/Film - Latest Comments in VOTD: John Hodgman Asks Is Obama The First Modern Nerd/Geek President?

Re: VOTD: John Hodgman Asks Is Obama The First Modern Nerd/Geek President?

mb_ellerbrock — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:59:41 -0000

Haha, no I said he was insane, I meant insane insane. He's incredibly addicted, incredibly racist, and incredibly weird. But he isn't fat.

Re: VOTD: John Hodgman Asks Is Obama The First Modern Nerd/Geek President?

Davebaxter1989 — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 04:22:06 -0000

I didn't by the way I got the picture from south park WoW episode of the addicted overweight gamer. Just sayin' lol

Re: VOTD: John Hodgman Asks Is Obama The First Modern Nerd/Geek President?

Davebaxter1989 — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 04:21:10 -0000

Is he healthy though? 8 hours seems like addictive behaviour.

Re: VOTD: John Hodgman Asks Is Obama The First Modern Nerd/Geek President?

Davebaxter1989 — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 04:20:10 -0000

I said stereotypes are there for a reason because there is always a basis behind them. Is it a stereotype for Black people to be president? No but Obama is. That doesn't change the fact that they were kept out for so long it just shows that exceptions exist. I know gamers that are fit and healthy also (me) but most I know are unfit and live for their games. I was just saying the obvious link (which has been shown in studies!). But why do I hate? I game but I'm aware that some (some) take it too far.

Re: VOTD: John Hodgman Asks Is Obama The First Modern Nerd/Geek President?

Joshua — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 01:34:49 -0000

And I bet that if you Google 'gamer,' you'll actually get more pictures of Gerard Butler these days than an 'overweight slob.'

Re: VOTD: John Hodgman Asks Is Obama The First Modern Nerd/Geek President?

mb_ellerbrock — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:16:25 -0000

Thank you Joshua, that was going to be my point exactly. To further what you've said, genetics and especially mentality have a huge role. As you said, a lazy person finds a way to be lazy, no matter what it is. I think it has to do more with the way someone was raised to behave. Someone who knows how to regulate things in life and get exercise when needed have the discipline to do so. Those that don't will have unhealthy sedentary lifestyles no matter what form of entertainment they choose.

Anyway, mostly all the gamers I know are extremely skinny. Even my insane roommate from last year who played WoW on average 8 hours a day for a whole year isn't fat.

Re: VOTD: John Hodgman Asks Is Obama The First Modern Nerd/Geek President?

Joshua Ruth — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 21:50:41 -0000

I see no reason why the same couldn't be applied to avid readers then, or artists or anybody that prefers indoor activities. While someone that only games and does nothing else is clearly going to be more overweight because they aren't exercising, are you really telling me that games are the cause of that? A lazy person is going to find a way to be lazy regardless of games. I think that it's flawed logic to ask "surely you know a gamer that's overweight?" Surely you also know sports fanatics that are overweight, is the indication that sports are linked with obesity? I know plenty of gamers that are extremely fit. The fact is, genetics play a lot into obesity and some of the skinniest people I know never exercise.
I also completely disagree with the idea that stereotypes are there for a reason. I think that's a dangerous thought. Are you saying that the harmful racial, gender and sexual orientation stereotypes are appropriate as well? Or is it just the 'fat, slobby gamers?'
I personally feel that gamers are stigmatized the same way participants of any new medium are. It used to be said that you were a hooligan if you listen to rock n' roll and you were gay if you were vegetarian. Now games are the new thing to hate on people for.

Re: VOTD: John Hodgman Asks Is Obama The First Modern Nerd/Geek President?

Davebaxter1989 — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 21:19:35 -0000

I did link to an article but that led to it needing checked by a moderator so I just got rid, now I know correlation does not imply causation (I study Psychology at University so drilled in it is), but gaming and obesity is an obvious one to be honest. i game sure but I know that if you google 'gamer' you'll get a stereotype of overweight slob. The thing is this is a stereotype for a reason. Surely you know a gamer that is overweight? One that could do with a bit of exercise?

Re: VOTD: John Hodgman Asks Is Obama The First Modern Nerd/Geek President?

mb_ellerbrock — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:38:14 -0000

Good reasoning... It's a bit questionable that you'd direct me to google without any specific article in mind. The only one I could find that claims gaming leads to obesity was on itnews, and it really didn't have a convincing argument. It shows that gaming is correlated with obesity, but that means nothing. Anyone who's ever taken a stats class will tell you that CORRELATION DOES NOT IMPLY CAUSATION, they drill it into your head. Hey did you hear that every single person involved in the 9/11 attacks had eaten a bread product within 1 day of the attack? Hmm, people who eat bread must all be terrorists.

Anyway, this has gotten off topic. This was supposed to be a discussion on Obama and his geekiness. I'm inclined to agree with Brian Chitester, I'd be more comfortable with Obama's geekiness if he wasn't constantly throwing gaming in with every vice that American children engage in. It's not that simple.

Re: VOTD: John Hodgman Asks Is Obama The First Modern Nerd/Geek President?

Davebaxter1989 — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:18:24 -0000

Well if someone plays games all day they are not exercising, if one does not exercise they gain weight.

Also googling obesity and gaming brings forth the significant studies you asked for.

It also shows that 'casual' gaming can help but nonetheless a link is there.

Re: VOTD: John Hodgman Asks Is Obama The First Modern Nerd/Geek President?

Davebaxter1989 — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 07:16:51 -0000

No I meant Red Head. original thought encouraged.

That and I wouldn't racially slur someone but I would politically slur someone. (because you choose politics).

Re: VOTD: John Hodgman Asks Is Obama The First Modern Nerd/Geek President?

mb_ellerbrock — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 23:43:08 -0000

What proof do you have that gaming is contributing to obesity? To my knowledge there's been no significant study suggesting so.

Re: VOTD: John Hodgman Asks Is Obama The First Modern Nerd/Geek President?

mb_ellerbrock — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 23:40:36 -0000

I assume the brit meant red necked bullshit and won't fess up.

Re: VOTD: John Hodgman Asks Is Obama The First Modern Nerd/Geek President?

raygungirl — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 19:26:44 -0000

NERD! ;)

I totally knew that, too. I was disappointed Obama didn't answer. I thought he was nerdy enough that he could. Plus, if there was ever a book made for a geeky president, Dune is it. The thing's stuffed with political intrigue.

Re: VOTD: John Hodgman Asks Is Obama The First Modern Nerd/Geek President?

stb247 — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 20:18:02 -0000

Wow, no one care to answer?

If I remember correctly, they are:

1. Shai-Hulud
2. Thumper
3. Water of Life

Re: VOTD: John Hodgman Asks Is Obama The First Modern Nerd/Geek President?

Gadget Sleuth — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 13:49:27 -0000

At least Obama is web-aware and tech aware, something we couldn't say about our last few presidents.

Re: VOTD: John Hodgman Asks Is Obama The First Modern Nerd/Geek President?

Davebaxter1989 — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 13:31:19 -0000

Your really funny.............NOT!

Who still uses that?

Re: VOTD: John Hodgman Asks Is Obama The First Modern Nerd/Geek President?

EPICponyz — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 13:28:39 -0000

That was HILARIOUS.......not.

Obama isn't a nerd. End of story.
And he needs to stop being written into comic books.
I love the people around him forcefully laughing.

Re: VOTD: John Hodgman Asks Is Obama The First Modern Nerd/Geek President?

Davebaxter1989 — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 10:53:45 -0000

Yeah but you didn't mention that. Your comparing the difference between a brown bit on a banana (superficiality) and a poisoned banana (lying about candidates to influence votes). Because the fact is the guy is cool and Michelle is far more fashionable than Laura Bush.

I get my news from Jon Stewart because to be honest he's the only person who calls a spade a spade.

Re: VOTD: John Hodgman Asks Is Obama The First Modern Nerd/Geek President?

Thrillhouse — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 10:45:24 -0000

Well, I'm upset about that too...it's just that the topic of the media being superficial about the Obama family was relevant to the Hodgman video, I guess. I personally can't watch any news channels anymore. Lord knows I keep going back to them, only to be disappointed time and again.

Re: VOTD: John Hodgman Asks Is Obama The First Modern Nerd/Geek President?

Davebaxter1989 — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 10:07:14 -0000

Well your angry about the wrong things because talking about Michelle Obama as a fashion icon is not even nearly as damaging as 'fair and balanced' Fox taking quotes and changing them to covertly and sneakily influence the public to dislike democrats.

Re: VOTD: John Hodgman Asks Is Obama The First Modern Nerd/Geek President?

Thrillhouse — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 10:01:02 -0000

Dude - I know that. I did change the channel. That's not going to stop me from being angry about it. Other people are watching this stuff and being influenced by it - that alone is enough to make me upset. It's not that easy.

Re: VOTD: John Hodgman Asks Is Obama The First Modern Nerd/Geek President?

Thrillhouse — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 09:59:49 -0000

Hooray for missing the point! I said I had problems with both candidates. I clearly "liked" Obama enough to vote for him. I have enough conviction that I wouldn't have even bothered to vote or would have voted 3rd party, if I didn't.

It's called being honest with yourself though. I'm not going to compromise how I feel about certain things and pretend that 1 of the 2 candidates that we get is all rosy and perfect.

A "fair-weather American" - Ha. If, God-forbid, the Obama presidency fails, it's not going to change the fact that I voted for him. But hypothetically if it fails, wouldn't it be our RIGHT to be upset? Wouldn't it be our RIGHT to turn on him? You act like it's illegal to change your mind. It would be stupid NOT to change your mind, when given new information. It's not being fair-weather. It's paying attention, being informed, and trying to optimize your situation.

Re: VOTD: John Hodgman Asks Is Obama The First Modern Nerd/Geek President?

Davebaxter1989 — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 09:51:56 -0000

Well turn on FOX news at any point and here about how he's a terrible president that wants America to become a Muslim state.

He doesn't control what these news stations say and for every positive there is a negative so change the channel or look for another website.

Re: VOTD: John Hodgman Asks Is Obama The First Modern Nerd/Geek President?

Thrillhouse — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 09:48:47 -0000

An example of exactly what I am talking about. If you turned on the Today Show RIGHT NOW - they're doing a piece on how the Obama family are masters of style and how everything they touch turns into gold - as in, whatever they are seen with becomes the "hot, new must-have item."

I think it's bogus. I want to see and hear about how the man is and is going to change things in this country around. NOT how much he is influencing anyone's style choices or purchases! T

They called him a "Hollywood celebrity president"!!!
How ridiculous. Don't these people see how inconsequential this stuff is.

Maybe I'm being overly dramatic with it, but I think it's actually flat-out inappropriate on behalf of the media. It's losing sight of what's really important with the American condition and it's clearly focusing on the superficial.

I'm sure this happened to Kennedy too, though.