I wanted to write this post from the ultimate “Geek” spot. So, I’m writing it using one of the new MacBooks, in the Apple store, in San Francisco (the tech capital of the world.)
Definition geek, right?

My cousin Zain said being a geek is when you’re “hella fat” and have pimples.

• I haven’t gained weight in 6 weeks, and my skin looks the same.

My old high school debate partner Brian said that geeks are those that are unusual – they tend to be accomplished and excel in a certain field. As he states, “Accomplished people just happen to be unusual, because they achieve/read/study/possess/learn what others won’t or, more probably, cannot.” (Doesn’t that sound like the words of a debater?)

• I like this definition. In fact, this and other definitions are key contributors to my final post tomorrow. But where do I fall?

My college bud Dave (Who also created and executive produced the game show I hosted,) says a geek has knowledge that no one else cares about. Usually with regards to tech and video games, but it can go beyond that.

• So what knowledge does no one else care about? I mean for it to be knowledge, someone must have cared about it in the first place, right? Like if I wanted to learn about leaves, someone must have taken an interest in leaves and written a book before me, right?

My Co-worker and cubicle mate Simon chose to define the actual word, using a dictionary. He studied English at a liberal arts school. Figures. My favorite of his three definitions were: “overly intellectual.” The definition that a geek was a carnival performer that bit off chicken heads just wasn’t what I was going for.

• Simon is a “geek” by definition 1 standards – being overly intellectual. But it’s fun to have around the office.

Kunal, my dearest college friend whose wedding I will soon be emceeing, says that in high school, it was a nerdy person who studied all the time. Now, it’s too subjective to define.

• Kunal. Geek is the guy in the science fair picture. KIDDING!

My Boston friend Azum says that a geek is an eccentric type that lacks social skills. But then turns to Wikipedia (in a geek move himself,) to define it as one who is “overly obsessed with the phenomena of something, be it electronics or exotic bugs.”

• I like this idea/definition. I get overly obsessed with things and go through phases. Again, another post that has aided in tomorrow’s post.

Shashin, another UMass friend, says that a geek is someone smart when it comes to computers, and suggests that because I can’t put IKEA furniture together, I must not be worthy of the title.

• I think we’ve all learned by now that I’m not exactly computer-savvy.

Raj, my friend who I saw yesterday, suggests a geek is unusual – in behavior, in terms of losing things, and in terms of learning things that are beyond necessary, and suggests that those qualities are found in some of my close friends.

• Raj just likes calling people out.

John Bishop, my most favorite sports director who was 2 grades older than me, gave me advice from Eminem. It’s no wonder he captured my heart. But he basically says a geek is someone that cares alot about stuff no one really cares about.

• I think John would be a great geek if he tried.

Naureen, my dearest family friend that forced me to tolerate sci-fi, suggests a geek is someone that just knows things for the sake of knowing things.

• Again, a recurring theme of many definitions listed…

Ahmed, another SC friend I havent seen in a while, says a geek is quirky…interested in stuff normal people would be bored by.

• You’re like the 10th person who has suggested such a definition. Did you just steal theirs?

My dearest friend and travel buddy Madeeha, who I will be seeing in an hour, says a geek is two-fold: can be knowledgeable, or can be the one that sits at home playing video games (not gonna lie…Rockband is quite addicting.)

• I think when we’re both together, we’re super geeky.

OK I can’t address all of these, I have to leave for SF soon.

My concluding thoughts: A geek is someone who is overly obsessed with an idea or thing that no one else cares about. They may excel, or they may lack social skills. I think one thing we can agree on, though, is that a geek just gets really excited over things no one else cares about.

Oh, like being a geek.

So am I geek because I’m obsessed with the idea of being a geek?

It’s a fabulous device. The browser looks just like a regular internet browser.
The google map feature is fabulous (Especially the GPS, and the detailed subway directions when used in NYC.)
The apps are cool and gimmicky (granted they get old after a while, but Twitterfon has definitely helped me maintain “tech-savvy” status.)

Problem?

AT&T.

In the last 2 days, my calls have dropped repeatedly. I’ve been with AT&T since I was 15… so nearly 9 years. And well, I’ve never had reason to leave til now.
Granted this is all talk because I’m on a 2-year contract so I won’t be leaving anytime soon, but I just wanted to throw it out there: AT&T is whack, and it’s making me like the iPhone less and less.

And before all you Crackberry addicts start posting about how I made the wrong decision, CTFO…
It’s still better than your phone, especially if you’re stuck on AT&T.

I’m not quite sure, and yet for the last 38 days, I’ve  been trying attain that “title.”

I have 4 days left. My friend Shawna recently said this to me:  “Are you a geek yet? I’ve been reading your blog and not nearly enough mentions of digg and google reader for you to be a total geek yet.”

Which got me thinking… the word “geek” is subjective. I need your thoughts. If you’ve read this entry, PLEASE reply. It’ll take 2 seconds. It really will help with the ultimate goal (I only have a few days left!!) Thanks guys.

Five days ’til “geek.”

Five days ’til I analyze where I’ve been and how far I’ve come.

What “geek” things have I done the last few days? I filled out my entire LinkedIn profile, and began building a network. Call it… geek with a purpose.

I think I’m done updating my online self. I think that there’s enough info out there about me to excite even the most die-hard of cyber stalkers.

I always wondered what I’d write when I graduated, and had always thought I’d write an entry as soon as I landed my first job, but it wasn’t until yesterday that I took the time out to fill out the  survey. Maybe I never thought I was worthy enough to share information? Too “green” to know what I was talking about? Whatever the reason, it’s not the case now.

My time has come.

Check it out.

I googled myself. More to start my “e-cleanup,” but also partially because, well, I was just curious. Needless to say, the “Samia Khan” that appears at the top of the Google search is not me.

Anyone know how to make certain websites the first to pop up when my name is Googled? I don’t care about Samia Khan the Bain employee, Samia Khan the professor, or Samia Khan the teenager that stole www.samiakhan.com (tragic, I know.) Though the post that reads “Any girls aunties want to have fun” definitely amused me. Anyway – The “Samia Khan” I care about (and I’m assuming you do too since you’re reading this) is the one that works in journalism. Sort of. Entertainment? A little bit. Blogging? Only time will tell.

The only online space that pertains to me, that I’ve come across at least, are Geekin6weeks, Khanversations (my side blog – you MUST check it out,) my ATVN alumni webpage (that’s next on the e-cleanup list,) my MySpace (though it didnt appear in the google search,) my game show host bio (yes, it STILL exists…which makes sense, since reruns are still airing almost 2 years later,) and my Facebook (which I’ll keep for my-friends-only eyes.)

How to make those the “it” Samia Khan websites? Anyone? Help?

First step? Updates on social networking sites. MySpace, Facebook, Friendster (ha, bet ya thought you’d never hear THAT word again after 2004,) and for me personally, my Annenberg TV News Alumni page.

Today’s task – MySpace. I honestly dislike this site, I’ve never been a fan. I only joined because my oh-so-funny cousin Zain made me join, only because he was on it and well, he hadn’t graduated high school and therefore wasn’t able to join Facebook (yes, Facebook was once an exclusive, elitest website. I miss those days.)

Anyway, while doing clean up, I discovered a slew of creepy messages sent over the last few months, none of which I responded to.
I haven’t received a comment in over a year.
My profile says little-to-nothing.
My picture is like, 3 years old. USC anchor desk, Junior Year.

Solution. I updated my profile. Click here to check it out. Thoughts?