2008/04/21/htgyg-show-3-parenting-styles-and-lego-star-wars/#comments Tue, 22 Apr 2008 02:28:44 +0000 susiethegeek http://www.howtogrowyourgeek.net/?p=15 Hi everyone!

This week we have a patchwork quilt of a show. I present an article from Parenting.com about parenting styles, then my husband John comments on his theory of getting young kids to game. Next I review one of our favorite games to play with older children and adults, Last Night on Earth: The Zombie Game. Then I interview my 5 year-old son Kevin about his favorite games, which include Lego Star Wars, and I review the Discovery Channel’s outstanding DVD set Planet Earth.

What do you think is the biggest challenge to being a geek parent? Please email us at howtogrowyourgeek – at-gmail -dot-com, or call my voicemail number 206-202-7309.

I would also love your comments, family stories and questions!

Logo Art by Tim Coffey

Theme music courtesy of Jonathan Coulton
Sound effects and other music courtesy of pacdv.com

Subscribe using iTunes! and show us some iTunes love!

]]> http://www.howtogrowyourgeek.net/2008/04/21/htgyg-show-3-parenting-styles-and-lego-star-wars/feed/ 0 25:04 Hi everyone! This week we have a patchwork quilt of a show. I present an article from Parenting.com about parenting styles, then my husband John ... Hi everyone! This week we have a patchwork quilt of a show. I present an article from Parenting.com about parenting styles, then my husband John comments on his theory of getting young kids to game. Next I review one of our favorite games to play with older children and adults, Last Night on Earth: The Zombie Game. Then I interview my 5 year-old son Kevin about his favorite games, which include Lego Star Wars, and I review the Discovery Channel's outstanding DVD set Planet Earth. What do you think is the biggest challenge to being a geek parent? Please email us at howtogrowyourgeek - at-gmail -dot-com, or call my voicemail number 206-202-7309. I would also love your comments, family stories and questions! Logo Art by Tim Coffey Theme music courtesy of Jonathan Coulton Sound effects and other music courtesy of pacdv.com Subscribe using iTunes! and show us some iTunes love! Board,Game,Reviews,,Shows,,TV,Show,Reviews,,Video,Game,Reviews Susie the Southern Geek clean No HTGYG Show #2: Great Games for Kids http://www.howtogrowyourgeek.net/2008/04/14/htgyg-show-2/ http://www.howtogrowyourgeek.net/2008/04/14/htgyg-show-2/#comments Mon, 14 Apr 2008 21:00:43 +0000 susiethegeek http://www.howtogrowyourgeek.net/?p=8 In this episode, I present the new hands-only method of CPR. More information is available at the American Heart Association.

Then my husband John joins me to comment on last episode’s topic of what to do when you bring your little geek home. Then I review one of our favorite Discovery Channel shows, “Dirty Jobs.”

Finally, I present four of my favorite board games for playing with my little geeks, starting at 4-5 years old. The games I present are Apples to Apples Jr., Uno Attack, The Amazing Labyrinth, and Battleground: Crossbows and Catapults.

Please send in your recorded comments and emails to Howtogrowyourgeek -at- gmail.com or call 206-202-7309 and leave me a voicemail! I would love your comments, family stories and questions!

Logo Art by Tim Coffey

Theme music courtesy of Jonathan Coulton
Sound effects and other music courtesy of pacdv.com

Subscribe using iTunes! and show us some iTunes love!

]]> http://www.howtogrowyourgeek.net/2008/04/14/htgyg-show-2/feed/ 0 26:52 In this episode, I present the new hands-only method of CPR. More information is available at the American Heart Association. Then my husband John joins me ... In this episode, I present the new hands-only method of CPR. More information is available at the American Heart Association. Then my husband John joins me to comment on last episode's topic of what to do when you bring your little geek home. Then I review one of our favorite Discovery Channel shows, "Dirty Jobs." Finally, I present four of my favorite board games for playing with my little geeks, starting at 4-5 years old. The games I present are Apples to Apples Jr., Uno Attack, The Amazing Labyrinth, and Battleground: Crossbows and Catapults. Please send in your recorded comments and emails to Howtogrowyourgeek -at- gmail.com or call 206-202-7309 and leave me a voicemail! I would love your comments, family stories and questions! Logo Art by Tim Coffey Theme music courtesy of Jonathan Coulton Sound effects and other music courtesy of pacdv.com Subscribe using iTunes! and show us some iTunes love! Board,Game,Reviews,,Shows,,TV,Show,Reviews Susie the Southern Geek clean No