Nerd News in Brief

I am not particularly adept at keeping secrets. Still, I've been working on a trio of albums on the sly for months now, so I reckon that shows that I can abstain from spilling beans to some extent.

Interestingly enough, one of these projects should be ready for release next week, and I really think you'll like it. A second should (hopefully) be announced before Nerdapalooza, with the third staying under wraps until early autumn. For those who are wondering: yes, it is a bad idea to juggle multiple projects like this.

But what can I say? I simply follow where the spirit leads me. Currently it is leading me toward another edition of Nerd News in Brief. Come with us, won't you?

• Challenge Accepted: At long last, Here Comes a New Challenger II Turbo is available for free download and physical album pre-order. It's two-discs of unadulterated awesome that you simply must own. So check that shit out, yo!
• Homeless Hermaphrodite: Speaking of new releases, mcRT has just dropped his third, an EP entitled Karma's a Bitch. In typical Rob Tobias-style, it's a unique blend of anger, humor and profanity. Four out of Five giraffe's are delightfully offended.
• Late to the Party: And well after the appropriate day – May 4th, for those keeping score at home – I'll pass on this great piece from Fong Songs about Star Wars cover tunes. A tip of the hat goes to Church for the link.
• How Bazaar: Congratulations to Jonathan Coulton and I Fight Dragons for being invited to take part in the sixtyone's new music-selling service the sixtyone bazaar. It allows you to buy albums directly from artists in a manner most beneficial. Keep an eye on this development.
• So Long, Black Box: It was recently revealed that our own Schaffer the Darklord has left the comfortable confines of life as a solo artist in favor of exploring some full band mayhem. Be there when Schaffer and the Darklords make their live debut on Saturday, June 13th at Arlene's Grocery in good ol' NYC. Or there'll be hell to pay!
• The Healing Power of Music: Australians have received a lot of press lately about their predilection for alternative medical treatments as opposed to, y'know, real science, but I found this blog entry about a non-medical treatment for stomachaches fairly plausible. Let MC Lars heal you of our ills!
• Sisters Are Doin' It for Themselves: Are you a geeky girl? Are you interested in networking with other likeminded ladies? If you answered yes to both these questions, check out the Geek Girls Network. It's a contribution-driven blog that promotes and encourages nerd culture with a distinctly feminine slant.
• Role Models: And if you're, perhaps, looking for a topic on which to write for a potential Geek Girls Network post, I humbly suggest this. WTF Marvel?! Is that lame-ass shit really the best you could come up with?
• Simon Sez: One of my favorite nerdy ladies is the delightful Little Miss Gamer. Coincidentally, she's recently posted a new episode of her Web show in which she waxes nostalgic about the Simon. It also features an appearance by Canadian comedian/rap artist Tom Green. Don't believe me? See for yourself.
• Nerd Life: In case you missed it earlier this month, the episode of PRI's To the Best of Our Knowledge centered on nerd culture is finally available in podcast form. It includes, among other things, a nice segment about Nerdcore For Life, so give it a listen.
• Point, Counterpoint: Speaking of geek culture, Church also hipped me to this LA Times piece on Utah's veritable nerd haven Neumont University. Interestingly enough, there's been some pretty strong backlash from the school itself, as outlined here. I guess the fact that you can be both a geek and a fairly sociable individual has yet to occur to either side.
• Stage 2: Closing out this week is another fine video from Superpowerless. The track is called "Princess," and it features chiptunes, rock guitar, crazy dancing and neon colors. And also handsome sweaters. Oh those dapper Brits!