{"id":10669,"date":"2023-07-07T10:30:00","date_gmt":"2023-07-07T10:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/?p=10669"},"modified":"2023-07-17T15:59:55","modified_gmt":"2023-07-17T15:59:55","slug":"geekiest-cities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/geekiest-cities\/","title":{"rendered":"2023\u2019s Geekiest Cities"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Which U.S. cities are best for geeks looking to live long and prosper?<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To mark Embrace Your Geekness Day on July 13, <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/\">Lawn Love<\/a> ranked 2023\u2019s Geekiest Cities.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We compared the 200 biggest U.S. cities based on four categories. We looked at access to comic book stores, geek social groups, and Comic-Cons, among 13 total metrics.<br>Geek out with our ranking below. To learn how we ranked the cities, see our <a href=\"#methodology\">methodology<\/a>.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"in-this-article\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">In this article<\/h2>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"#rankings\">City rankings + infographic<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#top-5\">Top 5 close up<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#key-insights\">Key insights<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#ask-the-experts\">Expert take<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#methodology\">Behind the ranking<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#final-thoughts\">Honorable mentions<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"rankings\"><span id=\"city-rankings-infographic\">City rankings&nbsp;+ Infographic<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">See how each city fared in our ranking:<\/p>   <div class=\"infogram-embed\" data-id=\"abfa1efa-698b-486b-8083-e62fc6b9caf7\" data-type=\"interactive\" data-title=\"Ranking Table - 2023&amp;#39;s Geekiest Cities\"><\/div> <p><script>!function(e,i,n,s){var t=\"InfogramEmbeds\",d=e.getElementsByTagName(\"script\")[0];if(window[t]&&window[t].initialized)window[t].process&&window[t].process();else if(!e.getElementById(n)){var o=e.createElement(\"script\");o.async=1,o.id=n,o.src=\"https:\/\/e.infogram.com\/js\/dist\/embed-loader-min.js\",d.parentNode.insertBefore(o,d)}}(document,0,\"infogram-async\");<\/script><\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"1652\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/2023s-Geekiest-Cities-Infographic-1-1.png\" alt=\"Infographic showing the Geekiest Cities, a ranking based on access to comic book stores, geek social groups, Comic-Cons, and more\" class=\"wp-image-16795\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/2023s-Geekiest-Cities-Infographic-1-1.png 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/2023s-Geekiest-Cities-Infographic-1-1-145x300.png 145w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/2023s-Geekiest-Cities-Infographic-1-1-496x1024.png 496w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/2023s-Geekiest-Cities-Infographic-1-1-768x1586.png 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/2023s-Geekiest-Cities-Infographic-1-1-744x1536.png 744w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/2023s-Geekiest-Cities-Infographic-1-1-610x1260.png 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong><em>Note: <\/em><\/strong><em>For presentation purposes, not all ties may be displayed for some metrics above.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"top-5\"><span id=\"top-5-close-up\">Top 5 close up<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Check out the slideshow below for highlights on each of our top five cities.<\/p>   <div style=\"min-height: 535px\" class=\"ub_image_slider swiper-container wp-block-ub-image-slider\" id=\"ub_image_slider_46cadfdf-193d-4d4e-b5d0-a74b6e3ca3bf\" data-swiper-data='{\"speed\":300,\"spaceBetween\":20,\"slidesPerView\":1,\"loop\":true,\"pagination\":{\"el\": \".swiper-pagination\" , \"type\": \"bullets\", \"clickable\":true},\"navigation\": {\"nextEl\": \".swiper-button-next\", \"prevEl\": \".swiper-button-prev\"}, \"keyboard\": { \"enabled\": true }, \"effect\": \"slide\",\"simulateTouch\":false}'>             <div class=\"swiper-wrapper\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NEW-YORK111.jpg\" alt=\"Morning light reflects across New York City\u2019s skyline.\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 1: <\/strong>New York | <strong>Overall score: <\/strong>84.44<br><br><strong>Collectibles: <\/strong>1<br><strong>Costumes: <\/strong>1<br><strong>Community: <\/strong>1<br><strong>Events: <\/strong>6<br><br><strong>Local tips: <\/strong>New York is home to hundreds of <a href=\"https:\/\/museumhack.com\/museums-in-nyc\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">museums<\/a> and exhibits, such as the <a href=\"https:\/\/momath.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">National Museum of Mathematics<\/a>, the <a href=\"https:\/\/movingimage.us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Museum of the Moving Image<\/a> for <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-cities-movie-lovers\/\">movie lovers<\/a>, and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.grolierclub.org\/Default.aspx?p=DynamicModule&amp;pageid=384820&amp;ssid=322441&amp;vnf=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Grolier Club<\/a> for <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-cities-for-book-lovers\/\">bibliophiles<\/a>.<br><br>Meet up with or make friends and play board games at one of three <a href=\"http:\/\/www.hexnyc.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hex&amp;Co.<\/a> locations.<br><br>Photo credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/skyline-photo-of-empire-state-building-in-new-york-city-2190283\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Roberto Vivancos<\/a> | Pexels | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/license\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pexels License<\/a><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Los-Angeles-CA-1.jpg\" alt=\"The Griffith Observatory stands atop a hill overlooking the Los Angeles skyline.\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 2: <\/strong>Los Angeles | <strong>Overall score: <\/strong>59.24<br><br><strong>Collectibles: <\/strong>2<br><strong>Costumes: <\/strong>2<br><strong>Community: <\/strong>5<br><strong>Events: <\/strong>3<br><br><strong>Local tips: <\/strong>From <a href=\"https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/travel\/list\/best-barcades-los-angeles\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">arcade bars<\/a> to iconic <a href=\"https:\/\/moviemaps.org\/cities\/1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">filming sites<\/a>, Los Angeles has plenty of options for nerding out.<br>No geeky visit to LA is complete without stopping by the <a href=\"https:\/\/scumandvillainycantina.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Scum and Villainy Cantina<\/a>, a Star Wars-themed bar serving up all things sci-fi.\u00a0<br><br>Attend <a href=\"https:\/\/comicconla.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">L.A. Comic Con<\/a> this winter, with amplified experiences for <a href=\"https:\/\/comicconla.com\/news\/2023-enhanced-gaming-experience\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">gamers<\/a> in the wake of 2023\u2019s Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/e3-has-been-canceled\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cancellation<\/a>.<br><br>Photo credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/white-and-brown-buildings-2709964\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Roberto Nickson<\/a> | Pexels | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/license\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pexels License<\/a><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/San-Antonio-LL-1.jpg\" alt=\"Historic hotels and highrise buildings stand out on a hazy day in San Antonio.\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 3: <\/strong>San Antonio | <strong>Overall score: <\/strong>46.13<br><br><strong>Collectibles: <\/strong>5<br><strong>Costumes: <\/strong>8<br><strong>Community: <\/strong>4<br><strong>Events: <\/strong>5<br><br><strong>Local tips: <\/strong>Supplying geeks since 1987, <a href=\"https:\/\/heroesandfantasies.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Heroes &amp; Fantasies<\/a> claims the title of Texas\u2019 largest comic book store. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.knightwatchgames.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Knight Watch Games<\/a> is where SA geeks get together over tabletop games or Magic the Gathering.\u00a0<br><br>Alamo City is also home to <a href=\"https:\/\/cszsa.com\/monsternomicon\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Monsternomicon<\/a>, an interactive improv show based on the rules and characters of Dungeons &amp; Dragons.<br>\u00a0\u00a0<br>Photo credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/RzOUP6_Aa80\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">weston m<\/a> | Unsplash | <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/CHICAGO111.jpg\" alt=\"Two people bike along the water overlooking the Chicago skyline.\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 4: <\/strong>Chicago | <strong>Overall score: <\/strong>43.35<br><br><strong>Collectibles: <\/strong>4<br><strong>Costumes: <\/strong>4<br><strong>Community: <\/strong>2<br><strong>Events: <\/strong>53<br><br><strong>Local tips: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.c2e2.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Chicago Comic &amp; Entertainment Expo<\/a> (C2E2) is home to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.c2e2.com\/en-us\/explore\/events\/c2e2-crown-championships-of-cosplay.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cosplay Central Crown Championships<\/a> \u2014 the biggest, most prestigious cosplay contest in the world.<br><br>Established in 1930, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.adlerplanetarium.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Adler Planetarium<\/a> was the first planetarium in the Western Hemisphere. Today it hosts more than half a million visitors each year, encouraging guests of all ages and backgrounds to explore the galaxy.\u00a0<br><br>Photo credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/two-people-riding-bikes-3010969\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Chait Goli<\/a> | Pexels | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/license\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pexels License<\/a><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Las-Vegas-LL-1.jpg\" alt=\"A giant fountain pool sparkles in front of a miniature Eiffel Tower in downtown Las Vegas.\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 5: <\/strong>Las Vegas | <strong>Overall score: <\/strong>42.76<br><br><strong>Collectibles: <\/strong>3<br><strong>Costumes: <\/strong>3<br><strong>Community: <\/strong>12<br><strong>Events: <\/strong>4<br><br><strong>Local tips:<\/strong> Join the leagues of Iron Man and Thor at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stationattraction.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N.<\/a>, an immersive exhibit displaying iconic costumes, weapons, and equipment from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.\u00a0<br><br>Attend game nights, karaoke, and themed cosplay parties at <a href=\"https:\/\/fandombar.com\/\">Mille<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/fandombar.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">nnium FANDOM BAR<\/a>.\u00a0<br><br>Photo credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/the-eiffel-tower-in-las-vegas-nevada-united-states-11052956\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Solvej Nielsen<\/a> | Pexels | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/license\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pexels License<\/a><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><\/div>             <div class=\"swiper-pagination\"><\/div>             <div class=\"swiper-button-prev\"><\/div> <div class=\"swiper-button-next\"><\/div>         <\/div>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"key-insights\">Key insights<\/h2>    <h3 id=\"the-gist\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">The gist<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Big cities like <strong>New York<\/strong> (No. 1) and <strong>Los Angeles<\/strong> (No. 2) soar to the top of our ranking with the highest <a href=\"https:\/\/www.growthengineering.co.uk\/gamification-experience-points\/#:~:text=In%20most%20games%2C%20Experience%20Points,tasks%2C%20collecting%20items%2C%20etc\">XP<\/a>, offering plenty of geek-targeted <strong>events<\/strong>, <strong>shops<\/strong>, and a <strong>large geek community<\/strong>. Three of <strong>Texas\u2019 largest cities<\/strong> \u2014 <strong>San Antonio<\/strong> (No. 3), <strong>Austin<\/strong> (No. 6), and <strong>Houston<\/strong> (No. 7) \u2014 finish in the top 10, thanks to high scores in <strong>Collectibles<\/strong> and <strong>Costumes<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Meanwhile, smaller <strong>Texas<\/strong> cities like <strong>Grand Prairie<\/strong> (No. 197) and <strong>Brownsville<\/strong> (No. 199) \u2014 along with a handful of Western cities \u2014 land at the bottom next to <strong>Miramar, Florida<\/strong>, in last place. Their kryptonite is a <strong>lack of nerdy destinations and events<\/strong> \u2014 and the <strong>geeks<\/strong> who enjoy them.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"standout-stats\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Standout stats<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Magical metropolis<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Once again, <strong>New York<\/strong> rules in first place with a <strong>whopping 25-point lead<\/strong> over our No. 2 city, <strong>Los Angeles<\/strong>. Gotham takes the <strong>top score<\/strong> in three categories \u2014 <strong>Collectibles<\/strong>,<strong> Costumes<\/strong>, and<strong> Community<\/strong> \u2014 boasting the <strong>highest number<\/strong> of <strong>board game<\/strong> and <strong>trading card shops<\/strong>, <strong>comic book stores<\/strong>, <strong>costume stores<\/strong>, and <strong>geek Meetup groups<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Gaming through Mission City<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>San Antonio<\/strong> (No. 3) is not just for history nerds. Alamo City claims the <strong>3rd-highest number<\/strong> of <strong>board game<\/strong> and <strong>trading card shops<\/strong>, after <strong>New York<\/strong> (No. 1) and <strong>Los Angeles<\/strong> (No. 2). SA is also home to <strong>14 stores<\/strong> that <strong>host Dungeons &amp; Dragons <\/strong>(D&amp;D) events, the <strong>2nd-highest<\/strong> in our ranking.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Copious campaigns<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Roll the dice in <strong>Los Angeles<\/strong> (No. 2), which offers the <strong>most in-person Dungeons &amp; Dragons groups<\/strong> open to the public, followed by <strong>New York<\/strong> (No. 1). NYC stands out with the <strong>most stores<\/strong> hosting <strong>D&amp;D events<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Live, laugh, LARP<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Atlanta<\/strong> (No. 8) is ideal for those looking to participate in <strong>Live Action Role Play<\/strong> (LARP), boasting the <strong>most<\/strong> publicly listed <strong>LARPing groups<\/strong>. From <a href=\"http:\/\/ruleof3.net\/eclipse\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">alien<\/a> adventures to a <a href=\"https:\/\/xadune.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">galactic Victorian Gaslamp<\/a> setting, geeks have plenty of opportunities to flex their creativity in A-Town.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Small but mighty nerdy<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>The force is strong in cities with smaller populations, too. <strong>Minneapolis<\/strong> (No. 11), <strong>Rochester, New York<\/strong> (No. 18), and <strong>Pittsburgh<\/strong> (No. 21) finish ahead of larger cities like <strong>Jacksonville, Florida<\/strong> (No. 31), thanks to their passionate <strong>geek communities<\/strong>. All three cities enjoy <strong>D&amp;D groups<\/strong> open to adventurers new and old. Minneapolis and Rochester also have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mlquadball.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Major League Quadball<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 formerly Major League Quidditch \u2014 teams.<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Leveling up<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Detroit<\/strong> (No. 37) impresses with the biggest <strong>power-up<\/strong> since the past year, <strong>ascending 89 spots <\/strong>from No. 126<strong> <\/strong>in our 2022 ranking. Motor City saw an <strong>increase<\/strong> in <strong>geek Meetup groups<\/strong> and <strong>board game<\/strong> and <strong>trading card shops<\/strong>. It also got a boost from its <strong>Major League Quadball team<\/strong> (a new metric in 2023).&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fandom fun&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Annual <strong>Comic-Con events attract thousands<\/strong> of attendees and <strong>benefit host cities<\/strong> by circulating <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/online\/hospitality\/news\/comic-conventions-their-popularity-and-impact\/#:~:text=Meanwhile%2C%20the%20annual%20New%20York%20Comic%20Con%20brings%20more%20than%20%24100%20million%20to%20the%20local%20economy.%20Even%20relatively%20smaller%20conventions%2C%20such%20as%20Phoenix%20Fan%20Fusion%20(formerly%20Phoenix%20Comic%2DCon)%2C%20can%20make%20a%20huge%20economic%20impact%3B%20this%20convention%20brings%20in%20more%20than%20%245%20million%20each%20year.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>millions of dollars<\/strong><\/a> through their local economies. <strong>87 cities<\/strong> in our ranking <strong>host Comic-Cons<\/strong>, and <strong>68<\/strong> boast conventions targeted toward specific fandoms. <strong>Atlanta<\/strong> (No. 8) hosts the <strong>most Comic-Cons<\/strong>, with big events like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dragoncon.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dragon Con<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/atlcomicconvention.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ATL Comic Convention<\/a>. <strong>Orlando, Florida<\/strong> (No. 9), hosts the <strong>most FanCons<\/strong>.<\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ask-the-experts\"><span id=\"expert-take\">Expert take<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You may be one with the force, but there\u2019s always more to learn in the realm of geeks and nerds.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We reached out to some experts for insight. Explore their thoughts below.<\/p>    <ol class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>What distinguishes a geek from a nerd?<\/li> <\/ol>    <ol class=\"wp-block-list\" start=\"2\"> <li>What is one recent or unexpected trend in the world of geeks that you\u2019ve observed?<\/li> <\/ol>    <ol class=\"wp-block-list\" start=\"3\"> <li>What are your best three tips for attending an event like Comic-Con?<\/li> <\/ol>    <ol class=\"wp-block-list\" start=\"4\"> <li>What is one way someone can embrace their geekness in their day-to-day life?<\/li> <\/ol>   <div id=\"experts-block\" class=\"experts\">     <h2 id=\"ask-the-experts\" class=\"text-2xl font-bold text-black mb-3\">Ask The Experts<\/h2>       <div id=\"experts-container\" class=\"relative lg:mt-6\" x-data=\"experts()\" x-init=\"init()\">      <style>       .expert-avatars {         scrollbar-width: none;         -ms-overflow-style: none;          \/* momentum scroll on iOS *\/         -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;          \/* disbable vertical scroll for touch *\/         touch-action: pan-x;       }        \/* hide scroll bar *\/       .expert-avatars::-webkit-scrollbar {         display: none;       }        .expert-avatars .item {         width: 125px;         flex-shrink: 0;       }        .expert-avatars .item:not(:last-child) {         margin-right: 10px;       }        \/* hacky fix for padding at the end of the.expert-avatars *\/       .expert-avatars .item:last-child {         position: relative;       }        .expert-avatars .item:last-child::after {         position: absolute;         left: 100%;         height: 1px;         width: 20px;         display: block;         content: \"\";       }        .trim-label {         max-height: 18px;         text-overflow: ellipsis;         overflow: hidden;         display: -webkit-box;         -webkit-line-clamp: 1;         -webkit-box-orient: vertical;         line-height: 1.4;       }        .credentials {         max-height: 18px;         width: 250px;         text-overflow: ellipsis;         overflow: hidden;         display: -webkit-box;         -webkit-line-clamp: 1;         -webkit-box-orient: vertical;         line-height: 1.4;       }        .credentials-small {         max-height: 18px;         width: 110px;         text-overflow: ellipsis;         overflow: hidden;         display: -webkit-box;         -webkit-line-clamp: 1;         -webkit-box-orient: vertical;         line-height: 1.4;       }        [x-cloak] {         display: none;       }     <\/style>      <div class=\"expert-avatars flex overflow-x-scroll overscroll-contain px-2 mb-10 lg:hidden\">                         <div class=\"item text-center mx-3\" @click=\"openExpert('j-richard-stevens', 'container')\">             <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Rick-Stevens_250.jpg\" alt=\"J. Richard Stevens\" class=\"mt-0 mx-auto mb-3 w-24 h-24 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-black font-medium trim-label\">J. Richard Stevens <\/div>             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-gray-800 trim-label\">Department Chair, Associate Professor<\/div>           <\/div>                   <div class=\"item text-center mx-3\" @click=\"openExpert('alisa-freedman-', 'container')\">             <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Alisa-Freedman-1_250.jpg\" alt=\"Alisa Freedman\" class=\"mt-0 mx-auto mb-3 w-24 h-24 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-black font-medium trim-label\">Alisa Freedman  <\/div>             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-gray-800 trim-label\"> Professor, Japanese Literature, Cultural Studies, and Gender<\/div>           <\/div>                   <div class=\"item text-center mx-3\" @click=\"openExpert('charles-coletta', 'container')\">             <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Charles-Coletta_250.jpg\" alt=\"Charles Coletta\" class=\"mt-0 mx-auto mb-3 w-24 h-24 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-black font-medium trim-label\">Charles Coletta <\/div>             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-gray-800 trim-label\">Teaching Professor<\/div>           <\/div>                   <div class=\"item text-center mx-3\" @click=\"openExpert('dr-kathryn-e-lane', 'container')\">             <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Kathryn-Lane_250.jpg\" alt=\"Dr. Kathryn E. Lane\" class=\"mt-0 mx-auto mb-3 w-24 h-24 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-black font-medium trim-label\">Dr. Kathryn E. Lane <\/div>             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-gray-800 trim-label\">Professor of English<\/div>           <\/div>                   <div class=\"item text-center mx-3\" @click=\"openExpert('rob-weiner', 'container')\">             <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Rob-Weiner_250.jpg\" alt=\"Rob Weiner\" class=\"mt-0 mx-auto mb-3 w-24 h-24 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-black font-medium trim-label\">Rob Weiner <\/div>             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-gray-800 trim-label\">Professor\/Popular Culture Librarian<\/div>           <\/div>                   <div class=\"item text-center mx-3\" @click=\"openExpert('dina-smith-glaviana', 'container')\">             <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Dina-Smith-Glaviana_250.jpg\" alt=\"Dina Smith-Glaviana\" class=\"mt-0 mx-auto mb-3 w-24 h-24 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-black font-medium trim-label\">Dina Smith-Glaviana <\/div>             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-gray-800 trim-label\">Assistant Professor<\/div>           <\/div>                   <div class=\"item text-center mx-3\" @click=\"openExpert('william-kuskin-phd', 'container')\">             <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/William-Kuskin_250.jpg\" alt=\"William Kuskin, PhD\" class=\"mt-0 mx-auto mb-3 w-24 h-24 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-black font-medium trim-label\">William Kuskin, PhD <\/div>             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-gray-800 trim-label\">Professor<\/div>           <\/div>                   <div class=\"item text-center mx-3\" @click=\"openExpert('angela-barajas', 'container')\">             <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Angela-Barajas-GMU-Logo.jpg\" alt=\"GMU Logo\" class=\"mt-0 mx-auto mb-3 w-24 h-24 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-black font-medium trim-label\">Angela Barajas <\/div>             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-gray-800 trim-label\">Instructor, Integrative Studies, PhD Student, Cultural Studies<\/div>           <\/div>                   <div class=\"item text-center mx-3\" @click=\"openExpert('ryan-purcell', 'container')\">             <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Purcell_headshot_250.jpg\" alt=\"Ryan Purcell\" class=\"mt-0 mx-auto mb-3 w-24 h-24 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-black font-medium trim-label\">Ryan Purcell <\/div>             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-gray-800 trim-label\">Postdoctoral Associate<\/div>           <\/div>                   <div class=\"item text-center mx-3\" @click=\"openExpert('dr-michael-robinson', 'container')\">             <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Michael-Robinson_250.jpg\" alt=\"Dr. Michael Robinson\" class=\"mt-0 mx-auto mb-3 w-24 h-24 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-black font-medium trim-label\">Dr. Michael Robinson <\/div>             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-gray-800 trim-label\">Professor of Communication Studies<\/div>           <\/div>                   <\/div>                     <div           id=\"expert-j-richard-stevens\"           class=\"mb-10 border border-gray-200 p-4 cursor-pointer lg:block\"           x-bind:class=\"{'lg:border-theme-green block': focusedExpert == 'j-richard-stevens', 'hidden': focusedExpert != 'j-richard-stevens'}\"           @click=\"openExpert('j-richard-stevens', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">            <div             x-bind:class=\"{'items-center': focusedExpert != 'j-richard-stevens', 'items-start': focusedExpert == 'j-richard-stevens'}\"             class=\"item mb-4 hidden lg:flex\"             @click=\"openExpert('j-richard-stevens', 'expert')\">              <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Rick-Stevens_250.jpg\" alt=\"J. Richard Stevens\" class=\"m-0 mr-3 w-16 h-16 object-cover rounded-full lg:w-20 lg:h-20\">              <div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'j-richard-stevens'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">J. Richard Stevens <\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'j-richard-stevens'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Department Chair, Associate Professor<\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'j-richard-stevens'}\"                 class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">University of Colorado, Boulder<\/div>             <\/div>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"hidden lg:block\"             x-bind:class=\"{'lg:hidden': focusedExpert == 'j-richard-stevens'}\">             <button class=\"flex items-center text-theme-green open-details\" @click=\"openExpert('j-richard-stevens', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'j-richard-stevens'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('j-richard-stevens')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Rick-Stevens_250.jpg\" alt=\"J. Richard Stevens\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">J. Richard Stevens <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Department Chair, Associate Professor<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">University of Colorado, Boulder<\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p><strong>What distinguishes a geek from a nerd? <\/strong><\/p> <p>In the 29th Century, \u201cnerd\u201d and \u201cgeek\u201d were more synonymous, different kinds of derogatory terms for fandom behavior. But in the 21st Century, the tech boom led to a surge of popularity for fandom spaces, and entertainment media started mainstreaming \u201cgeek\u201d culture as a more celebratory space.<\/p> <p>In today\u2019s vernacular, that tends to be the distinction: \u201cgeek culture\u201d is pro-social, often with a love of science and technology. When \u201cnerd\u201d is used as a pejorative, it is usually used in an anti-social manner, to suggest that interests in popular culture have overtaken \u201chealthy\u201d social interaction.<\/p> <p>All that said, different groups and different fandoms employ both terms differently, so both terms can still be used in a positive or derogatory way, depending on the context.<\/p> <p><strong>What is one recent or unexpected trend in the world of geeks that you\u2019ve observed?<\/strong><\/p> <p>Social media has blurred the lines between consumption and commentary about entertainment texts.<\/p> <p>Fan conversation is much more visible in a larger-scaled way than it used to be. While most fans and audiences still don\u2019t comment on the objects of their passion, those who do are increasingly bundled into tight networks, which amplify their taste politics.<\/p> <p>Finding virtual fan communities is much easier than it used to be, though there are many more flavors of fan networks for any given fandom, making finding the right one tricky.<\/p> <p><strong>What are your best three tips for attending an event like Comic-Con? <\/strong><\/p> <p>1. Hydrate.<\/p> <p>2. Bring a backpack.<\/p> <p>3. Plan meals into your schedule.<\/p> <p>Comic Cons can be so large and so spread out with multiple scheduled events happening at the same time, so attendees need to prioritize their activities, but it\u2019s very common to forget about meals and water when chasing down the next panel, signing, or photo opportunity.<\/p> <p><strong>What is one way someone can embrace their geekness in their day-to-day life? <\/strong><\/p> <p>Online fan discussions, fan T-shirts \u2014 there are lots of ways for fans to integrate their passions into the work and home life.<\/p> <p>At the root of fandom is culture, so making sure that positive social connections are involved should be a goal, but identifying one\u2019s fandoms and exploring one\u2019s identity with others is a great benefit of passionate cultural practices.<\/p>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>                <div           id=\"expert-alisa-freedman-\"           class=\"mb-10 border border-gray-200 p-4 cursor-pointer lg:block\"           x-bind:class=\"{'lg:border-theme-green block': focusedExpert == 'alisa-freedman-', 'hidden': focusedExpert != 'alisa-freedman-'}\"           @click=\"openExpert('alisa-freedman-', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">            <div             x-bind:class=\"{'items-center': focusedExpert != 'alisa-freedman-', 'items-start': focusedExpert == 'alisa-freedman-'}\"             class=\"item mb-4 hidden lg:flex\"             @click=\"openExpert('alisa-freedman-', 'expert')\">              <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Alisa-Freedman-1_250.jpg\" alt=\"Alisa Freedman\" class=\"m-0 mr-3 w-16 h-16 object-cover rounded-full lg:w-20 lg:h-20\">              <div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'alisa-freedman-'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Alisa Freedman  <\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'alisa-freedman-'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\"> Professor, Japanese Literature, Cultural Studies, and Gender<\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'alisa-freedman-'}\"                 class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">University of Oregon<\/div>             <\/div>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"hidden lg:block\"             x-bind:class=\"{'lg:hidden': focusedExpert == 'alisa-freedman-'}\">             <button class=\"flex items-center text-theme-green open-details\" @click=\"openExpert('alisa-freedman-', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'alisa-freedman-'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('alisa-freedman-')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Alisa-Freedman-1_250.jpg\" alt=\"Alisa Freedman\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Alisa Freedman  <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\"> Professor, Japanese Literature, Cultural Studies, and Gender<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">University of Oregon<\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p><strong>What distinguishes a geek from a nerd? <\/strong><\/p> <p>Generally speaking, both geeks and nerds are devoted to getting knowledge about something they are passionate about.<\/p> <p>The word \u201cnerd\u201d is often used for someone who is passionate about studying, while \u201cgeek\u201d is for an exuberant specialist. For example, a \u201cbook nerd\u201d might spend a lot of time reading, and a \u201cbook geek\u201d might collect books and know obscure details about publishing.<\/p> <p>But even self-proclaimed geeks and nerds debate the nuances of the words. And there are many subcategories. Nerds and geeks can be fans of diverse things. I am sure there are lawn care geeks and nerds.<\/p> <p><strong>What is one recent or unexpected trend in the world of geeks that you\u2019ve observed? <\/strong><\/p> <p>Geeks are getting more respect and are gaining confidence to show off their knowledge. Being a geek is something to be proud of. After all, we are attracted to geeky cities because they seem quirky, interesting, and creative.<\/p> <p>Geeks use their specialized knowledge to pursue careers in diverse fields, including art, business, technology, and teaching. They expand our understanding of the world.<\/p> <p><strong>What are your best three tips for attending an event like Comic-Con? <\/strong><\/p> <p>1. Participate and take it all in. Go to panels and events. You might find a new interest.<\/p> <p>2. Pace yourself \u2014 there is a lot to see and do at Comic-Cons and much of it happens all at once. Plan ahead to get a sense of what you want to do, but be flexible and willing to find a new passion to geek out about. If all the activity seems too much, take a break. Cons have quiet spaces and reading rooms for participants to collect their thoughts.<\/p> <p>3. Be respectful of cultures that might seem strange or different from your own. Comic-Cons strive to create community and welcome all kinds of people. If you want to take someone\u2019s photo, be sure to ask them first.<\/p> <p>Extra tip: Stay safe and healthy, and take care of yourself.<\/p> <p><strong>What is one way someone can embrace their geekness in their day-to-day life? <\/strong><\/p> <p>Embrace the fandoms you love.<\/p> <p>Studying popular culture is a great way to learn about business, art, technology, sociology, cross-cultural comparisons, psychology, history, education, and so much more.<\/p> <p>Being a geek teaches us how to be passionate, to study, and to think critically about the things we love. Geeks don\u2019t just consume culture; they also produce new things and methods. Being a geek can be a route to a dream job, a new hobby, and a way to make friends.<\/p> <p>Cities are designing spaces for people to geek out, including museums, theme parks, restaurants, and festivals. I find that my students who geek out about something they love do better at school, feel more purposeful, and are happier.<\/p>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>                <div           id=\"expert-charles-coletta\"           class=\"mb-10 border border-gray-200 p-4 cursor-pointer lg:block\"           x-bind:class=\"{'lg:border-theme-green block': focusedExpert == 'charles-coletta', 'hidden': focusedExpert != 'charles-coletta'}\"           @click=\"openExpert('charles-coletta', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">            <div             x-bind:class=\"{'items-center': focusedExpert != 'charles-coletta', 'items-start': focusedExpert == 'charles-coletta'}\"             class=\"item mb-4 hidden lg:flex\"             @click=\"openExpert('charles-coletta', 'expert')\">              <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Charles-Coletta_250.jpg\" alt=\"Charles Coletta\" class=\"m-0 mr-3 w-16 h-16 object-cover rounded-full lg:w-20 lg:h-20\">              <div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'charles-coletta'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Charles Coletta <\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'charles-coletta'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Teaching Professor<\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'charles-coletta'}\"                 class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Bowling Green State University, Department of Popular Culture<\/div>             <\/div>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"hidden lg:block\"             x-bind:class=\"{'lg:hidden': focusedExpert == 'charles-coletta'}\">             <button class=\"flex items-center text-theme-green open-details\" @click=\"openExpert('charles-coletta', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'charles-coletta'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('charles-coletta')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Charles-Coletta_250.jpg\" alt=\"Charles Coletta\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Charles Coletta <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Teaching Professor<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Bowling Green State University, Department of Popular Culture<\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p><strong>What distinguishes a geek from a nerd? <\/strong><\/p> <p>I am not sure if there is a difference in the popular mindset between &#8220;geek&#8221; and &#8220;nerd.&#8221;<\/p> <p>Apparently, the Oxford English Dictionary defines a nerd as &#8220;a person who is boring, stupid and not fashionable&#8221; or a person who &#8220;is very interested in computers.&#8221; I am not sure if those would have come first to my mind.<\/p> <p>The OED lists geek as &#8220;a person who is boring, wears clothes that are not fashionable, does not know how to behave in social situations, etc.&#8221;<\/p> <p>Back when I was a kid, \u201cnerd\u201d referred to an awkward person who was into comic books, etc. A character like Horshack from Welcome Back, Kotter, for example.<\/p> <p>\u201cGeek\u201d has come to mean (I think) someone who is invested in pop culture and fandom in some manner. A major difference is that the things that once defined nerd or geek culture \u2014 like sci-fi movies, comic books, superheroes, fantasy novels, and more \u2014 are now at the center of our popular culture. Look at the success of The Big Band Theory, for example. It perpetuated some of the classic geek stereotypes and also expanded some.<\/p> <p><strong>What is one recent or unexpected trend in the world of geeks that you\u2019ve observed?<\/strong><\/p> <p>Recent trends in geek culture seem to be just how accepted it has become to the masses. Minor comic book superheroes are now starring in their own movies and television programs.<\/p> <p>Geek culture was also thought of as majority male. Females are much more represented at all levels of geek culture (both as creators and consumers).<\/p> <p><strong>What are your best three tips for attending an event like Comic-Con? <\/strong><\/p> <p>1. Bring lots of cash.<\/p> <p>2. Stay hydrated<\/p> <p>3. Have fun celebrating what you love with like-minded folks.<\/p> <p><strong>What is one way someone can embrace their geekness in their day-to-day life?<\/strong><\/p> <p>Don&#8217;t be embarrassed at whatever it is in pop culture that you love. Remember that although some part of geek culture may not appeal to you, it still is bringing joy to somebody \u2014 no need to rain on another&#8217;s parade.<\/p> <p>One cool way to celebrate pop culture is to visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bgsu.edu\/library\/pcl.html\">Browne Popular Culture Library<\/a> at the Bowling Green State University campus. We&#8217;ve been running for more than 50 years, and it&#8217;s a treasure trove of comics, romance novels, mysteries, and film and television scripts, and it&#8217;s all open and available to the public for enjoyment and, more importantly, academic research.<\/p>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>                <div           id=\"expert-dr-kathryn-e-lane\"           class=\"mb-10 border border-gray-200 p-4 cursor-pointer lg:block\"           x-bind:class=\"{'lg:border-theme-green block': focusedExpert == 'dr-kathryn-e-lane', 'hidden': focusedExpert != 'dr-kathryn-e-lane'}\"           @click=\"openExpert('dr-kathryn-e-lane', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">            <div             x-bind:class=\"{'items-center': focusedExpert != 'dr-kathryn-e-lane', 'items-start': focusedExpert == 'dr-kathryn-e-lane'}\"             class=\"item mb-4 hidden lg:flex\"             @click=\"openExpert('dr-kathryn-e-lane', 'expert')\">              <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Kathryn-Lane_250.jpg\" alt=\"Dr. Kathryn E. Lane\" class=\"m-0 mr-3 w-16 h-16 object-cover rounded-full lg:w-20 lg:h-20\">              <div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'dr-kathryn-e-lane'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Dr. Kathryn E. Lane <\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'dr-kathryn-e-lane'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Professor of English<\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'dr-kathryn-e-lane'}\"                 class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Northwestern Oklahoma State University<\/div>             <\/div>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"hidden lg:block\"             x-bind:class=\"{'lg:hidden': focusedExpert == 'dr-kathryn-e-lane'}\">             <button class=\"flex items-center text-theme-green open-details\" @click=\"openExpert('dr-kathryn-e-lane', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'dr-kathryn-e-lane'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('dr-kathryn-e-lane')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Kathryn-Lane_250.jpg\" alt=\"Dr. Kathryn E. Lane\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Dr. Kathryn E. Lane <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Professor of English<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Northwestern Oklahoma State University<\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p> <strong>What distinguishes a geek from a nerd?  <\/strong> <\/p> <p> According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the words &#8220;nerd&#8221; and &#8220;geek&#8221; are not really that different in terms of denotative meaning. However, culturally we differentiated a &#8220;nerd&#8221; as someone who is overly studious, while &#8220;geeks&#8221; were historically associated with a technological aspect. <\/p> <p> Today, the delineation between the terms is more blurred.  \u200b <\/p> <p> <strong>What is one recent or unexpected trend in the world of geeks that you\u2019ve observed? <\/strong> <\/p> <p> The most surprising trend in the world of geeks is self-identification. Consider that being called a &#8220;geek&#8221; was an insult in the early 2000s. However, today individuals will self-identify as &#8220;book geeks&#8221; or &#8220;Star Wars nerds.&#8221; <\/p> <p> <strong>What is one way someone can embrace their geekness in their day-to-day life? <\/strong> <\/p> <p> Be your authentic self all the time. Everyone has something they &#8220;geek out&#8221; over. Why are we so nervous to share with the world what truly interests us? <\/p> <p> One way: Discuss something you learned with your family over dinner one night. Alternatively, talk with a friend about a new interest or check out a book from your local library.<\/p>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>                <div           id=\"expert-rob-weiner\"           class=\"mb-10 border border-gray-200 p-4 cursor-pointer lg:block\"           x-bind:class=\"{'lg:border-theme-green block': focusedExpert == 'rob-weiner', 'hidden': focusedExpert != 'rob-weiner'}\"           @click=\"openExpert('rob-weiner', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">            <div             x-bind:class=\"{'items-center': focusedExpert != 'rob-weiner', 'items-start': focusedExpert == 'rob-weiner'}\"             class=\"item mb-4 hidden lg:flex\"             @click=\"openExpert('rob-weiner', 'expert')\">              <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Rob-Weiner_250.jpg\" alt=\"Rob Weiner\" class=\"m-0 mr-3 w-16 h-16 object-cover rounded-full lg:w-20 lg:h-20\">              <div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'rob-weiner'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Rob Weiner <\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'rob-weiner'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Professor\/Popular Culture Librarian<\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'rob-weiner'}\"                 class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Texas Tech University<\/div>             <\/div>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"hidden lg:block\"             x-bind:class=\"{'lg:hidden': focusedExpert == 'rob-weiner'}\">             <button class=\"flex items-center text-theme-green open-details\" @click=\"openExpert('rob-weiner', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'rob-weiner'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('rob-weiner')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Rob-Weiner_250.jpg\" alt=\"Rob Weiner\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Rob Weiner <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Professor\/Popular Culture Librarian<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Texas Tech University<\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p><strong>What distinguishes a geek from a nerd? <\/strong><\/p> <p>Well, today \u201cgeek\u201d and \u201cnerd\u201d are often used interchangeably as someone who enjoys certain aspects of popular or technological culture. These include video games and role-playing games, comic book movies, such as the MCU, and those who collect obsessively certain aspects of popular culture, such as sports cards or other unique items like comic books.<\/p> <p>The collectors market for comic books has become very popular in the last 2\u20133 years, and many comics have skyrocketed in price, including certain issues of newer comics because the print runs are so small.<\/p> <p>There is also the perception that the geek\/nerd is very good with technology and works in various IT capacities. The big geeks\/nerds have taken over Hollywood, and we depend on them to take care of our IT needs in organizations, businesses, corporations, universities and colleges as well as other public and private institutions.<\/p> <p>However, historically (and technically) they don\u2019t actually mean the same thing. A geek is one who is a obsessed with collecting materials and following trends about their subject of interest, while a nerd is one who is educated and intellectual about a certain topic or subject area.<\/p> <p>Nerds focus more on a wider breath of knowledge (and usually have a more technical or scientific knowledge base), while geeks focus on collecting and trends that go with pop culture.<\/p> <p>The terms \u201cgeek\u201d and \u201cnerd\u201d have historically been associated with those who are \u201csocial outcasts\u201d and \u201coddballs.\u201d \u201cGeek\/nerd\u201d has sometimes been thought of as an individual who lives in their parents\u2019 basement, as someone who has no social skills. Of course, this is a ludicrous conception. While they don\u2019t actually mean the same thing, many people today use the term today interchangeably.<\/p> <p>Let\u2019s not forget the circus or carnival geek (the geek show), the one who did odd things to shock audiences like biting the heads of off live chickens or rats. The idea was to horrify or gross out the audience for the sake of spectacle. They often were alcoholics or drug addicts and lived very sad and difficult lives.<\/p> <p><strong>What is one recent or unexpected trend in the world of geeks that you\u2019ve observed?<\/strong><\/p> <p>One is that geeks\/nerds are now accepted into the mainstream and even hold positions of power in various corporations and entertainment industries. We need geeks\/nerds to keep the world running smoothly.<\/p> <p><strong>What are your best three tips for attending an event like Comic-Con? <\/strong><\/p> <p>1. Realize that Comic-Con is an event unlike any other in the world. It is unique and something everyone should experience.<\/p> <p>2. You will have to do a great deal of walking and waiting, so be prepared and be patient.<\/p> <p>3. Have fun. Enjoy yourself, but also don\u2019t be sad if you don\u2019t see it all. There is no way to see everything. It\u2019s just too big, but enjoy what you do get to see and do. Make sure you plan way ahead of time like getting your hotel and tickets months or even a year in advance.<\/p> <p><strong>What is one way someone can embrace their geekness in their day-to-day life?<\/strong><\/p> <p>Find something you enjoy and make it a part of your life. There is no shame in embracing your geekiness\/nerdiness in your day-to-day life.<\/p> <p>Hobbies, collecting, or watching a certain movie series\/TV show is fun. The most important thing is to have fun with whatever you are doing.<\/p> <p>Don\u2019t let your geekiness\/nerdiness rule your life, but integrate it so you have something to look forward to.<\/p>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>                <div           id=\"expert-dina-smith-glaviana\"           class=\"mb-10 border border-gray-200 p-4 cursor-pointer lg:block\"           x-bind:class=\"{'lg:border-theme-green block': focusedExpert == 'dina-smith-glaviana', 'hidden': focusedExpert != 'dina-smith-glaviana'}\"           @click=\"openExpert('dina-smith-glaviana', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">            <div             x-bind:class=\"{'items-center': focusedExpert != 'dina-smith-glaviana', 'items-start': focusedExpert == 'dina-smith-glaviana'}\"             class=\"item mb-4 hidden lg:flex\"             @click=\"openExpert('dina-smith-glaviana', 'expert')\">              <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Dina-Smith-Glaviana_250.jpg\" alt=\"Dina Smith-Glaviana\" class=\"m-0 mr-3 w-16 h-16 object-cover rounded-full lg:w-20 lg:h-20\">              <div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'dina-smith-glaviana'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Dina Smith-Glaviana <\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'dina-smith-glaviana'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Assistant Professor<\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'dina-smith-glaviana'}\"                 class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Virginia Tech<\/div>             <\/div>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"hidden lg:block\"             x-bind:class=\"{'lg:hidden': focusedExpert == 'dina-smith-glaviana'}\">             <button class=\"flex items-center text-theme-green open-details\" @click=\"openExpert('dina-smith-glaviana', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'dina-smith-glaviana'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('dina-smith-glaviana')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Dina-Smith-Glaviana_250.jpg\" alt=\"Dina Smith-Glaviana\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Dina Smith-Glaviana <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Assistant Professor<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Virginia Tech<\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p><strong>What distinguishes a geek from a nerd? <\/strong><\/p> <p>A geek is someone who is deeply invested\/involved in popular culture, particularly with media (TV shows, film, music, etc.), whereas &#8220;nerd&#8221; is a term used to describe someone who is highly intelligent and deeply committed to studying subjects particularly related to math and science (but any subject, really).<\/p> <p><strong>What is one recent or unexpected trend in the world of geeks that you&#8217;ve observed?<\/strong><\/p> <p>I suppose the mainstreaming of fans and geeks. We have come a long way since Lord of the Rings came out in the early 2000s. When I was a kid\/teen, it was uncool to be a fan of something, and today it is so much more accepted (although the stigma persists to some degree among some groups of individuals).<\/p> <p><strong>What are your best three tips for attending an event like Comic-Con? <\/strong><\/p> <p>1. Save more money because you will spend more than you think, not just on memorabilia and merchandise, but on food, drinks, and Starbucks.<\/p> <p>2. Unless you are hugely into cosplay, wear something unique and comfortable, perhaps a closet cosplay of a favorite character or something you made yourself.<\/p> <p>3. Don&#8217;t be shy. Meet celebrities, and accept their hugs when offered.<\/p> <p><strong>What is one way someone can embrace their geekiness in their day-to-day life?<\/strong><\/p> <p>This is a fun one: dressing in closet cosplay or wearing fan-themed apparel and accessories.<\/p> <p>You can also decorate your home or office with merchandise and art related to your favorite films, TV shows, games, etc. Also, fan-themed coffee mugs will always be a great start to the day.<\/p>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>                <div           id=\"expert-william-kuskin-phd\"           class=\"mb-10 border border-gray-200 p-4 cursor-pointer lg:block\"           x-bind:class=\"{'lg:border-theme-green block': focusedExpert == 'william-kuskin-phd', 'hidden': focusedExpert != 'william-kuskin-phd'}\"           @click=\"openExpert('william-kuskin-phd', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">            <div             x-bind:class=\"{'items-center': focusedExpert != 'william-kuskin-phd', 'items-start': focusedExpert == 'william-kuskin-phd'}\"             class=\"item mb-4 hidden lg:flex\"             @click=\"openExpert('william-kuskin-phd', 'expert')\">              <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/William-Kuskin_250.jpg\" alt=\"William Kuskin, PhD\" class=\"m-0 mr-3 w-16 h-16 object-cover rounded-full lg:w-20 lg:h-20\">              <div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'william-kuskin-phd'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">William Kuskin, PhD <\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'william-kuskin-phd'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Professor<\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'william-kuskin-phd'}\"                 class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">University of Colorado Boulder, College of Arts and Sciences, Department of English<\/div>             <\/div>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"hidden lg:block\"             x-bind:class=\"{'lg:hidden': focusedExpert == 'william-kuskin-phd'}\">             <button class=\"flex items-center text-theme-green open-details\" @click=\"openExpert('william-kuskin-phd', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'william-kuskin-phd'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('william-kuskin-phd')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/William-Kuskin_250.jpg\" alt=\"William Kuskin, PhD\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">William Kuskin, PhD <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Professor<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">University of Colorado Boulder, College of Arts and Sciences, Department of English<\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p>My first Comic Convention was probably back in 1977, in New York City. It was downtown in a hotel, perhaps two big rooms of folding tables and a lot of shapeless nerds standing around cardboard boxes. No geeks back at that time. I don\u2019t remember any cosplay \u2014 although it\u2019s not impossible some of the nerds were dressed really oddly. I do remember a makeshift stage in the back of one of the rooms and a raffle I didn\u2019t win. It all felt drab. I remember not having any money, the prices being expensive, and the whole thing feeling disappointing.<\/p> <p>We\u2019re through the looking glass now. You can take a college course at the University of Colorado Boulder on comics (I teach one) \u2014 indeed you can choose from a number of college courses, adults can own action figures with a straight face, and you\u2019re not branded a cultist if you play Dungeons and Dragons.<\/p> <p>More than anything, the world of comics has changed. Back in the \u201970s, comics were still somewhat flat. The nerds were deep into superheroes \u2014 knew the lore and the pricing structure of all the back issues. The geeks saw something different \u2014 they saw possibility. But the stories were still pretty raw. Now you can walk into Time Warp Comics on 28th Street and Valmont in Boulder and enter into a library of the imagination. It\u2019s like walking into Kirke&#8217;s\u2019 wardrobe and discovering Narnia is really the multidimensionality of the self.<\/p> <p>That\u2019s what comics are about: the exploration of the potential for transformation. Comics tell stories of transformation \u2014 from nerds and geeks to superheroes; from cats and dogs to stand-up comedians; from loneliness to love. The past 50 years have seen that transformative power double over and explode onto screens of all sizes and back onto the book itself. It\u2019s a powerful artistic time, and since art is generative, there is always hope.<\/p> <p>You still need to bring some serious money to a Comic Convention or you\u2019re going to be disappointed.<\/p>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>                <div           id=\"expert-angela-barajas\"           class=\"mb-10 border border-gray-200 p-4 cursor-pointer lg:block\"           x-bind:class=\"{'lg:border-theme-green block': focusedExpert == 'angela-barajas', 'hidden': focusedExpert != 'angela-barajas'}\"           @click=\"openExpert('angela-barajas', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">            <div             x-bind:class=\"{'items-center': focusedExpert != 'angela-barajas', 'items-start': focusedExpert == 'angela-barajas'}\"             class=\"item mb-4 hidden lg:flex\"             @click=\"openExpert('angela-barajas', 'expert')\">              <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Angela-Barajas-GMU-Logo.jpg\" alt=\"GMU Logo\" class=\"m-0 mr-3 w-16 h-16 object-cover rounded-full lg:w-20 lg:h-20\">              <div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'angela-barajas'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Angela Barajas <\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'angela-barajas'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Instructor, Integrative Studies, PhD Student, Cultural Studies<\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'angela-barajas'}\"                 class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">George Mason University, College of Humanities and Social Sciences<\/div>             <\/div>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"hidden lg:block\"             x-bind:class=\"{'lg:hidden': focusedExpert == 'angela-barajas'}\">             <button class=\"flex items-center text-theme-green open-details\" @click=\"openExpert('angela-barajas', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'angela-barajas'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('angela-barajas')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Angela-Barajas-GMU-Logo.jpg\" alt=\"GMU Logo\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Angela Barajas <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Instructor, Integrative Studies, PhD Student, Cultural Studies<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">George Mason University, College of Humanities and Social Sciences<\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p><strong>What distinguishes a geek from a nerd? <\/strong><\/p> <p>Colloquially, they are used interchangeably; however, \u201cnerd\u201d has a more scholarly connotation,<\/p> <p>whereas \u201cgeek\u201d most often refers to an intense interest in obscure popular culture.<\/p> <p><strong>What is one recent or unexpected trend in the world of geeks that you\u2019ve observed?<\/strong><\/p> <p>Fanship and fan products (geek stuff) has become mainstream and is now something more akin<\/p> <p>to a hobby. Fanship can be a topic of light conversations and is a way fan communities<\/p> <p>(fandoms) develop.<\/p> <p><strong>What are your best three tips for attending an event like Comic-Con? <\/strong><\/p> <p>1. Bring a refillable water bottle, deodorant, and a pen. Hydration is important and easy to forget<\/p> <p>at bustling events. Cons tend to have many people in close quarters, so it is important to be<\/p> <p>mindful of hygiene, and lastly it\u2019s a good idea to keep a pen on your person for impromptu<\/p> <p>autographs or notes.<\/p> <p>2. Be sure to check the Con\u2019s webpage to get an understanding as to what is allowed or required. Some places have dress codes for cosplay and weapon checks needed for props.<\/p> <p>3. Similar to 2, a Con\u2019s webpage often has frequently asked questions that can help an attendee<\/p> <p>prepare for that specific Con and understand what to expect during their attendance.<\/p> <p><strong>What is one way someone can embrace their geekness in their day-to-day life?<\/strong><\/p> <p>There seems to be no shortage of merchandise for someone to express their fanship and represent their fandom. Fanship has become mainstream enough that fan products are readily available at any major box store.<\/p>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>                <div           id=\"expert-ryan-purcell\"           class=\"mb-10 border border-gray-200 p-4 cursor-pointer lg:block\"           x-bind:class=\"{'lg:border-theme-green block': focusedExpert == 'ryan-purcell', 'hidden': focusedExpert != 'ryan-purcell'}\"           @click=\"openExpert('ryan-purcell', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">            <div             x-bind:class=\"{'items-center': focusedExpert != 'ryan-purcell', 'items-start': focusedExpert == 'ryan-purcell'}\"             class=\"item mb-4 hidden lg:flex\"             @click=\"openExpert('ryan-purcell', 'expert')\">              <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Purcell_headshot_250.jpg\" alt=\"Ryan Purcell\" class=\"m-0 mr-3 w-16 h-16 object-cover rounded-full lg:w-20 lg:h-20\">              <div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'ryan-purcell'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Ryan Purcell <\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'ryan-purcell'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Postdoctoral Associate<\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'ryan-purcell'}\"                 class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Fordham University<\/div>             <\/div>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"hidden lg:block\"             x-bind:class=\"{'lg:hidden': focusedExpert == 'ryan-purcell'}\">             <button class=\"flex items-center text-theme-green open-details\" @click=\"openExpert('ryan-purcell', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'ryan-purcell'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('ryan-purcell')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Purcell_headshot_250.jpg\" alt=\"Ryan Purcell\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Ryan Purcell <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Postdoctoral Associate<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Fordham University<\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p><strong>What distinguishes a geek from a nerd? <\/strong><\/p> <p>The difference between \u201cgeek\u201d and a \u201cnerd,\u201d colloquially, is a matter of specificity. Geeks and nerds are both passionate about learning.<\/p> <p>However, generally accepted definitions of a nerd refer to someone who voraciously consumes knowledge on multiple subjects (e.g., computer programming, ancient history, and astrology, among others).<\/p> <p>Geeks, on the other hand, tend to be hyper-focused on a particular subset of knowledge.<\/p> <p><strong>What is one recent or unexpected trend in the world of geeks that you\u2019ve observed? <\/strong><\/p> <p>Investing in cryptocurrency has become widely popular in the past decade, a trend sped by the advent of mobile trading platforms like Coinbase or Robinhood. For some people, this can be a fiery topic of conversation, a subject that can lead to a rabbit-hole of ideas from obscure investment theories to the latest news of blockchain upgrades, and the consequences to crypto that those ideas portend. I would respectfully refer to these people as crypto-geeks.<\/p> <p>Unexpectedly, this crypto-geekiness is driving development in historically underdeveloped urban centers. Over the past few years, crypto-mania has pulled gravity away from well-established tech industry hubs on the West Coast like Silicon Valley and the Bay Area. Cities like Miami and Pittsburgh are increasingly attracting tech and crypto investment industries with permissive legislation, tax abatements, and sensationalized industry <a href=\"https:\/\/harpers.org\/archive\/2022\/03\/cryptonomicon-bitcoin-maximalists-miami\/\">conferences<\/a>. So, the geekiness of cryptocurrency is changing the way we experience cities in the U.S.<\/p> <p><strong>What are your best tips for attending an event like comic-con? <\/strong><\/p> <p>Events like Comic-Con feature multiple experiences and presentations, some simultaneously. There are vendor tables, of course \u2014 and they are great to explore. But there are also cosplay and gaming events and talks by celebrities, comic industry people, and scholars that might pique your fancy.<\/p> <p>So, it can be helpful to preview the conference schedule and make a list of the top items that you would want to check out. You can always deviate from this plan if spontaneity strikes.<\/p> <p><strong>What is one way someone can embrace their geekness in their day-to-day life? <\/strong><\/p> <p>In my younger and more vulnerable years, a mentor encouraged me to follow my bliss. This nugget of wisdom came from Joseph Campbell, a professor of literature and comparative mythology and religion at Sarah Lawrence College. I have always understood that to mean follow your passion, no matter how far down the rabbit-hole it may take you. Life is short. Why not spend it with ideas and people that you enjoy?<\/p>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>                <div           id=\"expert-dr-michael-robinson\"           class=\"mb-10 border border-gray-200 p-4 cursor-pointer lg:block\"           x-bind:class=\"{'lg:border-theme-green block': focusedExpert == 'dr-michael-robinson', 'hidden': focusedExpert != 'dr-michael-robinson'}\"           @click=\"openExpert('dr-michael-robinson', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">            <div             x-bind:class=\"{'items-center': focusedExpert != 'dr-michael-robinson', 'items-start': focusedExpert == 'dr-michael-robinson'}\"             class=\"item mb-4 hidden lg:flex\"             @click=\"openExpert('dr-michael-robinson', 'expert')\">              <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Michael-Robinson_250.jpg\" alt=\"Dr. Michael Robinson\" class=\"m-0 mr-3 w-16 h-16 object-cover rounded-full lg:w-20 lg:h-20\">              <div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'dr-michael-robinson'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Dr. Michael Robinson <\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'dr-michael-robinson'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Professor of Communication Studies<\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'dr-michael-robinson'}\"                 class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">University of Lynchburg<\/div>             <\/div>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"hidden lg:block\"             x-bind:class=\"{'lg:hidden': focusedExpert == 'dr-michael-robinson'}\">             <button class=\"flex items-center text-theme-green open-details\" @click=\"openExpert('dr-michael-robinson', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'dr-michael-robinson'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('dr-michael-robinson')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Michael-Robinson_250.jpg\" alt=\"Dr. Michael Robinson\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Dr. Michael Robinson <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Professor of Communication Studies<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">University of Lynchburg<\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p><strong>What distinguishes a geek from a nerd?<\/strong><\/p> <p>Technically, a \u201cnerd\u201d is someone excited by learning, while a \u201cgeek\u201d is someone excited by a subject. Both get used interchangeably at times, and the terms are not nearly as negative as they used to be. The important thing is to see the excitement and energy that defines fandom.<\/p> <p><strong>What is one recent or unexpected trend in the world of geeks that you\u2019ve observed?<\/strong><\/p> <p>Fan culture has gone mainstream. I never thought I\u2019d see a world where all the nerdy things I enjoyed when I was young would be so popular. These are exciting times for fandom.<\/p> <p><strong>What are your best three tips for attending an event like Comic-Con? <\/strong><\/p> <p>1. Plan in advance as much as you can. Know the schedule, and anticipate wait times. If you are meeting a celebrity or creator, find out their expectations for signing items, custom art, pictures, etc.<\/p> <p>2. You\u2019re going to be standing a lot. Be sure to have some comfortable clothing and footwear (and if you are cosplaying, design your outfits accordingly).<\/p> <p>3. Ask before you take a photo of someone. Many people are there to have fun and share their fandom and creative costumes, but that doesn\u2019t make them exhibits. Asking shows you respect their privacy and hey, you might make a new friend.<\/p> <p><strong>What is one way someone can embrace their geekness in their day-to-day life?<\/strong><\/p> <p>Clothing: To me, nothing says fandom quite like a cool T-shirt. But if you\u2019ve got to dress up for work, sneak in a tie or a pin or even a pair of socks.<\/p>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>              <\/div> <\/div>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"methodology\"><span id=\"behind-the-ranking\">Behind the ranking<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First, we determined the factors (metrics) that are most relevant to rank the Geekiest Cities. We then assigned a weight to each factor based on its importance and grouped those factors into four categories: Collectibles, Costumes, Community, and Events. The categories, factors, and their weights are listed in the table below.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For each of the 200 biggest U.S. cities, we then gathered data on each factor from the sources listed below the table.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Finally, we calculated scores (out of 100 points) for each city to determine its rank in each factor, each category, and overall. A city\u2019s Overall Score is the average of its scores across all factors and categories. The highest Overall Score ranked \u201cBest\u201d (No. 1) and the lowest \u201cWorst\u201d (No. 200). Note: The \u201cWorst\u201d among individual factors may not be No. 200 due to ties.<\/p>   <div class=\"infogram-embed\" data-id=\"a6bc48df-eb21-421c-afb7-93b479b3f514\" data-type=\"interactive\" data-title=\"Methodology Table - 2023&amp;#39;s Geekiest Cities\"><\/div> <p><script>!function(e,i,n,s){var t=\"InfogramEmbeds\",d=e.getElementsByTagName(\"script\")[0];if(window[t]&&window[t].initialized)window[t].process&&window[t].process();else if(!e.getElementById(n)){var o=e.createElement(\"script\");o.async=1,o.id=n,o.src=\"https:\/\/e.infogram.com\/js\/dist\/embed-loader-min.js\",d.parentNode.insertBefore(o,d)}}(document,0,\"infogram-async\");<\/script><\/p>    <h3 id=\"sources\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sources<\/h3>    <p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Comic-cons.xyz, FanCons.com, LARPfinder, Meetup, MLQ Championship, Other Lawn Love Studies, The Renlist, Wizards of the Coast, and Yelp<\/em><\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"final-thoughts\"><span id=\"honorable-mentions\">Honorable Mentions<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Everyone has a geeky side. No wonder cities across the country have begun to embrace the nerds, offering unique spots for fans to geek out together.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You don\u2019t need to be a Dungeon Master to plot out your next nerdy campaign, though. Check out some more geeky destinations below, several of which didn\u2019t make it into our ranking due to population size.&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Albuquerque, New Mexico (No. 27):<\/strong> Let creative sparks fly at <a href=\"https:\/\/electricplayhouse.com\/about\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Electric Playhouse<\/a>, where geeks of all ages can play unique and interactive digital games. Duke City is also home to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nuclearmuseum.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">National Museum of Nuclear Science &amp; History<\/a>.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Frisco, Texas (No. 188):<\/strong> Play your way through memory lane at the <a href=\"http:\/\/nvmusa.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">National Videogame Museum<\/a>, which features several interactive exhibits, including an \u201980s arcade.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Huntsville, Alabama (No. 80): <\/strong>Have you always dreamed of being an astronaut? You\u2019re never too old for space camp: Find out what it takes to rocket into the cosmos at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rocketcenter.com\/SpaceCamp\/Adult\/Academy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Adult Space Academy<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Metropolis, Illinois:<\/strong> Visit the Man of Steel\u2019s hometown, where you can view more than 70,000 toys, props, and collectibles at the <a href=\"https:\/\/supermuseum.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Super Museum<\/a>. Every summer, the town hosts <a href=\"https:\/\/www.supermancelebration.net\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Superman Celebration<\/a>, a weekend of super events to celebrate the iconic superhero.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Pleasant Grove, Utah:<\/strong> Less than an hour away from Salt Lake City, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.evermore.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Evermore Park<\/a> is an immersive fantasy world open all year long. Guests are encouraged to dress up and role-play their way through the dreamy 15-acre theme park.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>San Diego (No. 20):<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.comic-con.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Comic-Con International<\/a> is one of the largest Comic-Con events, attracting fans since 1970. You can explore 50 years of memorabilia at the <a href=\"https:\/\/comic-conmuseum.org\/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw1_SkBhDwARIsANbGpFsqLkk7fuxJTNaZJg5Vjn1Jmq2ajFe_nZr_FigmzjeDc9yI0x4sRCUaAsnoEALw_wcB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Comic-Con Museum<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Seattle (No. 14):<\/strong> Get lost in aisles of comics, vintage toys, and figurines at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pikeplacemarket.org\/vendor\/golden-age-collectables\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Golden Age Collectables<\/a>, the oldest comic book store in the world.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Todd Mission, Texas: <\/strong>Attracting over half a million visitors each year, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.texrenfest.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Texas Renaissance Festival<\/a> is the biggest in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.farandwide.com\/s\/biggest-renaissance-festivals-usa-e7e727e8ab8e446b#:~:text=With%20over%20500%2C000%20attendees%2C%20it%20isn%27t%20just%20the%20biggest%20in%20the%20U.S.%2C%20but%20in%20the%20world.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">world<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Win the grass battle with Lawn Love\u2019s lawn care pros on your side. <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/\"><em>Contact a local Lawn Love crew<\/em><\/a><em> to tackle all your lawn maintenance and landscaping needs.&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"media-resources\">Media resources<\/h2>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/spreadsheets\/d\/1DAez0eoaXqlbpkyhL553MwV4C0eEHQeRndj6mexkXWs\/edit#gid=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">High-resolution images of cities<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/infogram.com\/ranking-table-2022s-best-cities-for-naked-biking-1hdw2jpjkp9dp2l\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2022\u2019s Geekiest Cities ranking results<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Main photo credit: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/four-person-in-naruto-costume-65767\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Donald Tong<\/a> (cropped) | Pexels | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/license\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pexels License<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Where are the best cities for geeks and nerds to live long and prosper? Geek out with our ranking of 2023\u2019s Geekiest Cities.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":16673,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[169],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10669","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-studies"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/2023s-Geekiest-Cities-1.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Sav Maive","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/sav-maive\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10669","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/16"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10669"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10669\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16673"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10669"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10669"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10669"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}