Happy Anni-birthday, Best Bar! Thank you - old friends, friends who've left (and occasionally resurface), new friends, best friends. Thanks for holding my hand when I was new; for rolling your eyes very quietly when I committed internet bloopers; and for always being a positive and fun place to go to, especially at the end of long hard weeks. Cheers!!

Your DW / online handles / where people can find you: alphaflyer

MCU, comics, or all the things?
all the things, preferably all mashed up with all the good bits kept and the frown-inducing ones swept under the rug.

The last Marvel thing you watched or read?
I just took someone who stayed with me for 2 weeks for a crash course through the MCU. Not all 22, just the necessary and good ones. She went home and subscribed to the Disney channel so she could show her boyfriend. *blows on finger tips*

List some of your favourite Marvel characters/stories other than Clint and Natasha:
I love the minor characters that round out the universe: Luis, Maria Hill, Yondu, Pepper, Darcy, Helen Cho. (Yes, feel free to argue whether these are minor. But they sure aren't Ironman, Cap or Thor, are they ...?) When I started out in this fandom and found out there was a SECOND HAWKEYE I was appalled. I thought it was the dumbest thing ever and a failure of imagination to come up with another name. And then I fell in love with Kate, and now she is one of my favourite POV characters.

You're in charge of the timeline/titles for the next set of Marvel films and TV shows post-Endgame (or the current announced run). What do you announce? What characters/plotlines can we look forward to seeing?
The Guardians find some celestial being that isn't dead or a jerk, and explore the interior of the Soulstone to get Gamora back. Bonus: Since Natasha has been in there since 2014, they get her out too! She and Nebula have interesting talks, over rounds of Cardassian sunsets, about sisters that are trained to kill you.

Other fandoms you're currently into:
None, really. I love the Expanse and have watched the entire thing (except Season 4) three times, but apart from buying an MCRN mug for every member of my family and a "Doors and Corners" t-shirt for my hubby, I don't really do fandom things with it.

What're some of your favourite things you love to see in fic/creative works? Interesting prose, coherent narrative, proper characterization (I hate those PWPs where people just paste a character's name on a naked cardboard cutout.)

Give us 3 sentences or a teaser of something creative, fic or otherwise, that you’re working on:

“Sorry, did you say something?” he says pointing at his ear, with a widening smile that would melt the panties off a lesser woman than the Black Widow. “I wasn’t watching your mouth. Obviously, I should have. I won’t make that mistake again.”

What Marvel merchandise do you wish existed, or what's your favourite fan thing you own?
I like my 25 cm Hawkeye with the removable arrows, even though they keep falling off. But what I really want is an infinity glove for our family room, to go with the bat'leth, the Firebolt, and the One Ring.

During lockdowns there have been conventions, panels, talk shows, bitesize added content (looking at you, Doctor Who and Good Omens), museum and zoo tours, theatre shows, and all sorts of things online/made digital. If you could ask for anything online relevant to our interests, with the only limitation being that all participants must take part from their own homes, what would it be?

A series of meta discussions, with topics ranging from "Did Natasha need to die?" and "How much of a douche is Tony?" to "What's with the Arrow Necklace" and "Hawkeye's family. Discuss." No one is allowed to shout, and people need to take turns to make their point. Everyone who drops an f-bomb gets has to drink a glass of mead.


Edited 2020-05-09 12:02 am (UTC)

“Sorry, did you say something?” he says pointing at his ear, with a widening smile that would melt the panties off a lesser woman than the Black Widow. “I wasn’t watching your mouth. Obviously, I should have. I won’t make that mistake again.” MARVELOUS. XDDDD

Luis, Maria Hill, Yondu, Pepper, Darcy, Helen Cho. Iconic, so glad you mentioned them!!!! Excellent characters.

I am so looking forward to that fic of yours! *shakes pom poms*

Doors and Corners! <3

Can't believe I forgot to mention Helen Cho in my fav characters, thanks for reminding me.

So when is that meta discussion chat and thank you for volunteering as mod! :D

Sign me up for that meta discussion AND your upcoming fic!!

I love that you own a bat'leth. Is there a mini alphaflyer on the mantle too?

Happy birthday con!!! I'm so glad I've found you!


Your DW / online handles / where people can find you:
on tumblr also at paperairplanesopenwindows or twitter at thesararenee!

MCU, comics, or all the things?
All the things, but def more into MCU than the comics.

The last Marvel thing you watched or read?
My roommate and I finally got caught up on AOS for the final season.

List some of your favourite Marvel characters/stories other than Clint and Natasha:
uh the entire cast of Agents of SHIELD? Seriously, it's the relationships between that group that keeps me coming back.

You're in charge of the timeline/titles for the next set of Marvel films and TV shows post-Endgame (or the current announced run). What do you announce? What characters/plotlines can we look forward to seeing?
uhhhhh i don't know enough comics for this. I'd bring back Agent Carter I guess? And a Kate Bishop show?

Other fandoms you're currently into:
Star Wars EU kinda?

What're some of your favourite things you love to see in fic/creative works?
M U T U A L P I N I N G
I also really really love tropey non powered aus

Give us 3 sentences or a teaser of something creative, fic or otherwise, that you’re working on:
I'm working on some more ot3 fic (as always) and the fic for the remix exchange. And I'm also working on a personal project that's a movie script that's a queer retelling of classic literature that I'm really hoping to finish and do something with.

What Marvel merchandise do you wish existed, or what's your favourite fan thing you own?
listen i'm just waiting for those new Black Widow loungefly bags to drop, where are they????
i own sooooooo much marvel merch that I adore, but to spotlight one, the little build a bear Black Widow bear they made a few years ago goes to every Marvel movie because I'm a crier and I usually need to hug something.

During lockdowns there have been conventions, panels, talk shows, bitesize added content (looking at you, Doctor Who and Good Omens), musesum and zoo tours, theatre shows, and all sorts of things online/made digital. If you could ask for anything online relevant to our interests, with the only limitation being that all participants must take part from their own homes, what would it be?
would it be to much to ask for a virtual clintasha or marvel convention? lol

Mutual pining!!! and tropey non-powered AUs are *chef's kiss*

THERE IS A BLACK WIDOW BUILD-A-BEAR???? Photo please!!!

Kate Bishop is basically the premise of the already announced Hawkeye miniseries, isn't it? I'm sure I read that somewhere.

JOIN ME IN CAPSLOCKING EXCITEMENT!

Also all in for the virtual convention!

Virtual Clintasha convention? Yes, please.
Also, thanks for the AOS reminder. Gotta get a refresher, too. They almost lost me last season, but I feel the need to see this through to the end.

Edited 2020-05-09 06:23 pm (UTC)

CONGRATS ON THE ANNIVERSARY, BAR!!!

Your DW / online handles / where people can find you: geckoholic here, on AO3 and twitter, lostemotion on tumblr, public twitter is spacenerdz

MCU, comics, or all the things? Selected MCU, comics though I'm not up to date with them.

The last Marvel thing you watched or read? The Captain Marvel movie, I think.

List some of your favourite Marvel characters/stories other than Clint and Natasha: KATE BISHOOOOOOOP. ♥ Also G. Willow Wilson's Ms. Marvel stands out, and I adore Jessica Drew.

You're in charge of the timeline/titles for the next set of Marvel films and TV shows post-Endgame (or the current announced run). What do you announce? What characters/plotlines can we look forward to seeing? I'm not all to invested in the MCU anymore, but it'd likely involve Maria Hill, Pepper Potts, and Carol Danvers.

Other fandoms you're currently into: SO MANY. ALWAYS. But right now I'm mostly into chinese dramas, anime, and I'm always into Marvel 616 and DCU comics, even though I'm not up to date.

What're some of your favourite things you love to see in fic/creative works? Hurt/comfort, found family, complicated and layered and realistic relationships, urban fantasy and magical realism, recovery stories.

Give us 3 sentences or a teaser of something creative, fic or otherwise, that you’re working on: She's tied to a chair, wearing nothing but a hospital gown, red hair falling down her face in greasy curls. There are tears brimming in her red-rimmed eyes, goosebumps all over her skin. He can feel her warm breath on his cheek when he cuts her loose. Her hands hold onto his tac suit with all their might when he carries her out of the room, face pressed into the crook of his neck, murmuring to herself in a language he doesn't entirely understand.

He's never seen anything more alive.

(from an old unfinished fic with the file name "ClintNat turing test fic")

What Marvel merchandise do you wish existed, or what's your favourite fan thing you own? I have a bunch of Pops that I very much adore.

During lockdowns there have been conventions, panels, talk shows, bitesize added content (looking at you, Doctor Who and Good Omens), musesum and zoo tours, theatre shows, and all sorts of things online/made digital. If you could ask for anything online relevant to our interests, with the only limitation being that all participants must take part from their own homes, what would it be? Hm, group chats with a theme or holding watchalongs together, that kind of interactive group event.


Edited 2020-05-09 11:46 am (UTC)

Yesssss I'd love to have watchalongs with other people who care about the same things as much as I do!!!

Is there any chance at all that your "...old unfinished fic with the file name "ClintNat turing test fic"" could ever see the light of day? I'm hooked already... :)

I'm all for an interactive group event!

Your DW / online handles / where people can find you:
I'm starsanonwrites on tumblr and starsanon on AO3! I've posted a couple Clint/Nat stories in the past couple weeks if you want to check them out.

MCU, comics, or all the things?
Both, but mostly MCU. I'm in love with Fraction's Hawkeye.

The last Marvel thing you watched or read?
I rewatched Captain Marvel the other day.

List some of your favourite Marvel characters/stories other than Clint and Natasha:
Bucky!!! I love him so much.

You're in charge of the timeline/titles for the next set of Marvel films and TV shows post-Endgame (or the current announced run). What do you announce? What characters/plotlines can we look forward to seeing?
I want to eventually have a crossover between the new Falcon&WS and Hawkeye shows that leads to some conglomerate of Tales of Suspense #100 (the one where Clint and Bucky work together to find Natasha) and the new Hawkeye Freefall run where Clint, Bucky, and Sam have to team up. I'm still bitter that Clint and Bucky have never really interacted on-screen in the MCU; they have great chemistry.

Other fandoms you're currently into:
I'm a huge Star Wars fan!

What're some of your favourite things you love to see in fic/creative works?
I love to see team interactions and friendships, and in terms of tropes, I love a good fake relationship.

Give us 3 sentences or a teaser of something creative, fic or otherwise, that you’re working on:
I don't have sentences written yet, but my next project is a series of mini-fics that has Natasha as a science teacher and Clint as a contractor/vigilante who constantly shows up wherever Natasha is, chaotic and usually injured. Based on this this post. I also have a separate fic with the working title "Clint Barton is a Thirst Trap."

What Marvel merchandise do you wish existed, or what's your favourite fan thing you own?
I have pretty much every Clint pop funko, but I'd love a Fraction comic one. I also love my Infinity War Bucky and really want to get Natasha next.

During lockdowns there have been conventions, panels, talk shows, bitesize added content (looking at you, Doctor Who and Good Omens), musesum and zoo tours, theatre shows, and all sorts of things online/made digital. If you could ask for anything online relevant to our interests, with the only limitation being that all participants must take part from their own homes, what would it be?
Webisodes of the Avengers in quarantine with talking heads like on The Office. And now I'm thinking I should write this.

I'm very much looking forward to your fics!

Since we're already ... whatever following each other on Tumblr is called - I'm going to go with Virtual Neighbours - I'm going to add you on here as well, if that's alright with you?

*closes DW and opens AO3 to read your fics*
:)

First off: Is rule number 1 really no Endgame spoilers?

O HAI!

Your DW / online handles / where people can find you:

Hey there, I'm alistra,(under the same name on LJ, years ago) ALeaseInWonderland, hawksandspiders or she who has been constantly spamming this comm for a few weeks now.

MCU, comics, or all the things?

Mostly MCU, also Aja/Fraction!verse and Noto's art of Black Widow.

The last Marvel thing you watched or read?

The new film-tie-in Black Widow comics that just retell her MCU backstory for anyone starting their Marvel experience with the BW film. They were decidedly MEH. Been rewatching most of the MCU over the lockdown weeks in almost random order.

List some of your favourite Marvel characters/stories other than Clint and Natasha:

Maria Hill, Phil Coulson, Peggy Carter (so much potential, so little competent writing), Black Widow & Winter Soldier backstory, series 1 Jessica Jones (All went downhill from there, didn't it?), Loki, Frigga, ... I could go on.

You're in charge of the timeline/titles for the next set of Marvel films and TV shows post-Endgame (or the current announced run). What do you announce? What characters/plotlines can we look forward to seeing?

My first deed would be to declare pretty much all of Agents of Shield a fever dream and then relaunch it better! It might feature Doreen from the cafeteria (what an oversight, tsk).

As for a more creative approach: If it were up to me, there'd soon be an innovative new series following CEO Pepper Potts and Head of Security Maria Hill as they take Stark Industries to the next level in business. Capable, level-headed, strong female characters having sassy adventures in an industry unaware of how much it needs them in a time of monsters and magic.

Quirky recurring elements are cameo appearances by Pepper's lovable but ultimately always distracting and distracted billionaire, philantropist, genius boyfriend and Maria's phonecalls with her friend Natasha Romanov who is never where she claims to be calling from and has a playful Where In The World Is Carmen Sandiego?-vibe going on.
One episode has Peter Parker tagging along for his school's required work-experience.

Other fandoms you're currently into:

None! Marvel has swallowed me whole. Although I did love a lot of aspects of The Magicians and need to catch up on the last book of the Expanse (I've given up on the show but still love the books).

What're some of your favourite things you love to see in fic/creative works?

Characters being given the time to evolve and behave like real people, well-researched settings and circumstances. I've read a million fics of my favourite characters putting themselves back together after traumatic events their source material glossed over because I felt it was so necessary to keep them believable. Some favourites, just off the top of my head:

Clint adapting to losing his hearing: Hello, Darkness by Alphaflyer or the Winter Soldier's slow (ahem, more than 260k words) journey (via detours of hilarity) to become his own, new person in The Infinite Coffee and Protection Detail by MusingsOnBuckyBarnes and Owlet (only a tacked-on negligible last part is slash, the rest is based on their friendship) - READ THE WARNINGS on those fics should you go for them.
[Edit:] Almost forgot: There's an AMAZING Rocket fic out there that describes this broken creature's way out of the labs where he was created and the terrible things done to him and his psyche, how he works to overcome his trauma and create a personality he can live with/as. I cannot find it anymore but if you've seen it, please do let me know. It's heartbreaking and a tough read but in the best of ways.

Also I am a sucker for long and detailed AU's that keep enough of the source material's quirks and peculiarities to give that unique fan fic mix of familiar-but-new.
For example Summer Don't Own Me No More by alby_mangroves and Nonymous which is an explicit Bucky/Steve fic (not my cuppa, usually) but it's such magnificent Solarpunk worldbuilding with a BAMF Natasha and surprise cameos by other Marvel characters, it's still really special.

Give us 3 sentences or a teaser of something creative, fic or otherwise, that you’re working on:

I spent most of yesterday reading psychological papers on Mimicry, the Need To Belong and Social Exclusion before talking to a Dane about Viking concepts on child-rearing. All in prep of a Loki fic of possibly epic proportions. The childhood part will probably only exist in a very short first chapter, but I do like to be thorough in my research. *facepalm*

What Marvel merchandise do you wish existed, or what's your favourite fan thing you own?

Almost all merch, much like comics, seems to have passed me by? I only know of what I've actively sought out. Fabrics with our favourite heros' logos would be cool, so that I can sew something geeky. =) Or maybe archery targets with villains on them.

During lockdown there have been conventions, panels, talk shows, bitesize added content (looking at you, Doctor Who and Good Omens), museum and zoo tours, theatre shows, and all sorts of things online/made digital. If you could ask for anything online relevant to our interests, with the only limitation being that all participants must take part from their own homes, what would it be?

Both the Doctor's "Don't panic" speech from her closet and the Good Omens phonecall were amazing!

An "Avengers! Disassembled!" "How's everybody holding up?"-video-conference-call, where Tony loses it after realizing that Clint just reached out of frame and INTO Natasha's background (or vice versa) and everybody else pretends they haven't seen it just to mess with him.
In the end, it turns out that Maria and Steve are self-isolating together as well. They are both taking an online class in needlepoint and have turned surprisingly competitive in their cross stitching.


Edited 2020-05-09 03:37 pm (UTC)

I love love love when Doreen pops up! I should've totally added her under my "other favorite characters" answers.

I've been enjoying your recent posts to the bar and your fics. Thanks for sharing! Something I never knew I needed in life: Steve/Maria competitive cross stitching.

Edited 2020-05-09 06:39 pm (UTC)

"Capable, level-headed, strong female characters having sassy adventures in an industry unaware of how much it needs them in a time of monsters and magic."

Yes. This. PLEASE?

Also - keep on flooding the comm!! Totally here for it!

Okay, first off THANK YOU for those fic recs, those sound amazing. Also, I love Infinite Coffee and second that recommendation.

Also, I adore your idea for a show with Pepper and Maria running SI. I would so watch that!

Your DW / online handles / where people can find you:
Most places I'm bettybackintheday

MCU, comics, or all the things?
All the things! I love new content, so I'm really looking forward to the Disney+ shows. And, of course, Black Widow on the big screen!! And I specifically love all things Clintasha which is why be_compromised is my internet happy place. :)

The last Marvel thing you watched or read?
I just re-read the "Hawkeye vs Deadpool" run.

List some of your favourite Marvel characters/stories other than Clint and Natasha:
All of them - special shout out to Pepper Potts, Tony Stark, Rhodey, Peter Parker, Wanda, and Bucky. And Wade Wilson (I do love me some Deadpool)

You're in charge of the timeline/titles for the next set of Marvel films and TV shows post-Endgame (or the current announced run). What do you announce? What characters/plotlines can we look forward to seeing?
I have not a creative cell left in my body. Hence, my absence from the remix exchange and my inability to come up with anything interesting for this... Sorry!

Other fandoms you're currently into:
Star Wars will always be my first love. I still enjoy watching The X Files and reading the occasional fic. However, nothing comes close to Marvel. And, the Clint and Nat dynamic is really the only fandom I need.

What're some of your favourite things you love to see in fic/creative works?
Give me the slow burn reluctant friends to lovers any day. I also enjoy the occasional love at first sight. Fake married/dating missions are a favorite. The AU was a hard pass for me once upon a time, but now I really dig many of them.

Give us 3 sentences or a teaser of something creative, fic or otherwise, that you’re working on:
Unfortunately, I got nothin'

What Marvel merchandise do you wish existed, or what's your favourite fan thing you own?
Now, this is the last vestige of my creativity... I collect the Sideshow and Hot Toys 1/6 scale figures (among other things). My entire gameroom is an homage to my Avengers/sci-fi obsession. I'm especially proud of my reading area. There, I'm surrounded by my favorite Hawkeye and Black Widow items - from figures to original artwork to movie posters. You name it, I probably have it. Pics available upon request. ;) (Good news: I own a comic book store, so I can feed my habit pretty easily. Bad news: I own a comic book store that's been closed since mid-March. So, yeah, there's that...)

During lockdowns there have been conventions, panels, talk shows, bitesize added content (looking at you, Doctor Who and Good Omens), musesum and zoo tours, theatre shows, and all sorts of things online/made digital. If you could ask for anything online relevant to our interests, with the only limitation being that all participants must take part from their own homes, what would it be?
Honest and truly, after all these years of "typing with" you lovely folks and exchanging PMs and sharing fics, I'd love to skype or do a zoom chat to actually meet you and talk with you. I know time zones, work responsibilities, and other things make that nearly impossible. I just want you to know that this bar has been a fun hangout and I've met so many wonderful, talented, heroic, and caring people here. Would like to raise a toast to you all. Cheers!

Betty!! So sorry to hear about the comic shop... but it will go on and come back brighter and better than ever!! Also, I'd LOVE a picture of your nerd corner. Mine, alas, is 5,000 km out of reach of my camera right now...

And yes to a zoom party - can this be done without disclosing our mild-mannered alter egos?

Late, as usual, but still full of love?

Your DW / online handles / where people can find you:
kiss_me_cassie everywhere (here, twitter, ao3, etc, EXCEPT tumblr where I am cassiesinsanity.)

MCU, comics, or all the things?All the things. Sometimes mashed together. Sometimes not.

The last Marvel thing you watched or read?re-watch of Ragnorak.

List some of your favourite Marvel characters/stories other than Clint and Natasha:Bobbi. I love Agents of Shield Bobbi. I love all of Wakanda. And I have a soft spot for Bucky (but mostly in relation to OT3 with C/N)

You're in charge of the timeline/titles for the next set of Marvel films and TV shows post-Endgame (or the current announced run). What do you announce? What characters/plotlines can we look forward to seeing? Pass. Next person gets to answer it!

Other fandoms you're currently into:I'm not sure I'd say 'into' per se, but things I've been digging (or re-digging) lately - Brooklyn99, Zoey's Playlist, Person of Interest, Psych

What're some of your favourite things you love to see in fic/creative works? Sad, angsty fics that end happily or hopefully. True found family. Smut. (What? I'm being honest!)

Give us 3 sentences or a teaser of something creative, fic or otherwise, that you’re working on: My remix fix - Oh god. What fresh hell was he going to encounter now? Picking up his coffee cup, Clint took a hesistant sip and grimaced when he tasted the cloying flavor of Peppermint Mocha.

What Marvel merchandise do you wish existed, or what's your favourite fan thing you own?My clintnatlaura lego minifigs. Small Clint/Nat fanarts courtesy of SpectralArchers and Crazy4Orcas.

During lockdowns there have been conventions, panels, talk shows, bitesize added content (looking at you, Doctor Who and Good Omens), musesum and zoo tours, theatre shows, and all sorts of things online/made digital. If you could ask for anything online relevant to our interests, with the only limitation being that all participants must take part from their own homes, what would it be? A Clint/Nat zoom series where they are both on missions in different locales than one another and miss each other to bits.

That snippet reads very tempting!

There's an amazing b99/Captain America crossover fic that is just the most precious thing in the world, do you know it? You can hear it in the silence by waldorph.

First things first - Let's hear it for the Bar!! *raises glass* To many more anniversaries!!

Your DW / online handles / where people can find you:

DW/LJ: sandy79
AO3: Huntress79
tumblr: huntress79

MCU, comics, or all the things?

Mainly MCU, but I'm slowly making my way into the comics XD

The last Marvel thing you watched or read?

1872 comic, just this Friday (since I got it that day)

List some of your favourite Marvel characters/stories other than Clint and Natasha:

BUCKY!!! Then our lovely pair of assassins/spies, then the rest, starting with Shuri ;)

You're in charge of the timeline/titles for the next set of Marvel films and TV shows post-Endgame (or the current announced run). What do you announce? What characters/plotlines can we look forward to seeing?

I would love to see either a movie/mini-series based on the 1872 comics (maybe even an animated one, with CE, RDJ, and others lending their voices), or Scott Lang appearing on the Hawkeye series, bonding with Clint over dealing with teenage girls XD (I also would take some webisodes of the Renner/Rudd show, along with some of the Stan/Mackie variety)

Other fandoms you're currently into:

Staples are Supernatural and White Collar, and I recently dove back into Almost Human - god I love that show!

What're some of your favourite things you love to see in fic/creative works?

- AUs (mostly non-powered ones, but also historical settings)
- Crossovers/Fusions (as long as I know the other fandom, at least a bit)
- Mutual Pining
- Fluff
- Fake Dating/Marriage
- Polyamory
(among other things XD)

Give us 3 sentences or a teaser of something creative, fic or otherwise, that you’re working on:

"The Widow's Bite" is only at the first glance one bar among all the bars in Brooklyn. But when you look closer, it really stands out. Not only for the name. It also is far enough away from the Russians over on Coney Island that they don't ever bother to intimidate the owner. And most of all, it is, as far as he knows, the only bar in all of Brooklyn that is owned by a woman.

(spoiler-free teaser from a big bang fic I'm currently working on)

What Marvel merchandise do you wish existed, or what's your favourite fan thing you own?

Definitely my Funko pops, especially this one:



I also own these two handsome fellas:



During lockdowns there have been conventions, panels, talk shows, bitesize added content (looking at you, Doctor Who and Good Omens), musesum and zoo tours, theatre shows, and all sorts of things online/made digital. If you could ask for anything online relevant to our interests, with the only limitation being that all participants must take part from their own homes, what would it be?

I totally would be up for a virtual convention (since I'm probably never, ever gonna make it to a real one *sniff*)

Edited 2020-05-10 06:27 am (UTC)

Never say never on those conventions! I finally went to one with my daughter (having poo-poohed them for some time) in search of t-shirts and completing my Fraction-Aja comics series to where they were up to at the time. LOVED it, and went back the next day to get Jonathan Frakes and Marina Sirtis to autograph the bound collection of my early Voyager fics that a friend had made for me. Hooked!

Of course, I ran into several people I knew, including a few who worked for me - oops, you didn't know your boss is a nerd? Now you do... But I brazened that one out and gladly accepted the "cool points" they bestowed on me. (My farewell gift when I left that job was an Avengers cake and a huge Marvel card, signed by my entire team of 68 people...)