Nerd News in Brief

Given the recent unfortunate developments in the nerdcore scene, it makes sense that certain events from other communities may have stayed off your radar due to the, y'know, pressing drama. However, before I delve into another edition of Nerd News in Brief, I'd like to pause to mark a genuinely unfortunate passing from within the stylistically adjacent Wizard Rock/Nerdfighter community.

Earlier this week, 16-year-old scene staple Esther Earl passed away due to cancer-related complications. In lieu of flowers, the family has instead requested memorials donations, including those made to a charity organization that bears her name. A fall tour featuring friends The Whomping Willows and Lauren Fairweather will also be collecting donations specifically to help her grieving family with the various related medical bills.

Just a little something to think about.

• Harry Potter and the Prisoners of Gitmo: On a (very slightly) happier Potter-related note, check out this list of primarily geek lit books popular among prisoners at Guantánamo Bay. Reading truly is fundamental.
• Defense Against the Dark Arts: A UK university is currently offering a course focused on the world of Harry Potter, with special emphasis on the societal implications of the work. But how long before you can major in Muggle Studies?
• Behold My Buying Power: Late last month my blogging brother Jason Tocci passed on a piece from Ad Week. It concerns consumers "embracing geekdom," and even goes so far as to innumerate geeky traits. Everybody wants a piece of that nerd dollar!
• We're Doing it Wrong: Shael Riley and my boy Church both recently unearthed this 7-year-old internet gem - The Five Geek Social Fallacies. My only complaint is these apply to non-geeks as well. GSF4, for example, has become my mother-in-law's veritable calling card.
• Bad Advice is Still Free: Shael also provided me with some helpful, if second-hand, advice from 4chan's Advice Dog. In song, no less.
• Dance, Clone, Dance!: From my old pal Larry comes news of the newly released "special edition" of Danny Choo's Tokyo Stormtrooper dance. Like all special editions, it comes complete with ridiculous CGI.
• Conspicuous Consumption: Also from Larry comes this handy list of geek/tech-inspired products. Because who doesn't need a Twitter-themed throw pillow?
• Tag and Release: The Nerdcore For Life documentary is finally available on DVD! Experience the highs and the lows of early Rhyme Torrents-era nerdcore hip-hop like never before. I mean, unless you were there to experience it the first time.
• Itty Bitty: Reader Jim hipped me to this amazing chiptune symphony, which he originally found via NPR. The single microchip mounted in the CD case literally "performs" the minimalist, electronic composition for you!
• KLLS PXLS DED: Other news on the chip music front concerns a fresh release from I KILL PXLS. His incredibly funky self-titled album is available via Bandcamp as a digital release for a mere $5, or with a limited edition t-shirt for $15. Give it a listen, and hit Marques with some money!
• Under Cover of Darkness: While you're Bandcamping, don't forget to check out the new Retrocovered album from Inverse Phase as well. I all but guarantee that it'll contain your new favorite instrumental chiptune cover of The Cars classic "Just What I Needed."
• Chip on His Shoulder: Antisoc was one of many readers to point me toward this homemade chiptune synthesizer. The "Chipophone" is truly a miracle of personal ingenuity. Not to mention a nice way to skirt the UK's new rules concerning homebrew game copiers. 
• Never Too Early: Those in adjoining localities to my own humble burg will want to know that Dual Core will be joining hometown heroes ThoughtCriminals at Charlotte's Milestone on September the 24th. That's a Friday, so please come out and get drunk with us!
• Back in Blue: Though not as innovative as some of their other video projects, Seattle's Kirby Krackle has released a minimalist sing-along video for their Mega Man-inspired track "On and On." Peep the hotness.
• Now They Really Do: And speaking of retro video game goodness, have you checked out the interactive flash game at the official I Fight Dragons web site? It's further (nerdy) proof that success hasn't changed 'em.
• Coder Girl: Another pointer from Church led me to this Tech Crunch article about Lady Java, an unholy blend of Lady GaGa and the Java programming language. It's… certainly something.
• Geek Couture: I have long joked that my friend Jarvis and I should start a blog called FashioNerd. If we ever did, this shit right here would be our first post.
• The Art Wants What it Wants: While the games as art debate still rages on, the Smithsonian has decided to throw its weight behind gamer culture. To that end a special "Art of Video Games" exhibit will run March 16 through September 30 of 2012.
• What the Fuck: By now everyone has likely experienced contemporary YouTube classic "Fuck Me, Ray Bradbury." What you probably haven't seen is this. It's okay to laugh. Really.
• Join my Guild: Church also kicks in this Psychology Today piece on geek community. It actually contains some interesting observations concerning our tribe and its sacred rites (ie: Comic-Con.)
• You Can't Resist the Force: The Guardian weighs in on the fact that we, apparently, run Hollywood. Not sure how the recent Scott Pilgrim flop plays into this theory, though.
• Until it Sounded Like a Symphony: Oh, and we also run the orchestra pit. No, not really.
• Dare to be Stupid: Church's nerd ink round-up features some fine selections from Comic-Con, not to mention tattooed LEGO minifigs! Oh, and also this.That is some serious dedication to Weird Al.
• Tyler Durden: This last discovery from Church – a CNN post about potential nerd exploitation – could well go into our growing "geek chic" file. Although considering that it opens with references to D20s and The New Mutants, I'm sort of beginning to wonder if… maybe I wrote it?
• Soft Rocked by Him: For those who may have missed it, Big Think recently conducted a great interview with nerd rock troubadour Jonathon Coulton. It's in video form. With full frontal beard.
• See It, Believe It: Other videos of note include a live MC Frontalot/Wheatus collab, MC Sex's bawdy tribute to the classic NES and the age-old pastime of boning and a musical meditation on the girls of Comic-Con. (Yeah, I'm getting all those long-delayed post-Comic-Con news items out of the way here.)
• The Year 4153: In other YouTubery, I have been enjoying Rappy McRapperson's channel a lot of late. Don't get me wrong, I totally don't fucking understand Rappy a good bit of the time, but it still makes for some entertaining watchin'.
• Nerd Lust: Closing out this edition of NNIB is the oddly appealing "I Kissed a Nerd." It's the perfect companion piece to another recently discovered tribute to nerd love. Watch it in good health, and then lip-lock your dream dork.

Nerd News in Brief

It's been quite a while since the last installment of Nerd News in Brief. In that time, much has changed. The world has moved on.

A pair of nerdy engagements were announced and Nerdapalooza 2010 has taken shape, complete with an adjusted date, a new venue and a stellar lineup. Oh yeah, and I flunked out of my own Pokewalker Fitness Challenge.

Stupid head cold!

• Nerd Love: For those marriage-minded dorks, may I suggest one of these fine microchip rings? Seriously, though, if your special lady actually wants one of these, I suggest you make it official quickly.
• Um… I Mean Geek Love: Syracuse's The Daily Orange published a piece last month on the Geek2Geek online dating service. And as if that's not shameful enough, the site's founder, Spencer Koppel, also splits hairs regarding geeks and nerds. Which can't be good for business. 
• Semantics: Heidi Costello of Australia's Tweed Daily News asks if it's better to be a nerd, a geek or a dork. More importantly, she pokes holes in the accepted definitions for obviously malleable terms. Give it a look.
• Share the Wealth: Nerdapalooza isn't the only even relying on Kickstarter funds to help get it off the ground. Chiptune aficionados are also encouraged to contribute to the new 8 Bit Weapon/Computeher Disko Apocalypse tour. Every little bit helps.
• Better at Rapping: Speaking of tours, MC Frontalot's current cross-country undertaking seems to be going well for him and the boys. Check out this video interview from The Naked Gamers to see how our hero fairs on the lonely road, and peep this handsome mini-review of his newest musical offering from ReMixed Magazine.
• White Now: Which, of course, brings us to this Supreme Magazine piece pointed out by our own Church H. Tucker. It concerns the fall of the white rapper, and touches on, among other things, nerdcore's inability to cross over. It's an interesting piece, and you should give it a read.
• Split No More: From my buddy Matt comes news that prolific minimalist Wizard Rocker Split Seven Ways has elected to step away from that echelon of geek rock. More music does seem to be in the works, however, in what may well be a less despondent vein.
• Leia Lady Leia: And from Church comes news of recently announced project Her Universe. It's the first Star Wars clothing line specifically for the ladies. Please hold your "Yellow Laser Beams" jokes until the end of the show.
• Gigs in Space: With the earth destroyed by a massive explosion, the human race has retreated to a pair of dueling space stations. If you just found yourself thinking "That sounds like a great premise for a rock opera," you are not alone.
• Yeah, But What's His THAC0?: This little gem also come compliments of Church. And it reminds us that in-depth statistical analysis is the quickest way to nerdy-up professional sports.
• I Want Candy: This edition of nerd ink, is sponsored in part by Cartoon Network's Adult Swim. You know how we do.
• Six String Sorcery: On the new release front, my blogging brother Nathan Meunier has dropped his debut chiprock EP. Snag The Beacon for free from his site, and maybe toss him a dollar or three for his trouble. 
• Haste Makes Taste: A string of amazing new tracks also comes to us compliments of last weekend's Doubles' Dash songwriting competition. These 8 mini-masterpieces are also supplemented by another stellar set from the follow-up "encore round." 
• One Day at a Time: Not to be outdone by that ol' YTCracker, Seattleite MC Ultraklystron has just dropped a new mixtape that was recorded in a single day. It's a pretty hot little 9-tracker that's provided free of charge.
• Roll the Tape: Meanwhile, Florida's Marc With a C has been busy hatching a contest. To coincide with the July vinyl-only re-release of his RetroLowFi collection, Marc is giving away a rare test pressing of the album. To enter, simply prove to Marc your undying love for said test pressing… uh, I mean your undying love for him via a clear visual manifestation. The entry deadline is Monday, May 31st, and further details are available over at his site. 
• Brand New Super Powers: And taking us out this time is the brand new video from Beefy's (shortly) forthcoming new LP With Sprinkles. It's for the track "Geek Out," and it all but commands you to do so.

Nerd News in Brief

I'm actually preparing to mail off the first round of Hipster, please! bumper stickers next week. (Well, those and also one much-delayed CD!)

I had planned to include a little something extra for you early adopters: ultra-limited edition badges. Not just any old pinbacks, mind you, but HP buttons emblazoned with the mighty d20.

Unfortunately, they were nicked by some random passerby. Or possibly an unscrupulous FedEx guy. :(

For the life of me, I can't imagine why anyone but me would want 50 Hipster, please! badges!

• Do the Donkey Kong: Our friends at OverClocked Remix have just released another one of their astounding game music projects. Donkey Kong Country 2: Serious Monkey Business is 3 discs of banana-collecting fury, and boasts tracks from VGM legend virt and the game's original composer David Wise. Oh, and it's free. So get on that shit!
• Shat-talkin': There are some questions that are of great, almost cosmic importance to all mankind. One such example concerns whether or not William Shatner wears a rug. And one brave blogger seeks to uncover the truth.
• Those Were the Days: On the subject of Trek, Church found this post from Moviefone in which they examine some silent 8mm footage from the 1975 Chicago Star Trek Convention. He also found this fantastic set of insider Trek photos. Get your nostalgia on. 
• Scotty Needs Brains: Also from Church comes news of another literary mash-up from Quirk Books. Night of the Living Trekkies finds a convention floor overrun by flesh-eating ghouls. Think of it as a tribute to nerd survivalists. Failing that, hope it's a better read than Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.
• Needs More Squash: And on the topic of the undead, here's a song about Plants vs. Zombies. Because music aids photosynthesis.
• Undatable? That's Debatable: Apparently roleplayers don't date or have sex. Which means my children… aren't really mine?
• Baby Booties: And since I've invoked the subject of youngins, let me pause to congratulate Captain Dan Dolan (of Scurvy Crew fame) on the recent birth of his son! But take that patch off his eye, Dan. It's just confusing the lad.
• Girls on Film: Also let me congratulate my homegirl Eye-Shuh the OmegaBat, who was this week featured on her local Fox affiliate's news show in a bit about gamer girls. Okay, so maybe the piece was actually about the abysmal GameCrush service and the real lady gamers thing was just a tack-on. Still, Eye-Shuh was on TV. That's the important part.
• Random Access: Mega Ran has once again found himself on the receiving end of some good press. Spinner caught up with him at SXSW for a nice sit-down, and you can also read about him in this month's Nintendo Power. (The latter of which, it bears mentioning, was written by my journalistic homey Nathan Meunier.)
• Chesticles: Another cat who got some much-deserved SXSW love was the great Jesse Dangerously. Peep this feature to learn Jesse's favorite childhood cartoon and to get some hot topless Canadian MC action.
• Marathon Man: Marc with a C will be playing Stardust Video in Orlando, FL on Saturday, April 3rd. It's a free, all ages event, and the plan is to stretch it into one of his old style "marathon shows" (of Wikipedia fame). Make plans to attend if you're in the area, and request "You've Got This Curse" on my behalf.
• For the Win: And mid-month, don't miss the mc chris goes to hell cd release party at Comix in NYC. This gig is made even more interesting by the fact that, if the event page is to be believed, it marks mc's first attempt at stand-up.
• The Final Countdown: In other new album news, MC Frontalot's Zero Day is set for a proper release on April 6th. You can, however beat Dame Time by pre-ordering right the fuck now, which entitles you to instant downloads of the whole album. Consequently, you can also snag an early copy at PAX East. If, that is, you are sufficiently bold.
• Sneak a Peak: Not to be outdone by Church's earlier contributions, my friend Matt came through this week with news of a brand new nerd culture outlet: Geek Peek Post. Give it a peak (peek?) for some preliminary posts on nerdcore, geeky TV and general dorkiness.
• Nerd Ink – Muppets Edition: And this round of nerd ink, also provided by Matt, features the most epic Doctor Teeth and the Electric Mayhem tat I have ever seen! An admittedly narrow field, of course, but still a phenomenal piece of work.
• His Feet are Longfellows: Much love to poetry geek Radames Ortiz for pimping my site/show out on a recent edition of The PoetTech Podcast. Give is a listen for more info on his current collaboration with electronic musician Jonathan Jindra.
• Phone Home: Also on the electronica front, the venerable Doctor Popular has released some information concerning his current musical project. The tentatively entitled Beeps & Smudges will feature a number of notable contributors and is being composed chiefly via the iPhone version of Nanoloop!
• Fully Functional: And speaking of podcasts, Sci Fi Songs' John Anealio has just announced that he and author Patrick Hester are hard at work on a new project called the Functional Nerds Podcast. Give it a listen.
• The Air up There: Taking us out of this week is an excellent solo piano rendition of Air Man's theme from Mega Man 2. It's performed by Rob Kovacs of progressive indie band Return of Simple. And it is ridiculously awesome.

Nerd News in Brief

A lady from human resources once had the audacity to ask me the color of my parachute. This is a rather asinine inquiry, as one can learn so much more about me by simply asking my DEVO color.

Seriously.

It is red. That means I have a fiery personality and inherent love of energy domes.

• S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y: This weekend the world will tremble as a direct result of the NYC premiere of Uncle Monsterface performing with a real, live drummer! Attendants can also bask in the glory of the live debut of the song"Heart" featuring Jocelyn Mackenzie of Pearl and the Beard! Come on down to Brooklyn's Death By Audio, and bring a fiver.
• Hip-Hop, Feminism & Nerds: On the more scholarly end, this weekend's Society for Photographic Education conference will include a panel entitled "Potential Feminist Performances of Masculinity in Music: The Hip Hop Subculture of Nerdcore." The Message Is in the Music: Hip Hop Feminism, Riot Grrrl, Latina Music & More is hosted at Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, NY, and is both free and open to the public.
• A Decade in the Making: This year marks the 10th bandiversary of seminal VG rockers The Minibosses. The guys celebrated this landmark by talking about the ten favorite gigs of their career with The Phoenix New Times.
• Spoiler – Wear Deodorant: Meanwhile, our own MC Frontalot compiled a list of 5 indispensable survival tips for PAX East. It’s a comprehensive piece for the potentially ill-prepared masses.
• Artichoke: Also on the subject of PAX, my literary homey Lev Grossman recently interviewed the Gabe and the Tycho for a piece over at Techland. Give it a read.
• (Ack)Bar None: The first of Church’s outlandish contributions to this edition of NNIB is news of a student initiative to replace Ole Miss’s potentially offensive rebel mascot with a far nerdier alternative. It’s a Trap!
• Old School: Also from Church comes news of NPR’s recent blurb about filk. Not exactly an earth-shattering piece, but a nice nod to perhaps the oldest nerd music community.
• Fear the Beard: Big ups to geeky academic Jason Tocci, who recently talked about his dissertation research concerning nerd identity with Technically Philly. Sadly, there’s no plug for Hipster, please! therein, but even Jason needs to take a break from pimping my projects every once in a while. ;)
• In Space: I did, however, get a plug – of the self-induced variety – over at John Anealio's Sci Fi Songs blog. There I contributed to John's new "Interstellar Jukebox" feature, writing about my favorite space song.
• Nerd Ink, Supplemental: I would similarly like to congratulate this gentleman. You win at nerd ink!
• Comedy, of the Highest Order: I don’t even have a witty accompanying line for this piece on geek chic, so allow me instead to quote: "Geeks are the most important natural resource the world has ever known. Without them gravity would be nothing more than a shitty John Mayer song."
• Underwhelmed at the Helm: Last month at London's Millennium Bridge, a new Guinness world record was set for the largest gathering of people dressed as Star Trek characters. The magic number? 99. Way to aim low, British Trekkies!
• Who's Better, Who's Best: Still, Church is quick to point out that UK nerdlingers easily redeem themselves in this Guardian piece concerning the SFX Weekender. All it took was a little Tom Baker!
• Bazinga!: Back on this side of the pond, my pal Raz was nice enough to hip me to a site specializing in the dorktastic wearables featured in the Big Bang Theory. There's even a page dedicate to Howard's belt buckles.
• New YT/Old YT: Closing us out today is a pair of videos featuring the incomparable YTCracker. As YT will be shaving his head for charity later this month, it seemed only right to let him take us home. This first is a new video directed by Irina Slutsky and featuring Doc Pop and Unwoman. The second is a portrait of the artist as a young man.

Nerd News in Brief

Last night I finally got around to watching the complete 47-hour Lost premiere. Thankfully, I'm still as clueless as to the island's skewed mythology as the show's own writers.

Which is good. We wouldn't wanna go ruining a good ride with clearly discernible subtext.

I'm actually kind of wondering if, even at the series' end, I'll know what the fuck is going on. If not, I'll just have to follow up with the videogame adaptation.

• Helping Hands: Congratulations are in order to the Harry Potter Alliance for their amazing "Helping Haiti Heal" multi-fandom Livestream event. With the help of the WRock community, actors from The Wire and Heroes and geeks worldwide, more than $97k was raised to help those affected by the earthquake that ravaged Haiti last month. This is me. Astounded! (UPDATE VIA SNIDGET: The HHH charity auction is still going on until midnight on Feb 6.)
• The Big Time: Easily the biggest musical news in recent history comes from I Fight Dragons, those amazing Chicago chip-rocker who were just signed to Photo Finish/Atlantic Records! Photo Finish, also the home of street-level acts like 3OH!3, seems like a great fit for IFD, so please join me in wishing them the best of luck in this exciting new endeavor.
• The More Things Change…: And while Atlantic was embracing vibrant new artists, EMI was totally shitting the proverbial bed. Despite being the home of viral video darlings OK Go, EMI has taken steps to prevent fans from sharing exactly the kinds of YouTube vids that made the band in the first place. How delightfully droll.
• The More You Know: For those in the market for some nice, nerdy interviews, be sure and peep the MC Frontalot piece over at Remixed Magazine. And learn more about the Burg via his new FirmMag interview. Both will be covered on next week's chapter quiz.
• Space, Man: Game Music 4 All Records has favored us with their second release, also, as it turns out, from a Chicagoan. Doug Leinen's chilled out space rocker Songs to Sing in Space is presently available for free download.
• Bring a Towel: Are you an interstellar traveler that's lost his bearings? Then why not consult this handy map, brought to you by the fine folks at the Milky Way Transit Authority.
• Nerdysomething: MSN recently posted an article from Marie Claire's Maura Kelly entitled "10 Ways to Flirt with a Nerd." And we lose the word "nerd" just like we lost "geek" in 3… 2… 1.
• Tabletop: Need help identifying which geek archetypes are present in your gaming group? Check out this guide from The Argonaut. If you don't know who's "The Unimaginative One" is, chances are you’re him!
• Double D&Ds: And I'd be remiss if, while on the subject of RPGs, I didn't share this little jewel unearthed by my boy Church H. Tucker. It's a blog entitled Playing D&D with Porn Stars. In addition to being a really interesting play journal, this site also gets bonus points for the wholly appropriate title.
• Nerd Ink – Special Shout-out Edition: Let me pause here to give it up for nerd girl extraordinaire Lo Tech. LT has joined me in the Cult of the Indelible D20. Roll on, little sister!
• Bigger on the Inside: In other geeky tattoo news: This. Is. Awesome.
• Get Those Hearts Pumping: And while we're talking 'bout The Doctor, Church recently found a blogger with a novel weight loss routine. This blogger postulates that it's impossible not to lose weight if one exercises while attempting to watch every episode of the Doctor Who series. Seems sound enough to me.
• You Like Lists, Right?: 'Course you do! So how about the Phoenix New Times' list of the "Top 5 Geeky Fashion Trends of the Decade?" Still not enough? Bam! Here's Pop Ten's "Top Ten Geek Anthems" at no extra charge!
• An Honor Just to be Nominated: Church, always one to keep me on my toes, points out that Hipster, please! is not the only place that honors a "Nerd of the Year." The University of Missouri similarly recognizes excellence in dorkitude.
• And My Bow: As this edition of NNIB has been especially Dungeons & Dragons-centered, it seems only appropriate to wrap it up with a little fantasy-flavored sing-along by AND MY AXE. On a school night.

Nerd News in Brief

Today is, of course, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a time to reflect on the life and accomplishments of a true champion of civil rights and nonviolent activism. I'll save my snark and smartassery for the post itself, and instead use this intro to plug Random's track "306." Ran's stated many times what a hero and motivating force Dr. King has been throughout his life, and this is certainly a fitting tribute. Give it a listen.

And now, on to my regularly scheduled foolishness.

• The Bestestest: MC Lars was among those who shared their picks of 2009 with the MTV Music Blog. K.Flay made his list, as did STD and Bowling for Soup. Not exactly surprising choices, but solid props across the board.
• You're the Tops: Also making appearances in Best of '09 lists were The Protomen's Act II: Father of Death album and Rivercrest Yacht Club's single "The Tuck." Robots and transsexuals, that about sums up the past 12 months.
• The Brown Recluse: Looking forward to this year's releases, none have me quite as excited as Navi's GRAYSCALE. Set to drop digitally tomorrow (January 19th) and physically in the near future, it's the triumphant return of a cat I've been following since the earliest days of Rhyme Torrents. The former Myf was nice enough to hook me up with an early leak, and I think it'll easily please both nerdcore fans and hardcore heads alike. Check out the RT announcement thread for a taste.
• Skins: For the first time in the history of the band, Uncle Monsterface will perform with a live drummer on Thursday, January 21st at The Church in Boston. Come out and welcome Spooky Old Eric to the Monsterfamily!
• C-O-N-spiracy: Is there a link between the Harry Potter series and franchise movie director Christopher Columbus's Young Sherlock Holmes? This blog post from 2005, drudged up by our own Church H Tucker (by way of Irish Independent News) claims just that. The game is afoot!
• Fangirl and Chum Chum: Speaking of Potter, Total Film's 2010 Blog Award for Best Sci-fi/Fantasy Blog has seen a lot of WRocker and Twi-fan love/hate. Thankfully, at present at least, that bastion of all-around geekiness Io9 seems to have pulled ahead in the polls.
• Never-Ending Story: And also on the WRock front, Matt lets us know that The Whomping Willows is putting together a street team to help him transition from library-based touring to straight-up DIY house party gigging. Also looking towards the future, it was also announced that, upon graduation, Lauren Myrtle will be joining him on a never-ending tour.
• Wooly Bully: This is turning out to be the year of the gamer sweater. Witness the glory of the 8-bit Mario sweater-vest. Only to be rivaled by this collection of wearable hand-made arcade classics.
• Love by the Numbers: Did you know you can apply the Drake equation to discover why you don't currently have a girlfriend? Peter Backus does, and he even shared his findings.
• Dream Job: In case you somehow missed it, Penny Arcade is hiring an associate designer. If you have the relevant skills and live in/would be willing to relocate to WA, get on that shit. Oh, and Tycho, if you want to start a music netlabel and need an A&R guy, holler atcha boy!
• Keep on Keepin' On: Back in the reality, the Rhyme Torrents community has just dropped the 9th iteration of its ongoing compilation series. Two discs strong, this one continues in the proud tradition of including the guys you know as well as the cats you'll be talking about tomorrow.
• Kombat Kore: Somewhere, Shael Riley is writing a stirring ballad about this cat's tattoo.
• Bigger on the Inside: Next month, the 21st incarnation of Gallifrey One, North America's native Doctor Who convention is all set to rip up LA. And, among guests like Bob Baker and Nyssa, homegrown VG Rockers Tanuki Suit Riot will also be on hand.
• Basic Pleasure Model: While most of us assume that all the real tech news of this month came from CES, ABC Australia reveals that the weirdest development came from the AVN Adult Entertainment Expo. Ladies and gents, a true futuristic sex robot.
• I'll Hold Out for 16: Meanwhile, Kotaku reports that a new Toyota concept hybrid was shown at Detroit's International Auto show that was designed specifically for "the 8-bit generation." I find this new marketing moniker charming, confusing.
• Pixelated: Chip music fans and artists would do well to turn their attention to the forums at ChipMusic.org. This new community, built on a bedrock of inspiration and encouragement, should prove a welcoming home for seasoned vets and newbs alike.
• Mum Mum Mum Mah: Closing out this first NNIB of 2010 is none other than my pal (and recent collaborator) Superpowerless. It's the video for Supe's Lady Gaga cover. It was directed by FL artist Jaylyn Coffin, and features Oliver and B-Type lightsaber dueling and rocking the fuck out in public places. If only you could read their poker face!
  

Nerd News in Brief

Why the hell am I the only person using the "geek rock" tag? Seriously. Church recently mentioned that if you use it as a filter it makes it looks like Technorati has a damn Hipster, please! category!

I think that's my New Year's resolution: get other people using the phrase geek rock.

Come on, say it with me now. Geek. Rock.

Doesn't that feel good?

• Nekkid Nerds: For some of you, there is no higher form of art than a group of nudists in Star Trek themed body paint. Those people are encouraged to click this link. Though probably not while they're at work.
• Nerd Girl, I Don't Deserve You: You know what we haven’t talked about in a while? geek girls. Thankfully, Autostraddle is there to pick up the slack. As Church points out, blogger Taylor manages to work in the usuals (Tina Fey and Felicia Day) as well as some new candidates (like Rachel Maddow).
• Very Stimulating: Also from Church comes this link the Seattle Times recent interview with geeky hip-hop pioneer Paul Barman. Read up and get schooled.
• Exterminate!: Meanwhile, Matt has found a new hero. UK crafter Rob Bosher has built his own life-size Dalek. Powered by an electric wheelchair, this bad boy works via remote control and can even bark poorly digitized orders at unwitting humans.
• Totally ReTARDIS: Tracy V. Wilson over at How Stuff Works has uncovered a great secret. I am talking some Dan Brown shit here, folks. Apparently Wesley Crusher is a Time Lord!
• Official Beer of the Empire: What's weirder than a Doctor Who-related Star Trek revlation? Storm Trooper-themed beer.
• Gabe, Tycho & Dave: Ever wanted to create your own web comic? Well, Dave "The Knave" White has got you covered. His recent session at Podcamp Pittsburgh covers all the basics, especially with regards to technical, behind-the-scenes issues.
• Because Canadians are Just Better: Sure you've seen nerdy burlesque shows and geeky stand-up routines, but have you seen them in the same place? If you have, you probably live in Toronto. Or you are Schaffer the Darklord.
• Las Mascaras: Speaking of Schaffer, Coolzey, who guested on STD's recent release, is preparing to drop his new album The Honey late next month. In the meantime, peep the video for "Look." It features ladies and luchadores. And lady luchadores!
• Paranoid Android: Lately I've been thinking of upgrading to an Android phone. Turns out that our own MC Frontalot was an early G1 adopter, and he recently sang the praises of the device over at Android and Me.
• Too Many Summers: Wizard Rock aficionado Dinah has made public a demo by WRock group Standing In Line. The release, originally handed out at Wrockstock in very limited quantities, is for personal listening only, so download it and add some more magic to your collection.
• Science, Every Day: Did you know my boy funky49 has become the official nerdcore rapper of science? I mean, after repping MOSI and now Fermilab, he's really only got one place to go: outer space!
• Hope Aboard My Starship: My high school chum Brooks directed me to this Gizmodo piece from Joseph Shoer, a Ph.D. candidate in aerospace engineering, about the physics of space battles. It's a lengthy and fascinating geek out concerning theoretical combat.
• In Space: Earlier this month, Game Music 4 All Records released its very first EP. Challenge!, by Scottish chiptune musician Comptroller, is an outer space adventure aboard an LSDJ-fueled rocket ship. Come along.
• On the Fly: On the subject of chiptunes, nerdy ally Jonny Nero is positively aflutter about the NESynth virtual synthesizer for the iPhone. Here's why.
• To the Nines: And I can't talk about chip music without plugging the latest from the great Videogame Orchestra. VGO's Werk is available from Treble Death System for the super-low price of nothing. Get on that shit!
• Intervention: I would like to applaud Mike Damanskis for finally bringing Yoshi's bulimia to light. He needs our support now more than ever.
• Grassroots: Excited for Mega Man 10? Of course you are. But think of how much more exciting it would be if the game featured our old pal Mega Ran! It just so happens that there's an online petition for that.
• Heart and Soul: MC Lars cares about your health and well being. That's why he released "Be the Beat" in association with the American Heart Association. Can a song teach you CPR? Give it a listen and decide for yourself.
• Romantical: Face it; you need more romance in your life. A hard copy of Ultraklystron's Romance Language 2, that is. But he's only selling them through year's end, so act fast!
• Mash-tastic: It wouldn't be December without a bevy of mash-up best-ofs. Currently, my two faves are DJ Earworm's annual meta-mash "United States of Pop" and the Best of Bootie 2009 collection. Collect 'em all!
• Great White Wyrm: Hipster, please! would like to officially welcome the first of what will surely be many I Fight Dragons tattoos. Big ups to Ben Ruberg for going all fanboy on our collective ass. IFD fans will also want to peep Chronicles of the Nerds' recent video interview with Brian and crew.
• You Can't Kill a Symbol: In other YouTubery, Church tells me that Key of Awesome has put out a musical interpretation of The Dark Knight. Alfred is the shit.
• Stars and Angels: Closing out the final Nerd News in Brief of 2009 is a bit of Star Wars music. It's "Shut Up & Party" by Pseudo Rebels, and it’s a club banger that harnesses the power of the Force.

Nerd News in Brief

Be afraid. Be very afraid! It's only a matter of time before we are subjugated and subsequently crushed by Space Skeeters from Beyond.

Oh, science, why have you forsaken us?

But let us pass the time until our inevitable demise with some Nerd News in Brief.

• Educational Ink: Discover Magazine is currently all up on my jock re: nerd ink. They've even compiled a ton of science-related tattoos for you viewing pleasure. I dig that they did so, but seriously, Discover, quit biting my style!
• Knowledge is Power: The new funky 49 EP Rapbassador is presently available for free download. This release was created to help promote Tampa's Museum of Science and Industry, so checking it out is sort of like giving science a great big hug. You like hugs, right?
• Transformer: The only thing better than Maja's debut album The Amalgam Project is scoring said album on the free. Shit yeah, kids! You can now check out all the greatness at no cost to you. Just head over to Rhyme Torrents for the full skinny.
• They Really, Really Do: By now you've probably taken note of a new band making the rounds through nerd culture blogs. This band is Chicago's I Fight Dragons, and, in case you've missed the praise heaped upon them by my fellows, suffice it to say they are the shit. You can actually score a digital copy of IFD's new EP by joining the mailing list at their site, which you totally should.
• Dance Majick Dance: Friend and supporter of Hipster, please! BSD Punk just released his debut nerdcore effort as MC Goblin Majick. Give it a listen and share your thoughts at the Goblin's blog.
• A Change of Pace: Another new album that, unfortunately, is not yet ready for mass consumption is the long-awaited Testing the Waters EP from My Parents' Favorite Music. I did, however, get to test drive this new project, and found it to feature not only some exciting guest stars, but also a noticeably deeper style of songwriting by Steffo. Look for it soonish.
• Where Ya Been?: And of course the biggest news in nerdcore releases this week is MC Lars's This Gigantic Robot Kills. Cheap bastards looking for a taste can check out the track "No Logo" at the Lars MySpace or the video for "Guitar Hero Hero" via YouTube. But I'm'a go ahead and just recommended you buy the damn album. Oh, and then go read about Lars's favorite book. That's important too.
• Laptops and Star Trek: In a related story, a reference to Lars's new album can be found in this piece about white rappers from Supreme Magazine that Church hipped me to. Whether or not you agree with the crux of his argument, the author makes some valid points. Give it a read, and then we can debate what Lars meant by "I saw nerdcore come/ I saw nerdcore go."
• Vote Canadian: Hip-hop superhero Jesse Dangerously is a nominee for Urb Magazine's Next1000. This is cool and all, but Jesse really wants to make it to the next round (i.e. Next100) in the print version of the mag. To do this, he needs your votes. Get on it!
• Me and My Old Lady: Recently, nerdcore MC and fellow blogger Shawn Who has fallen on some hard times. His family has racked up some pretty hefty medical bills, but he's devised a novel way to lessen the financial impact. Shawn is actively taking on song commission to earn a little extra scratch. So, if you're in need of some custom musics, give Shawn a holler.
• Hex Watches the Watchmen: My pal Hex Warrior is looking for songs about Watchmen. Perhaps he should contact Shawn. 'm just sayin'.
  
• The Other One: Apparently Video Game Orchestra is will take the stage at Boston's Berklee College of Music next month. Wait, not that VGO, an other VGO. This one is, apparently, a literal orchestra, and, though they may not be our friends from Greece, interested parties should probably check it out.
• Up in My Treehouse: In other VGM news, UK folksters Elfonso now have a proper Web site. Anthony mentioned this earlier this week, but they are so fuckin' awesome that I figured it bore repeating.
• In the Beginning: Those fine ladies at the Wizrocklopedia never cease to school me regarding WRock. Why just last week they turned me on to some interesting facts regarding the genesis of the musical concept.
• So Hungry!: Shael Riley makes music. But did you know he also creates inspiring works of sequential art? Consider yourself enlightened.
• DTs Have Never Looked Cuter: We will end this week on a high note. This one comes courtesy of Little Miss Gamer herself. It's the newest episode entitled "Gamer, Interrupted," and it concerns the darker side of Zuma. (Locate chip artist and recent mugging victim Zen Albatross for bonus points!)

Nerd News in Brief

This week, Nintendo announced that the DSi will be released stateside on April 5th. About this news I am ambivalent.

Do I need another Nintendo DS? I do not.

Do I want a new handheld that offers bigger screens and more robust wi-fi at the expense of the GBA slot and with the bloated inclusion of a shitty camera and useless media playback features? Not particularly.

Will I buy the damn thing? Probably.

Apparently, I am what's wrong with the American electronics marketplace.

• Blame the Victim: This week’s edition of Nerd Ink is brought to you by rage. And also the dark side.
• Andre the Giant Has a Posse: Likewise, MC Lars has a street team. Andre’s posse is currently full-up, but Lars has plenty of room on his team, so why not join? You’ll get access to promotional materials and exclusive goodies, and all it costs is a little nerd love.
• Yes, I Realize my Twitter Avatar is Black: Our friends in New Zealand are currently being threatened by a "Guilt Upon Accusation" law which gives ISPs the right to discontinue service based solely on the mere insinuation of copywrite infringement. There are lots of ways to help spread the word, but perhaps the most fun is by taking part in Creative Freedom’s remix project. Details and remix kits are available here.
• Dead, and He Ain’t Ever Coming Back: mc chris recently announced that every song in his back catalog is now available for your listening pleasure on his site. He’s also added a ton of fan remixes, and his album skits are also on the way.
• The Semi-Official Definition: My friend Snipe attended last week’s NYC screening of Nerdcore Rising. She dug it so much that she posted her own review. Give it a read, and, while you’re over there, give the lady some love!
• She’s the DJ, He’s the Rapper: Thanks go out to Zen Albatross for turning me on to my favorite collaboration since the MC Lars/YTCracker album. It’s a new 8bitpeople release that pairs Coova and Bud Melvin, and, of course, it’s freely available.
• As Yet Unattained: A second Nerd Merit Badge has been released. This one celebrates the famed (and elusive) "Inbox 0," and can be ordered right this very second.
• Bromance: I have a musical man-crush on Shael Riley, but that’s okay. Lots of people do. Shael is currently gearing up for a mini-tour, and is practicing his singing whilst playing. Check out his one-man rehearsal of The Grammar Club’s "Bank Holiday" here, then grab an MP3 from Shael’s music site.
• Still Holding: Shael has also leaked some more information concerning his forthcoming solo album Hold Person. Recently he revealed that he had secured Canadian hip-hopper Jesse Dangerously for a collab. In case that was somehow unclear, this is fucking awesome.
• I Take Credit: Likewise, int eighty of Dual Core just revealed that he has joined the bill with Shael at Baba Budans in Cincinnati on March 25th. I’ve also been told that this show, while 21+, is free!
• Rock It: Speaking of, Dual Core has added a lot of great new content to their site. You’ll find a new pair on non-album tracks free for the taking, as well as two new videos. The first is from their recent ShmooCon performance, and the second, also from ShmooCon, includes two freestyles and a surprise encore.
• 8-Bit Brobee: Thanks to a tweet from GabbaFriends, I have spent the week rocking out to this chiptune cover of the Yo Gabba Gabba! song "Dancin’s Easy" by McFiredrill. Hit up 8bitcollective for a free copy.
• Where Everyone Has Gone Before: Church pointed me toward a trio of Star Trek stories this week. They fall easily within the realms of love, lust, and… whatever the fuck this is.
• Closer Than Expected: Also from Church comes a link to "The Search Engine Rap Battle." It defies description, so just watch for yourself.
• Another Rap Oddity: From my pal Antisoc comes this gangsta-ized remake of the traditional theme from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Somewhere, Will Smith weeps. Into a handkerchief made out of money, no doubt.
• Save Ginny: Harry and the Potters have a pair of gigs lined up this weekend. On Friday, February 20th, catch them at Williams College in Williamstown, MA, and on Saturday the 21st, at Bard College in Red Hook, NY. Also, until February 22nd, the band will be doing the unthinkable and actually selling t-shirts via their Web site, so even if you can’t make it out to see them you can still snag one.
• Snake Handler: Also on the Wizard Rock tip, Nagini has released some new music for free through MySpace. Check out her recent blog post to snag the Twin Cores duets album and a pair of 12 Foot Blues demos. Much thanks to Ant for the pointer.
• Rawk: And while you’re perusing the MySpace, hit up the new profile of nerdcore producer/remixer killsaly’s band, Merkava. Currently, the page only features a few synth-and-drum demos from last summer, but new stuff, featuring guitar and vocals as well, is on the way.
• Shiny: We’ll close out this week’s NNIB with a beautiful new video for Marian Call's "In the Black" from her album Got to Fly. It’s by YouTuber macanguish, and feature’s some soulful, sorrowful footage from Firefly/Serenity synched with one of my favorite tracks from the album. Watch. Comment. Share.
  

Nerd News in Brief

Today marks the 1st Day of Geekmas. It's only the second major project I've ever attempted at Wired.com – the other being HipTrax – and I'm really hoping it will be successful.

I mean, seriously, the guys and I were able to score an amazing amount of cool shit this year when the giveaway was more or less a whim, so I can only imagine the kind of stuff we could get if this were to become an annual occurrence!

So go by GeekDad and toss your name in the hat to when a wicked-awesome mini R/C R2D2. But first, Nerd News in Brief.

• Old Beef, New Beef: Earlier this week, MC Lars announced that he had squashed his beef with mc chris. Of course, later he unwittingly tagged over the old R.E.M. graffiti at Charlotte's Milestone, so y'know, Peter Buck is gonna be on that ass now.
• Eight is Enough (Or Not): In case you missed it, there's a new addition to the Rhyme Torrents family. The community birthed the eighth volume of its continuing nerdcore compilation project last Sunday. Congrats to its many proud parents.
• Please Don't Call it a Period: Also from the RT meta-community comes episode 5.5 of Vagina Deep in Podcast. This edition features a new theme song by my pal funky49 and an interview with Whore Moans. And also a decimal.
• Move Over Santa: According to our friend Hex Warrior, December is Random's month. Hex named Ran Nerdpalooza's artist of the month this week, and I can't help but agree that he's a most worthy candidate.
• Turkish Gold: And speaking of Nerdapalooza, an article about the event recently appeared in the Turkish version of Billboard magazine. Images of me are inexplicably included with those of actual important people. But how were the poor Turks to know?
• Moving on Up: I will now pause to reflect on the fact that my friend Church got front-paged at Tech Dirt earlier this week after submitting a story about an alleged MP3 resale site. See? He does everyone else's research too!
• Meh: And speaking of Church, he hipped me to this list of 10 Essential Nerd Rock albums from InsideNOVA. For the record, my list is totally fuggin' different. (Okay, maybe I'll give them Flood.)
• And Also: Church is currently looking for a musician to create three short
• pieces for a news podcast: an intro, outro, and bridge. If you're interested, just leave a comment here, as Church is far more aware of what goes on around this blog than I am.
• More Calls For Help: Also looking for an assist is Jason Scott. Jason is planning to film Frontalot's New Jersey show on December 14th. If you've got adequate gear, he'll cover door and drinks. Full details here.
• They Call 'em Snogs: On the WRock front, Matt presents a lusty clip from this year's Yule Ball. Behold as Lauren Myrtle lays a wicked smooch on Whompy. Now feel free to descend into fits of bitter, bitter jealousy.
• Fa-la-la-la-la-EX-TER-MIN-ATE!: Only in Baltimore would it be traditional to decorate your Daleks for Christmas. In a related story, I totally need to move to Baltimore.
• Why Chicago? Why Not!: Dan (of Nerdcore For Life) won second place in the "Why Chicago" Olympic video contest. This netted him $5,000 worth of the video production gear, which is, oddly enough, better than the first prize. And with that Crapbot Productions slinks ever closet to legitimacy.
• Does This Count as Nerd Ink?: Owls are the poindexters of the animal kingdom. I'm just sayin.'
• And They Said it Couldn't be Done: Taking us out this week is the new video for GOSHone's "Newteknowledge." It was shot entirely on GOSH's iPhone, which makes it extra-nerdy!

Nerd News in Brief

It's been another huge week for geeky news, but before we get into this veritable wealth of nerdstuff I'd like to comment on recent developments at The Wizrocklopedia. You see, Lizz just announced her retirement. After years at the helm, she is passing the mantle of editor on to Freya and Dinah so that she can pursue other avenues. Lizz will still be acting webmistress, but other than that her 'Pedia-related activities will be limited.

I've got an enormous amount of respect and appreciation for Lizz because of all the work she does for the WRock community and, moreover, simply because of the really genuine person that she is. She's a class act, and I am thankful to count her, along with folks like Ant, Matt, Church, and Jason, as a like-minded cyber-sibling. So while I'll miss having her around ye olde Internets, I wish her the best in all her endeavors.

• Not to be Confused With Uwe Boll: Also on the Wizard Rock front comes news from Harry and the Potters regarding this month's Yule Ball in Cambridge, MA. The guys are looking for some extra musical help this year, in the form of live brass accompaniment for tracks like "New Wizard Anthem" and "Song for the Death Eaters." If you are interested in performing, contact the band (harryandthepotters-at-yahoo-dot-com) for further instructions.
• Newman!: Geek rockers Paul and Storm are currently in the early stages of the 25 Days of Newman. The boys are writing all the Randy Newman movies tunes he never got around to doing himself. Hilarity ensues.
• From the House of Karl: Omitted from last week's NNIB due to lazy-assedness, is great new stuff from Karl Olson. Ultraklystron has released a new 13-song electronica album for free download, as well as a DnB remix of Random's "Grow Up." You need both.
• From the Tweetosphere: I've also recently received news from both Beefy and Jesse Dangerously regarding new albums. Mr. Thompson has another freebie disc in the works, and Jesse D a new mixtape. Details are, at the moment, a little vague, but I'll pass on more news as it becomes available.
• Nerdcore Explosion: The Rhyme Torrents community has also unleashed a ton of new hotness in recent weeks. High points include the re-mastered version of the highly anticipated Heightened Titans debut, the 3-year labor of love that is GOSHone's ctrl_alt_ego, a fine collection of rarities and unreleased tracks from the Scrub Club family, and a brand new single from my Florida ninjas Krondor Krew called "Baby Drama" (available at their MySpace.) Consider them all required listening.
• Flying Dinosaur Team: There's also a new 3-way split from our friends at Pterodactyl Squad featuring arcadecoma., L'homme Manete, and seal of quality. Like all things from Pterodactyl Squad, it is guaranteed to be face-meltingly awesome!
• Chippy Holidays: And on the seasonal tip, there's also the amazing 8-Bit Jesus chiptune Christmas album from Doctor Octoroc. I honestly can't recommend this one highly enough.
• A Forceful Xmas: Church also hipped me to the fact that The Wonderful Wonderblog has posted the (god-awful) Star Wars Christmas album for download. Get it now before George Lucas unleashes the clones!
• Nerd Ink: Speaking of Star Wars, this edition of Nerd Ink is brought to you by Justin of Hidari. He thought these wicked sleeves from Geeks Are Sexy would please a great many of his geeky brothers/sisters. I concur.
  
• From the Desk of Antisoc: Since I've spent the bulk of this post recommending albums, I'll change shit up and instead recommend some live video footage. My pal Soc got all of the recent YTCracker/MC Lars/MC Frontalot show in Dallas that his poor Flip could take, and has been nice enough to share it with the rest of the class. There are appearances by Shawn Who and T-Byte (in the crowd), Rivercrest Yacht Club, and the historic first live performance of MC Lars's "Download This Song" featuring Bowling For Soup's Jaret Reddick. There's a ton of stuff to see, and it's all well worth the time.
• G4 Continues to Not Suck: And while we're talking about nerd rap royalty, be sure you check out Random's recent interview with G4's The Feed. It's a nice piece wherein he may or may not drop the release date for his new Capcom project Mega Ran 9. Okay, he does. Now go read.
• Kids Today: From Church comes an interesting link from youth writing magazine Teen Ink about nerd pride. It's actually kind of a reassuring sentiment, especially given the typical high school-era nerd rage.
• Apparently They Shimmer: Perhaps the holiday season's biggest piece of movie news is the release of Twilight. For those who, like me, haven't found time to read the books, Church also suggested some Cliff's Notes. In the same vein (no pun intended), BSDPunk recently explored the inherent corruption of the nerdy vampire archetype by the same series.
• Your Hookup: Nerdcore MC Conyeezy has recently taken a position at Sweetwater Sound, providers of fine instruments, recording technology, and various other implements of musical destruction. So the next time you find yourself in the market for a purchase, don't forget to holler atcha boy.
• America's Got the Next Top Videogame Mascot: To take us out this week, I'm gonna throw straight to Little Miss Gamer. She's involved in a reality show, I hear. Perhaps she'll finally garner the fame she so richly deserves.

Nerd News in Brief

I’m trying to keep my Happy Halloween mojo working, but the truth is it’s hard.
Having just discovered that David Tennant is leaving Doctor Who, I’m a little bummed. I mean, he didn’t have a sweet cravat or a crazy-ass scarf, but he was a great Doctor and I’m sad to see him go.

That being said, I think it’s time for a new direction. Time for a new Doctor unlike all those that came before. Someone short and thin with a delightful accent and floppy hair. Someone truly different. Maybe, y’know, Franco-American.

Yes, I am throwing my hat into the ring to be the new Doctor. I need your support. We can make a difference in sci-fi television.

Yes we can!

• Cross-Culture Make You Jump!: This edition of nerd ink comes complete with an impromptu history lesson. Thanks, Church! That takes care of today’s requisite book-learnin’!
• Sneak(y) Preview: Though I am forbidden from discussing the specifics for a couple more days – that is, until it’s official release – I am beholden to you, faithful readers, to let slip that I received a copy of the Digital Gangster LP earlier this week. And without giving too much away, let me state that it probably features the best work from both Lars and YT to date. I’ll elaborate on my praise come November 1st.
• Excel-sior: It’s sort of telling that the geekiest video of the moment is from crusty old blues rocker’s (and harbingers of economic doom) AC/DC. Not that I have anything against AC/DC, mind you. I mean, I did grow up in a trailer park! Still, I now propose that the next Schaffer the Darklord video be done entirely in PowerPoint. I'm just sayin'.
  
• Lame, as in Duck: Church also brought to my attention that mc chris recently won an award. Sort of. Yes, the mc chris Menu Navigation widget was voted one of the 10 lamest Firefox add-ons. Matt was quick to point out, though, that mc’s site is so cumbersome that this app actually makes sense.
  
• Sweet Home Alabama: That high-toned honky known as mc chris will be playing the Zydeco in Birmingham, AL tonight with opening acts Totally Michael and Lisa's Son. He’ll also be in Huntsville tomorrow night for some Halloween festivities. Specifically catching Zak and Miri at 7:20PM at the Regal Hollywood 18 and hitting up some local haunted houses afterwards.
• Better Z.E.D. Than Dead: Also going down tonight at Orlando’s BackBooth is A Comic Shop’s Zombie Dance. Not only will this event feature such Halloween treats as a Marvel Zombies costume contest, it will also host the debut live performance of Emergency Pizza Party’s new Z.E.D. album (with stage direction and production by EPP’s own Fanatical.) Tickets are $8 at the door, and the party starts at 8:00 PM.
• Aaahh!!! Real Monsters!: And on the subject of zombies, Discover Magazine has provided me with 8 more reasons to fear the zombie apocalypse. Thanks a lot. Douche bags.
• Don Hoimicidal Maniac: And just in time for Halloween comes this monsterpiece of modern music. It is Michael Myers. Playing the ukulele. Who can ask for anything more?
  

Nerd News in Brief

By rights, I should be decorating the house for Halloween today. Sadly, I am currently in the throes of the kind of virus than only someone with young children can contract.

The whole family's got it. We are now bound by blood as well as mucus.

Which, now that I think about it, is pretty goddamn Halloweeny.

Go us!

• Nerd Ink, the Continuing Adventures: How can you out-geek a Hello Kitty Boba Fett tattoo? Only with the power of the Hawkman!
• Divine Intervention: In what can only be interpreted as a sign from the Geek Gods, the Online Hip-Hop Awards have extended their nomination season. So vote for Random some more!
• Church Submits the Following: A doctorial student from Purdue examines the "hyperhwiteness" (and, to some degree "hypermaleness") associated with nerd culture. Meanwhile, MIT seeks to shed its geeky image by any means necessary. Me? I went to community college, so I am thankfully far below this level of critical analysis.
• WTS: funky49 is looking to sell some music and gaming tech on eBay. If you're currently in the market for an Atari 2600 or a Yamaha TX7 synth, he will fucking hook you up.
• Bend it Like Blip Fest: Highly Liquid is now selling a kit that allows you to add a MIDI input to a classic Casio keyboards. Circuit benders and chipheads rejoice!
• The Real GWB: After a fairly long wait – yeah, like I have room to talk – The Geekly Weekly crew is back with another podcast. This edition includes talk about the new DSi, the Ig Nobel Prizes, the Stephen Colbert/Spiderman crossover, and music from my man ZeaLouS1. Give it a listen.
• We're a Happy Family: And if you're looking for some fresh musical hotness, check out the newly released Nerdcore Family Vol 1. It features MC Topher, T.y.T., 'Moans, MC Lars, nYgel and many more of your favorites. It's also free, so you've got no reason not to love it.
• Stolen Glasses and Pilfered Usernames: And speaking of MC Lars, he and YTCracker recently made an appearance on Revision3's Internet Superstar, the web talkshow hosted by Martin Sargent. He's the American Tom Green. Talk covers everything from their new album (slated for a November 1st release) to how YT scored such a sweet Gmail account.
  
• Zombies! Chaos! Cleavage!: Call is zombie erotica. Call it rancid cheesecake. Call it… disturbing. Whatever you call it, My Zombie Pinup is an interesting diversion. With blood. And boobs.
  
• Sins of the Father: And taking us home this week is the trailer for the new James Potter fanfilm series The Elders' Crossing. It's based on the writings of G. Norman Lippert and is scored by none other than Nina of The Butterbeer Experience. Behold the face of fandom!