pop culture
Modern popular culture topics in the geek sphere.
Debunking The 'Timeline/Continuity Errors' In 'Stranger Things 5'
WARNING! Possible SPOILERS for Stranger Things 5. After five smash hit seasons, the Netflix phenomenon Stranger Things has come to an end. Being set in the 80s, the show has had to keep an eye on it's various popculture references to ensure historical accuracy, and for the most part, has done a good job at this.
By Kristy Andersonabout a month ago in Geeks
Blue Moon
Okay so honestly I hadn’t even seen a trailer for this film before deciding to watch it. The synopsis was enough for my little theatre nerd heart. Also seeing the cast list was enough to hook me. Blue Moon is about Lorenz Hart dealing with Richard Rodgers Oklahoma! opening. As a certified theatre kid who watched Hugh Jackman in Oklahoma! so often my brother knows the words, I was truly looking forward to immersing myself into the lore of the relationship before Rodgers and Hammerstein took over musical theatre.
By Alexandrea Callaghanabout a month ago in Geeks
The Day Everything Changed
I missed the last bus on purpose. Not because I wanted to be stranded, but because I couldn’t face going home. That day had been one long unraveling—work mistakes, a call from my sister about our mother’s health, the kind of exhaustion that lives in your bones. The bus stop bench was cold, the sky bruised with storm clouds, and I just… stayed. Let the schedule pass. Let the world move on without me.
By KAMRAN AHMADabout a month ago in Geeks
Belén
Movies are a wonderful form of entertainment, but more importantly they are perhaps the best vehicle for social and political commentary there is because they are so accessible to the masses. This year we have gotten some excellent commentary from films like Sinners and Mickey 17 and now Belén.
By Alexandrea Callaghanabout a month ago in Geeks
Mickey 17
Mickey 17 was on the must watch list for last year but time got away from me. We are once again playing catch up before awards season, I promise I will start doing these in a timely manner this year! This was a film we knew we wanted to see. Robert Pattinson is actually an incredible actor who sometimes still gets caught up in Twilight discourse in an attempt to discredit his skills. That combined with it being a Bong Joon Ho movie made it highly anticipated.
By Alexandrea Callaghan2 months ago in Geeks
Guillermo del Toro's Stellar Gothic "Frankenstein" (2025)
Now I tell my tale. Based on Mary Shelley’s classic story, Frankenstein is a 2025 Netflix film directed by Guillermo del Toro. The brilliant scientist, Dr. Victor Frankenstein, brings a creature to life in a monstrous experiment. His bias on the creature’s intelligence leads to tragic outcomes as he wanders into the world.
By Marielle Sabbag2 months ago in Geeks
The Black Panther is bigger than one man
Author’s Note: Recent online speculation about the future of the Black Panther prompted a widespread debate over recasting, legacy, and respect for Chadwick Boseman’s portrayal. This essay expands on a prediction I shared publicly, arguing that the most faithful continuation of the character lies not in replacement, but in succession–specifically through introducing T’Challa’s son and heir. What follows is an exploration of why the Black Panther has always been a mantle shaped by legacy rather than a role defined by a single man.
By Jenna Deedy2 months ago in Geeks
Sherlocks
Introduction - Why Am I Writing About Sherlocks? Image from Adapt or Perish Podcast I was watching the recent BBC take on Sherlock (I say recent the first episode was in 2010 so twelve years ago, there are probably kids who have seen it who weren’t born when it first started - although they shouldn’t have seen it) and then I thought “Who are the actors who have played a decent Sherlock Holmes?”.
By Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred 2 months ago in Geeks
Eighty ‘One In, One Out’ Asylum Seekers Accuse UK of Degrading Treatment. AI-Generated.
A growing number of asylum seekers in the United Kingdom have come forward with serious allegations of degrading treatment under the government’s “one in, one out” immigration policy. According to reports, around eighty individuals detained under this scheme claim they were subjected to conditions that violate basic human rights and undermine their dignity, raising renewed questions about the UK’s handling of asylum seekers. Understanding the ‘One In, One Out’ Policy The “one in, one out” approach is part of the UK’s broader immigration strategy aimed at controlling asylum applications while balancing deportations. Under this policy, the arrival of a new asylum seeker is paired with the removal of another individual from the country. In theory, this is intended to manage the flow of asylum claims and reduce pressure on detention centers. However, critics argue that the policy prioritizes numbers over the humane treatment of people, creating a system that treats individuals as statistics rather than human beings. Allegations of Degrading Treatment The asylum seekers involved in this case have described a range of concerning practices. Reports include inadequate food, limited access to medical care, and overcrowded facilities. Some have claimed they were detained for prolonged periods without clear explanations, leaving them in limbo with no certainty about their legal status. Others allege that verbal abuse and intimidation by staff were used as tools to enforce compliance with the policy. Human rights organizations have also expressed alarm at these claims. They note that international law, including the United Nations’ conventions on the treatment of refugees, requires states to maintain conditions that respect human dignity, ensure safety, and provide access to necessary services. Allegations from the asylum seekers suggest that the UK may be falling short of these obligations. The Human Impact Beyond legal and procedural concerns, the human toll of these practices is significant. Asylum seekers often arrive in the UK after enduring trauma in their home countries, including war, persecution, or extreme poverty. Being placed in conditions described as degrading exacerbates psychological stress and can lead to long-term mental health issues. Several asylum seekers shared personal accounts of isolation and fear, describing nights spent in crowded rooms without proper heating or bedding, and days marked by uncertainty and anxiety. These experiences highlight the gap between the government’s policy objectives and the lived reality of those subjected to them. Government Response and Accountability UK Home Office officials have acknowledged the challenges of managing asylum applications and maintaining secure detention facilities. However, they have also denied any systematic mistreatment, stating that all operations comply with national and international regulations. Despite these assurances, advocacy groups argue that accountability mechanisms are insufficient. Independent inspections, while valuable, may not fully capture the everyday experiences of asylum seekers. Calls for transparency, improved oversight, and independent monitoring have grown louder in light of the latest allegations. International Reaction The situation has drawn attention from international human rights bodies and European counterparts. Critics argue that the UK’s approach may set a worrying precedent, especially as other countries consider similar “managed arrival” policies. Concerns extend beyond the treatment of individuals to broader questions about compliance with international refugee protections and the ethical obligations of states toward vulnerable populations. Looking Forward As these allegations gain traction, the debate over the UK’s asylum policies is likely to intensify. Human rights advocates are urging the government to reassess the “one in, one out” approach, emphasizing the importance of dignity, fairness, and transparency. For policymakers, the challenge is balancing immigration management with humane treatment. For asylum seekers, the urgent need is safety, access to basic services, and the assurance that their claims will be considered fairly. The latest revelations underscore that these goals are not mutually exclusive—effective policy can and should uphold both operational efficiency and human rights. Conclusion The accusations from the eighty asylum seekers cast a stark light on the realities of the UK’s “one in, one out” policy. While the government frames the scheme as a pragmatic tool for managing migration, the experiences of those affected suggest that policy implementation may come at the expense of human dignity. As the UK continues to navigate a complex and politically sensitive immigration landscape, the voices of these asylum seekers serve as a crucial reminder: immigration policy is not just about numbers, but about the lives of real people who seek safety, stability, and a chance to rebuild their futures. How the government responds will not only shape the fate of these individuals but also define the moral and ethical standing of the UK in the eyes of the world.
By Fiaz Ahmed Brohi2 months ago in Geeks
