Half-Life, Dragon's Lair & A NEW PLAYER HAS ENTERED THE GAME !!!

This week the Nerds welcome Dev-i-boy to the group. Dev-i-boy is also known as Brad, a Brisbane game developer, who we interviewed around a year ago. Check that one out too, it's a good one and it'll be in the show notes below.

Professor and Dev-i-boy are gushing over Half Life: Alyx, despite a massive lack of Valve Index availability in Australia. Why, Valve, why?. HL:Alyx also doubles as an online lecture platform, a Cover your Cough training simulator and apparently, a generally good game.

DJ wants to see the Dragons Lair movie. Ryan Reynolds has been cast in a live action remake of a classic animated Laserdisc game from 1983. Don Bluth is on board, so it should be something interesting to watch.

Once again, the Nerds take on the topic of dinosaur chickens. Professor rants about the software design skills of Dennis Nedry and Dev-i-boy thinks there's no point in bringing back dinosaur chickens. But imagine the drumsticks on those chooks.

As usual, we cover the games of the week and remember some famous figures who passed away this week.

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Seaweed, DMCA & Transformers

Professor and DJ are back to talk about billion-year-old seaweed found in China. This seaweed is older than the combined ages of all our listeners, but doesn't complain when you say "OK Boomer". It also has no thoughts on how you should live your life. Not many thoughts on anything, really, it's extinct. Professor summarises the development of life to DJ, but since DJ is a robot, he just doesn't get it.

Activision are trying some legal tactics to close some leaks while ignoring their own incompetence revealing the new Warzone game mode to the world without the efforts of a leaker. Are they just rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic: Modern Zombies Ops 8?

This week it's DJ's turn to rant about a missing voice actor. #NOTMYOPTIMUS. A new Transformers series without Michael Bay is in the works from the same people who made the recent Godzilla anime trilogy. Who joins the ranks of the NA wall of wasted cast?

Of course, the Nerds talk about games and have some remembrances for some big names this week, Katherine Johnson and Kazuhisa Hashimoto.

Stay healthy, and we'll be back next week.

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Valve Index, Masters of the Universe & Crew Dragon

The Nerds are back, proving that 107 episodes just isn't too much for the human body to handle.

This week, the Professor has a complaint about that saintly game developer, Valve. What's his problem with Gabe and the multi award winning game studio? They're sold out of VR headsets with only a month to go before the release of Half Life: Alyx.

The Masters of the Universe are coming back as well. The Professor has another complaint, this time about the casting of Skeletor. He thinks it's ridiculous to bring back Skeletor's original voice in a different role and cast a new actor for Skeletor. Even if that actor is the esteemed Mark Hamill. DJ thinks this sacrilege is 100% ok. The star studded cast list has the Nerds highly excited for this revival.

Now that Dragon has been human rated, SpaceX have moved the capsule to the launch pad, and the crew are a pair of former Shuttle pilots. This will be the first manned space mission from the US since the Shuttle program was shut down. America Can Into Space? Soon, hopefully.

Professor and DJ have some trouble pronouncing American Indian and Finnish words in the Remembrances and Shoutouts, and laugh at the Boomers who couldn't believe Bill and Ted actually speak like that.

Stay hydrated and come hang out with us again next week.

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Magnetic Waves, Piracy & Valve

We hope that everyone is well and enjoying the start of the holidays season. This week we have the answer to the mystery of why the Sun is so hot and the dispersal of magnetic waves during solar flares. That’s right, one of those little mysteries that has been confounding scientists for years appears to have been solved with evidence supporting the rejection of the null hypothesis. Ooops, sorry, in other words research that explains why it appears to happen has been developed. So if you would like to know more about why that is then please listen in and enjoy this discussion that does wander off topic occasionally but in a fun way.

Next we look at the effect piracy is having on Marvels profit margin (which as a Disney corporate entity we must acknowledge are very slim margins). We discuss this and consider the alternatives such as going digital like XCT and some of the other projects from our friend Shaun at Comics2movies have begun to do. Buck wanders down memory lane reminiscing about when he was a boy (OK Boomer does not apply here as Buck isn’t that old). Can you believe that comic books used to only cost 15 cents? These days it is $10 and has less of a story in some cases, although XCT is cool if you want a great read.

Last topic is Valve news and what is happening with them. For example did you know that they are in the process of ending their controllers? Also did you know that they have recently had a sale on these controllers? Professor did and has bought one, even though they weren’t on sale here? Also Half-Life Alyx the VR experience game is looking downright awesome, if the promo video is anything to go by this is a game to get into.

As usual we have the regular shout outs, remembrances, birthdays and events for the week. Until next time remember to look out for each other, take care of yourselves and stay hydrated.

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Pokémon Crash, Beetles & Fox Movies

Hello and welcome to another illuminating episode of fun and frivolity with those goofballs from Nerds Amalgamated. First up we have a story about how Nintendo are crashing Roku devices. That’s right, Nintendo have an issue with Pokémon Sword and Shield that is causing Roku to crash and shut down. Now if you want to know more you will need to listen in and then you can tell us what you think in our Facebook group if you think Buck is being to grumpy.

Next up we have the start of Jurassic Park with a beetle trapped in amber. That’s right, a real beetle trapped in amber. This one in particular is historical due to a few important factors, such as the age of the beetle. Would you believe it was around almost 100 million years ago? That’s right and it played an important part in the local ecology. Want to know how the listen in for our second story and then tell us what was your favourite part of the Jurassic Park movies?

Last up we have those poor people at Disney having to vault movies to try and increase the value and increase the margins. That’s right, since Disney the evil organization seeing world domination have bought Fox media they have begun to reduce access to Fox movies to create a false scarcity. This is only one of the underhanded things that they are doing, if you want to know more you know what to do. Also let us know what you think about these dirty tricks by Disney in our group.

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Drones, Take Two & Stargate

Welcome, hello, G’Day, hi, we are glad to announce the latest episode from Nerds Amalgamated is here. We hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed recording it for you. Also as Supanova Brisbane has now happened we have to say thank you to all those who stopped by the booth, it was fantastic to meet you all. We hope everyone enjoyed the week end and have lots of photos to remember how cool it was. It was awesome seeing so many amazing cosplayers and catching up with our friends from Comics2Movies, the Sons of Obiwan, Jamie Johnson, Super Tee, Cyanide Pop Press among so many others.

First up this week we have facial recognition drones being utilised by Police Scotland to help find people who get lost. That’s right folks, AI drones using facial recognition to find individuals. Now, we know what you are thinking, hang on, this is a problem, next we know it will be used for… You will need to listen in to find out more. But we are sure you will enjoy it and have a laugh.

Second, we have news that is promising for game developers and gamers all over the world. Yep, that is a bold claim, but we are sure you will agree when you hear it. Those legends at Take Two have discussed the future of gaming and the expectations of a drop in the costs of game development. What is suggested is great and worth looking forward to. We have some fun on this topic and really get into it.

Our third topic for the week is about Stargate Command. No, the Goa'uld aren’t attacking, and the Wraith haven’t found the way through the Stargate to our universe. No, it is sad news, but possibly good news also. That’s right, a little bit of good news to look forward to that off sets the bad news. Now for the fans of Stargate this news is pretty big, and for those who need to evolve their appreciation then you better hurry up. The Professor and Buck are now contemplating a marathon viewing based on this news. Want to know what this news is you know what to do.

As normal we have the shout outs, birthdays, remembrances, and special events. As always, thank you for listening, take care of yourselve’s, look out for each other and stay hydrated.

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Mandalorian, Wormholes & Two Shitties

Welcome back to another fun filled episode from those irascible Nerds we all look forward to each week. Oh, and what a show we have for you all, let me tell you. What, hurry up you say, well then. First up we have DJ giving us an update on the Marvel movies failing to impress and the arguments have continued. This week we have some delusional moron, believe me you will agree that they are a moron when you hear what they have done. Oh right, well this delusional moron says what has got to be the dumbest thing and the biggest lie in history. It sets Buck off like all the fireworks for New Year’s Eve in one go. My goodness, he really tears into this one like nothing before. If you listen in just to hear him rant about some misguided fool then you will love this one, plus you might learn a few new insults.

Next up, after he catches his breathe Buck tells us about how some scientists believe they have figured out how to identify the existence of Wormholes. That’s right we said Wormholes. Those supposed mythical sci-fi tunnels through time and space purportedly linking us to the farthest reaches of the universe? Multiverse? Dimensional gateways? Well who knows, the gravity is more then we can fathom at this time. But it is something to do with that….Ahh, almost had me there. You will have to listen in to hear what and how the physicists think they can determine whether or not a wormhole exists.

Then we move to a legendary tale for inspiration in what we have crappily dubbed “A Tale of Two Shitties!” Sorry, couldn’t resist the sloppy pun, messy though it is, haha, that just plopped out. Anyway, we look at two epically bad mistakes from two different games studios and have a laugh and cry at the stupidity and hubris involved. These tales of woe and calamity are similar but different, and for one we will cheer and hope. The other we will jeer and poke, fun of naturally. Now, since we have you so excited to know this tale of misfortune we invite ye to listen further to the tale in yonder episode.

Finishing off as always with the regular shout outs, remembrances, birthdays, and special events of interest. We also wish to invite you all to come join us at Supanova in Brisbane on Saturday 9th November. We do not have the faintest idea of which table we will be at, other than it is the TNC productions booth. So come along and say hi, join us in our game and meet the goofballs that are the Nerds. As always take care of yourselves, look out for each other and stay hydrated.

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Egyptian, XCloud & Coppola

Hooray, it is episode 90 and all is well. This week we walk like Egyptians, question the cloud, and applaud Francis Coppola. But first up, have you got your tickets for Supanova Brisbane? Not long to go now. We are excited for it and are looking forward to watching all the awesome cosplayers and other amazing antics happening on the Saturday. Stop by and say hi if you are there.

Now first up we have news about the most incredible discovery of Egyptian sarcophagi of this millennium, the best in the last century also. Now, we have to say that it is due to a very sneaky priest who hid them to avoid the thieving grave robbers. So, thank you wise priest with your cunning plan. Because of you these remains are safe and will be protected at the new museum being built at Gaza. There were males, females, and children in these sarcophagi, if you want to know more listen in.

Next up we talk about a cloud. Not the soft fluffy kind you see floating through the sky, no, this is an xcloud. What is an xcloud you ask? It is a cloud that is brought to you by xbox and is intended to support mobile gaming with a cross platform goal in the long term. Sounds awesome right, you will finally be able to see the xbox tribe battle against the Playstation civilisation. Not that I’m biased mind you (Playstation rules). If you want to really get a grasp of the situation the Professor has a lot to say about it. So listen in and see what is happening.

Now, for the movie Nerds we have had Francis Coppola slamming Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy as being kind of boring and pointless. To which James Gunn has taken umbrage, and spoken out claiming all sorts of nonsense. Buck takes great offense and gives a passionate response which is worthy of an Oscar Hall of Fame speech. Truly he seems to struggle to remain calm at times. Truly this could be one of his better grumpy old man moments, especially as it gets Professor to become passionate on the subject. If nothing else this is worthy of a listen.

As normal we have the shout out’s, remembrances, birthdays and special events of interest for the week. Also we would like to say good luck to all those undertaking exams at this time, study hard, and do well. Remember, fear is the mind killer, and stress is a by-product of fear, so relax, just think of the Frodo waking up in Rivendell at the end of the Lord of the Rings. That is the joy when you finish your last exam. Until next week, take care of yourselves, look out for each other, and stay hydrated.

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Chemistry, Update & Dragons

Ready for a party in your ears from those wacky Nerds again? This week we are celebrating, scratching our chins in suspicion, and looking at upcoming events that we can use to make money. But first, grab a cup of Earl Grey, hot, get a comfy seat and get ready because we have a party. It’s here, that marvellous time of year when we find out who has won a noble prize! It’s awesome, kind of like a Nerds holiday celebrating knowledge and learning, yay! For those wondering Buck is bouncing around the office with excitement. Speaking of which, his topic this week is the Nobel prize winners in Chemistry, and it is for the Lithium Ion battery. A long time coming we know, but still, it is definitely worthy. Buck is still reading the lists and articles about this, and the Professor is enjoying this to.

Next up we have DJ telling us about the latest with him doing little, erm, um, oh, sorry. Apparently it is about the new Dolittle movie, not him being lazy. Now there are some interesting points in this section so make sure you listen carefully. We won’t give away all the details here, no, listen in and see what is happening. We can tell you there is a name change, and no, it isn’t DJ being rebranded to some funny name such as Purveyance Slave Droid. Mainly because he still hasn’t learned how to make the perfect cup of Earl Grey.

Next we hear how someone has had an epically lucky coincidence when naming their crowd funding campaign. We are told it is completely unintentional though. Although Buck thinks that this is the next generation of Citizen Con, sorry, Star Con, no, what is it, star rippoff? Oh you know what we mean. Anyway, this bloke was trying to raise capital for a game he was developing and listen in to hear the rest of this fantastic story.

As usual we have the shout outs, with special mention to Christina Koch and Jessica Meir, the first all female spacewalk crew. Then we have the usual remembrances, birthdays and special events. We are going to be appearing at Supanova Brisbane so stop by and say hello, we will be happy to see you, also we have a special announcement this next week. Until then, take care of yourselves, look out for each other and stay hydrated.

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Archives, Electronics & Vikings

Welcome back to another awesome episode of Nerd pop culture delivered in a friendly manner by those loose gooses, the Nerds. This week we would like to say that since China hasn’t offered us any money to sell our self-respect or virtue that we support the protestors in Hong Kong. Viva la revolution! Now if we do not have an episode in the near future you know that they took us out like Hillary Clinton helps her opposition to have fatal accidents… Just going to leave this here and see who comes after us first.

Now onto the episode, first up is the Professor with a look at the Australian Video Game Archive. What is this you ask, well it is an amazingly cool idea and we hope it gets sorted out soon. Now if you love playing awesome games, love Australia, and are just a tragic nerd like our boys then you will love this. To know exactly what it is you are going to have to listen in and find out. But let us know on Facebook what game you think should go into the archive.

Next up we have finally achieved printed electronics that you can wear. That’s right, wear. Are you tired of not being able to hold your torch and need an extra hand, but don’t want to wear one of those straps around your head with a light on it? We have the solution for you, tattoo light systems. Want to stand out in the crowd and really be noticed? We can help you shine a light on your darkest corners. Sounds interesting right? Well listen up as this is our second featured topic for the week.

Do you wish that reality television had more things like axe throwing in it? Are you tired of shows like survivor where there is no chance of them dying? Well we have a show that is moving in the right direction, True Viking! The show with the potential to form a crew and going pillaging in a foreign monastery… um, maybe we are getting carried away here, oh well, it sounds better than the sewage from the Kardashians. This is our third topic of the week.

Then we have the games played, shout outs, remembrances, birthdays, and special events. We hope you enjoy the show and that we entertain you and maybe even educate you on some of the topics we discuss. Now, we need to watch out for those Chinese hack…er um, gamers with better computer systems. Take care, stay safe, look out for each other and stay hydrated.

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A Nerds Special - An Interview with An Aspie Life developer : Bradley Hennessey

Welcome to another fun filled instalment from the Nerds we all love. This week we have a fantastic special episode. We have a special guest join us and talk about their game and being a game developer. That’s right our guest has developed and published a computer game, entitled “An Aspie Life” and it is a lot of fun. Our guest is up and coming legend Bradley Hennessey and we ask those hard hitting questions that others are too scared to ask. If you want to know his choice of super power or the answer to cape or no cape you will need to listen in.

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