Being Geek Chic is a blog about one woman navigating the male-dominated industries of production and tech. It's written by Elizabeth Giorgi, Founder, CEO and Director of Mighteor - one of the world's first internet video production companies. Learn more about Mighteor here.
Keeping up with movies both in the United States and the United Kingdom can be nearly impossible. Heck, I still haven’t seen at least 10 films from Sundance that seemed like MUST SEEs just a few months ago. However, I have managed to find a few ridiculous gems from across the pond that you should see:
Cuban Fury:
I just watched this ridiculous movie last night. And yes, I mean that. It’s ridiculous. It’s full of super famous faces: Nick Frost, Rashida Jones, Chris O-Dowd. And yes, it’s kind of dumb. But I laughed out loud several times and found myself wishing I could salsa once the credits rolled.
Cemetery Junction:
The first time I saw this movie, I was instantly charmed. I wanted to pick up everything, grab my camera and go on an adventure. It has that infectious spirit. Many people don’t like this movie… but those people confuse me.
One Chance:
My fellow Doctor Who fans will recognize the lead actor, James Corden, who played one of my favorite characters on Doctor Who during Matt Smith’s era. In this biopic about Paul Potts, the opera singer turned Britain’s Got Talent Winner, he’s charming, adorable and ridiculously enjoyable to watch. This movie got terrible reviews. I get it. It’s not a blockbuster. BUT, it’s one of those mindless picks that will truly warm your heart.
There’s nothing to watch right now. It’s a dead zone on TV. You could watch reruns of Who or hold off for the August 23rd premiere of The World’s End, but if you love all things British entertainment like moi, then you are kind of SOL.
Unless you have Netflix. Here’s a few things I’m watching (or re-watching):
Spaced: Young Nick Frost and Simon Pegg bromantic comedy. With some other romance thrown in.
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The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes: Moffat recommended it so I had to watch it. It was long, but charming. The ever hilarious idea of Holmes having a girlfriend is especially funny in the first few scenes.
Death at a Funeral: SO much better than the American version. Alan Tudyk of Firefly fame has an adorable British accent, so what’s not to love.
You can see the rest of my list over on Apartment Therapy.
Editor’s Note: Things have been very British around here lately. I intend to put no stop to that.
Have you ever noticed how so many of the best nerdy content seems to come from across the pond? Harry Potter. Alice in Wonderland. Doctor Who. Sherlock. Downton Abbey.
What do all these people have in common? They like a good hot cup of tea–and I’m not talking about stopping into Starbucks for a grande green tea latte.
Looseleaf tea can be brewed a number of ways. I use a teamaker from Teavana. You can use a mesh basket, a tea ball (though, these are not perfect for all teas), paper tea bags, or even a coffee filter with a twist-tie in a pinch.
If you’re brewing black teas (plain tea, Earl Grey and Irish Breakfast are common black teas), you’ll want boiling water and to steep the tea about 3 to 5 minutes. I like mine with a bit of honey and a wedge of lemon.
Looking to get a little fancier over afternoon tea with some friends?
Prepare a plate of tea sandwiches to go with your tea.
Cut thin bread into two-by-two inch squares and remove the crusts.
Spread a thin layer of cream cheese or mayonaise and add your fillings. If you want to get real cutesy, take some Washi Tape and wrap it around the top of a toothpick. Then cut a triangle out of the exposed end for a flag like look. Now if only I could find some Union Jack Washi Tape…
Suggested combinations:
Now sit back, queue up your favorite British nerdy marathon and enjoy your spot of tea.
Emma Carew Grovum is a data journalist working at the Chronicle of Philanthropy in Washington, D.C. She previously worked as the Digital Editor for The Cooking Club of America and blogs at kitchendreamer.blogspot.com Emma loves Star Wars, pandas and all things Joss Whedon. Find her on twitter at @emmacarew.
