Nerd News in Brief

Do they make a Twitter patch? Maybe some gum or something? I think I’m kind of hooked, and I sometimes wonder if I’ll be able to get off the stuff.

Unlike MySpace and Facebook and similar services, Twitter doesn’t ask much of me as a user. I basically just toss random sentences up at irregular intervals and the train keeps rolling. The people I’m following do the same and, failing the perpetual outages, everyone’s life is enriched by shared minutia.

Is it wrong that I care what @cdharrison had for lunch, what kind of song @triermusic is working on, or what @badddspellah thinks of those feet that keep popping up on BC’s shoreline?

Probably, but it helps pass the time.

• More of me: A new edition of the GeekDad’s HipTrax podcast, co-hosted by little ol’ me, is currently available. This episode features music from my man Random, new friend Mindscape Music, and Wizard Rock chanteuse The Butterbeer Experience, who I believed I referred to as “adorable.” That… um… that probably crosses some sort of line.
• Tag Team, back again: For those of you not keeping proper tabs on your RSS feeds, know that Letters vs. Numbers, your favorite rapper’s podcaster’s favorite rapper podcast, is back! After a lengthy delay, episode 6 went up Monday and, in addition to having an almost alarming amount of references to me, it features an amazing cover of JoCo’s “Still Alive” and that hot new MPFM joint the kids are so crazy about!
• I always forget the “h.”: Also from our Game Music 4 All friends, specifically Jephso, comes an interview with UK chiptune artist Pixelh8. It touches on Pix’s influences, the role of nostalgia in micromusic, and airport security hassles. Which, now that I think about it, has got to be a recurring problem for traveling chiptuners.
• Warp Zones Are For Pansies: I probably shouldn’t even be discussing this here, as I’m planning a more detailed post concerning the release next week, but let me just say that GM4A’s new compilation Welcome to World 2 is fuckin’ amazing! Ant favored me with a pre-release copy last week, and it’s what I would term “required listening.” Again, I’ll save my full impressions (as well as pricing and release information) for a later date, but it’s a phenomenal collection of some of your favorite VGM, chiptune, and nerdcore acts.
• “I’m a scientist.”: Earlier this month, hip-hop pioneer Grandmaster Flash released his memoirs, The Adventures of Grandmaster Flash: My Life, My Beats. In a recent Newsweek article about the book, Flash discusses his love of technology, his mechanical mindset, and his ceaseless obsession with collecting records, giving credence to the view that hip-hop is built on the backs of the geeky.
• This above all: Crank Them 3’s!: Also on the subject of hip-hop and book smarts comes these two links from Church. The first concerns a Forbe’s article about CD/educational aid Smart Shorties, and the second a similar product: Flocabulary’s Shakespeare is Hip-Hop, which should be pretty self-explanatory.
• Keys, like Alicia: Shael Riley has procured the necessary drum, bass, and guitar support he was looking for to again start gigging around his native New York, but he still needs a keyboardist. Are you a keyboardist? Do you live in one of the famed Boroughs? The give Shael a holler.
• Happy Bandiversary!: Fervent congratulations go out to Wizard Rock pioneers Harry and the Potters. This week Paul and Joe celebrate the 6th anniversary of the founding of the band. Please join me in wishing continued success to the brothers DeGeorge.
• Enthusiasm Levels Rising: Speaking of the Potters, today marks the first day of this summer’s Unlimited Enthusiasm Expo. For more information on this groundbreaking tour (featuring three amazing groups: Harry and the Potters, Uncle Monsterface, and Math the Band) see the official Web site. And for a sneak peak behind the veil, check out my recent post over at GeekDad.
• Haven’t I made this pun before?: In other Wizard Rock news, The Harry Potter Alliance has launched a new project simply entitled WRock the Vote. The goal is to have WRtV volunteers present at every Wizard Rock show of the season to help of-age attendees register to vote. If you’re going to be in attendance at any of these events, why not volunteer yourself?
• Oh, the humanity!: For those of you planning a WRock-free summer, may I suggest you attend a nice convention? There are, of course, several of these events that should be avoided at all costs, as my pal Matt was nice enough to point out. Hey, leave ROFLcon alone!
• Bits and pieces: Over the weekend, a new video by my pal Church hit Boing Boing. I submitted it thinking it would be cast aside like so much chaff, but Cory saw wheat. Delicious, nutritious wheat. Since the piece centers on DRM, a geeky topic relevant to many of us, and it also includes that lovable Larry the Cylon, I thought I’d end on it. Enjoy!

Nerd News in Brief

After a week on top, the traffic around ol’ Hipster, please! seems to be slowly shrinking back to normal.

It was really cool to have so many people visiting to check out the Old Nerdy Bastard compilation, and, moreover, I was genuinely pleased with the overwhelmingly positive reaction to the project. All parties involved did a bang-up job, and I’m glad fans acknowledged that.

Still, it’s hard not to feel a slight sense of relief at this return to normalcy. I mean, it’s just us again, just the regulars.

This means we once again have the freedom to walk around in our underwear and stop sucking in our guts.

You can’t put a price on shit like that.

• A water-tight case: Church just hit me up with a link to this letter of complaint directed at Arizona State University. Personally, I think Mr. Lacrampe’s case seems fairly cut and dry.
• Like regular gamers, only brainier: Are you interested in taking a one -semester seminar course devoted to the history of the RPG? Of course you are! Now meet the man who’d like to teach it.
• Magic Missile: And speaking of RPGs, we GeekDads are hosting a new contest. The challenge? Create self-portraits of yourselves and your children as D&D characters. The spoils? A handsome D&D 4E prize pack! See this post for the full skinny.
• As if you don’t get enough of me already: A new edition of the HipTrax podcast is now available. This one features Brad Sucks, The Weasel King, and Maja. It also features me babbling. Even more so than usual. What can I say? I’d just finished the new comp and was totally burned out. Thankfully, Ken was there to keep me on track.
• I am a WRock. I am an island: For those of us unable to attend, the Wizrocklopedia crew has provided ample pictures and videos of last weekend WRockstock. And thanks to Matt for catching a brief mention of Old Nerdy Bastard in this vid from The Wizrockateers. You WRock, Lizz!
• The Clambon’s connected to the foot bone: For those of you still trying to figure out what Hidari’s “Clambon” – the song masterfully remixed by Glenn and Justin on ONB - is really about, I present Mr. Bacon’s own translation. That clear everything up for ya? Didn’t think so.
• (Finally) Ready to Launch: The newest Game Music 4 All compilation, Heavy Troopa is Ready to Launch! became available last Sunday. On the off chance you haven’t head over to GM4A and download this massive 3-disc set of musical goodness. It’s got all the music you love from the Nintendo/Square classic in new and exciting forms.
• Captain’s log, supplemental: And while you’re at it, be sure to check out episode 20 of the Into the Score podcast wherein the net’s only podcast dedicated to the academic study of game music takes on the original Super Mario RPG soundtrack. Be amazed, enlightened, and summarily educated.
• Oh, Canada!: On the subject of free releases, you would also be wise to peep Hand’Solo Records new mixtapes Hokey Religions & Ancient Weapons (are no match for a good blaster). This mix is freely downloadable, but those with a taste for physical media can snag the CD for $10. It features Jesse Dangerously, Wordburglar, and Myf, and if that’s not enough to get you excited, then I judge thee unexcitable.
• Practically giving it away: Also freely available is the Motherboard Compilation featuring id obelus and Wordburglar (again!), another hip-hop mix worth your valuable time. It’s available from Canadian meta-collective Secret Cloud and will most probably cure what ails you.
• Endsville still burns: Straight from the portal of a seemingly resurrected Rhyme Torrents comes news that Attack Slug has released isolated acappellas and background tracks from his new album Endsville is Burning. Remixing is encouraged.
• Get your hack on: Despite the fact that I’m only 1/3 of the way through Mario Kart Wii – and feel free to shoot me your friend code if you wanna race – I’ve become enamored with the concept of the Wii Homebrew Channel. Don’t get me wrong, WiiWare is cool and all, but this puppy’s got potential!
• You are what you (b)eat: And while we’re talking about Nintendo and homebrew apps, I’ve just been informed by Gorgull that Protein[DS] v080522 is now available. Judging form Pierre’s new video, the program has been noticeably beefed up. Make some room amongst all those bootlegs on your slot-1 cart for this one.
• mc still lives: Those of you looking to buy mc chris’s new release mc chris is dead from Indie Merch Store are (temporarily) out of luck. The album is presently sold out, although mc promises that a second pressing is underway, and that it should be in stock later this week.
• How we do it on Cyphertron: While your waiting on that to become available, why not check out the latest communiqué from the Autobeat Command Center? In addition to news of a forthcoming album, you’ll also be hipped to new non-Optimus projects from Wheelie, grimROCK, and Stumblebee.
• The nerdy James Bond: For those who haven’t been keeping up – and shame on you if you haven’t – YTCracker has been providing color commentary concerning the YT/Front/Lars/Del commercial video shoot for G4. Some great footage and the obligatory nis references can be found at his blog.
• Bea Arthur!!!: To take us home today, let me leave you with another slice of madness from our pals Uncle Monsterface. The guys from Monsterface Industries, you see, are brining back their weekly YouTube feature Monsterface Mondays in a big way, starting off with a promo video/infomercial for the Unlimited Enthusiasm Expo. See you there!
  

Nerd News in Brief

With the success of the Old Nerdy Bastard compilation, I know many of you are wondering if I simply plan to rest on my laurels for the foreseeable future.

Yeah. Pretty much.

But I reckon I could do an edition of Nerd news in Brief. I mean, that’s pretty low impact.

• Nerd Ink, the Continuing Saga: It’s no longer surprising when Church finds more Nerd Ink. It is, however, a little disconcerting when I am unwittingly included. Wait, is that guy with the fake Wii Play tattoo mocking me?
• free_at_last: I seem to have forgotten to mention that my buddy Matt’s site Headphone Sacrament has recently been transformed into free_geek. Same great taste, nerdy new name. Check it out.
• I totally bought you a card: And thanks to Matt for reminding me that this Sunday, May 25th, is both Towel Day and Spain’s Nerd Pride Day. Sass that hoopy Matt Sweeney. There's a frood who really knows where his towel is.
• Almost Ready to Launch: While I’m thanking people, let me give a serious shout-out to Ant of GM4A for favoring me with a pre-release copy of that site’s next compilation Heavy Troopa is Ready to Launch! Though the official release date is the 25th - which is shaping up to be a really big day - I got a sneak preview of a project that can only be described in two words: epic proportions.
• WRock and roll all night: Also going down this weekend is WRockstock 2008. While it’s kicking off today (and most interested parties are probably already en route), I have to mention the event due simply to its importance in the WRock world. Boasting a musical lineup that includes all your favorites and a supporting a worthy cause, I’m gonna go ahead and say that it’s the best thing to happen to St. Louis since the Arch.
• So Long and Thanks for All the Fish: On the last episode of the GeekDad’s HipTrax podcast I played Drown Radio’s “Weapons Grade Porpoise.” Doc Pop recently posted the story behind that at his blog. And yes, it’s just as odd a tale as you’d hope.
• Unfinished business: Earlier this month I posted about Random’s request for a translation of a German language review of his new release Patches & Glue, and reader Luca did just that. Check it out in the comments of this old NNIB. Thanks, Luca!
• Alas, a grownup!: Congratulations to longtime friend of Hipster, please! Jason of the Geek Studies blog on his recent graduation. Though he’ll be the first to tell you that there’s till plenty of work to do, I’d be remiss if I didn’t at least mention this landmark. We’re proud of you, bro!
• Cool + New: On the new releases front, this week has seen three cool new albums make an appearance. The first is from Radio Free Hipster staple Steve BC, and is entitled, cleverly enough, Forthcoming LP. The second is a nerdcore mixtape from our friends at EMPulse Records. And last but not least is new hotness from Attack Slug in the form of Endsville is Burning. While Steve and Slug's new releases are free, EMPulse Mixtape Vol. 1 costs a slim five bucks for direct download. My suggestion? Pick up all three and rest assured that you’ve significantly increased your nerd music library for well less than 2 bones per album.
• The new nerd homeland: And speaking of the EMPulse/RPG family, it was recently asked why I have yet to mention that collective’s new affiliate, a multi-genre nerd music project known as Crossplatform Music. Honestly? My only defense is senility. But forgetfulness and slackitude aside, be sure to check out this burgeoning new community for all that is musical and geeky. Add you strength to the growing masses!
• Wherein I am press: Also from the warm and wet climes of FLA comes the latest Nerdapalooza press release. Rather than relate the info contained therein, I’ll simply link to the source .doc. For those of you unwilling to barter your souls for a Microsoft product, let me explicitly state that the Orlando event has now been officially linked to the Child’s Play charity. So make your way down south this July 4th weekend, listen to music, get really drunk, and rest assured that you’ve done all three for a worthy cause.
• Mana and She: Taking us home this week is a clip form last year’s Nerdapalooza SE. It’s Betty Rebel’s “Mana and Me,” and I like it a whole bunch.
  

Nerd News in Brief

This weekend was one of those super busy times in which I somehow managed to accomplish absolutely nothing.

Okay, well maybe not absolutely nothing: I tended to some ailing kids, scored some free books on Free Comic Book Day, and started an account over at Twitter, but that’s about it. I think we can agree that none of those represent earth shattering developments.

Will this week be any more fruitful? I kind of hope not.

• What is this Nerdery?: Everyone’s favorite lo-fi geek rocker from across the pond – Does anyone say “across the pond” anymore? – Dan Plus Add has just released his new album Matters of Great Importance. Dan++ was nice enough to hit me with a pre-release copy last week, though, sadly, in a crush of work/family related activities, I neglected to plug it. But he wasn’t even mad, and do you know why? ‘Cause he’s English, and they are a polite and longsuffering people. Still, I’d be remiss if I didn’t rattle your collective cage to check it out, particularly my personal favorite tracks “My Landlord Sucks,” “Monosyllabic Expression of Heedlessness (meh),” “What is the Nerdery,” and “Welcome Back to the Internet.” Freebie versions are available at his site, but would it kill you to give the guy a couple of quid? Does anyone say “quid” anymore?
• Plan accordingly: After some cajoling, I was able to convince mCRT to share with me the preliminary schedule for this year’s Nerdapalooza. Already set in stone are the headliners: MC Frontalot on day 1 and the Unlimited Enthusiasm Expo on day 2. But what about the rest of the line-up? Straight from the horse's mouth: “Tentatively speaking, day 1 includes Random, Zealous, Krondor Krew, Schaffer, Former Fat Boys, and Pixelh8. Day 2 has Killer Robots, Zombies! Organize!!!, Select Start, Wordburglar, myf, ytcracker, and Dual Core. There's more on each day--including another big name per day. We're still sorting out times and so forth because of those two additional big names--we'll announce as soon as we are totally locked in.” Now I just have to donate enough blood to be able to afford gas for the ride down there!
• Microphones, tubes, and dump trucks: Church notes that our beloved Frontalot recently appeared on G4’s Freestyle 101, where he… didn’t freestyle… Still, he did bust a best-of medley, of sorts, over a smooth, jazzy beat, interspersed with his own unique brand of self-deprecation. Check it out and be amazed.
• Rolling on: This weekend I received an update from my friend Beefy concerning his new album Rolling Doubles. Beef admitted that he was currently unsure of the final release date but he did leak a few tracks to me, and I gotta say I’m even more excited for the eventual release than before. He also toyed with some titles for the his follow-ups via Twitter, so check that out.
• Lost in translation: Random just found a review of his new release Patches & Glue on a German web site. The problem is, of course, that Ran would like to read it and that online translators are less than accurate. Any German-speakers care to translate it for him?
• Marking his territory: On the Wrock front, Matt pointed me toward a post at the ‘Pedia about Wizard Rock Wonder Twins The Whomping Willows and The Remus Lupins. Matt (aka: Whompy) and Alex (of the Lupins) are set to co-host an event at the Portus symposium on Sunday, July 13th called Moony and Whompy’s Post-Portus Dance Party from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM. The admittance price is set for $20, and more info can be found at the Wizrocklopedia.
• I wanna be: Antisocial hipped me to this piece at CNN.com about last month's ROFLCon in which the writer describes it as “the biggest gathering of micro-celebrities ever.” Seeing a mention of the con pop up on CNN is both wholly unexpected and, I guess, kind of the point.
• The sound of Sea-town: With Ultraklystron in a state of semi-retirement, I’ve been looking for a third act to complete the holy hip-hop trinity of the Seattle area. This weekend I was introduced to Southside, a group that I think fits the bill well. With a noticeable punk rock ethic that’s tonic to local legends Optimus Rhyme and Goondocks without sounding derivative, I’m highly suggest you check them out. Based upon both their exemplary musical merits and their pervasive sense of lyrical eclecticism, I think you’ll mark them as an act to follow.
• More new hotness: I’d also like to call your attention to another act of which I’ve recently become a huge fan, Trier Music. Nathan Trier is a composer that works in areas as disparate as hip-hop and tabletop RPG soundtracks. He’s also a hell of a nice guy who I’m honored to feature on the upcoming Old Nerdy Bastard compilation. Plus, he used to be in a jam band, which I imagine earns him a pass from Matt on that fact alone.
• That’s fresh: And speaking of talented people featured on the upcoming compilation, the incomparable nYgel has just alerted me to his new project, a musical forum called Nerd Fresh. If you’re looking for a new artistic community in which to network, collaborate, or hang your virtual hat, this one will serve you well.
• Faire to middling: This weekend, thanks to the time-wasting power of Twitter, I was able to broker a little meet-up between my pal Doctor Popular and the GeekDads at Maker Faire. Doc favored the ‘Dads with some yo-yo tricks, a little info about his crafting, and an explanation of the Crate Digger Death-match. And Ken even scored a special Doc Pop yo-yo for free. Lucky stiff!

New HipTrax

Amid family illness and the rush to get our Free Comic Book Day activities ironed out, I seem to have neglected to tell you about the newest edition of the GeekDad's HipTrax podcast. This episode features music from my longtime pal Beefy, my new friends Uncle Monsterface, and filk superstars Ookla the Mok. It also marks a number of firsts for the show; it's our first themed ep., it boasts our first song request, and it's also the first time recording has been interrupted by a phone call form my inlaws. Enjoy.

More crunchy goodness

In all my excitement about the latest Nerdapalooza news, I totally forgot to mention that a new edition of GeekDad’s HipTrax is now available for your listening pleasure.

Episode 3 includes songs from the lovely and talented sisters of RiddleTM, Video Game Music juggernaut The OneUps, and the amazingly indescribable Elfonso. It also contains tips of the (virtual) hat to my pal Anthony and the OverClocked ReMix community. Take a listen and fully realize what a poor orator your old pal Z. really is.

Her code is so clever

“My GF is…,” the debut single from Dual Core’s forthcoming album Lost Reality, has just been leaked on the newest edition of GeekDad’s HipTrax. How do I know? ‘Cause I’ve the fellow what leaked it!

In all seriousness, I’ve got to give mad nerd love to int eighty and c64 for letting me share the track via this geeky new avenue. As I said previously, HipTrax is all about trying to spread the good word of nerdy music to those not necessarily “in the know” about things like nerdcore, Wrock, and VGM.

This brand new Dual Core joint joins tracks from Peeved and The Four Eyes to complete what I truly think is a really fun episode, despite the fact that a lack of sleep made my accent even more nasally and pronounced. The ‘cast is super-short, so take a listen and let me know what you think.

Nerd News in Brief

Now that we’ve had the baby the really difficult part begins in earnest. No, not raising her. I’m talking about picking a nickname. Hey, it’s tougher than it sounds!

At first I had pegged her as Spooky, because she’s got this really unsettling gaze that she unleashes from time to time. Usually right before a slightly tardy feeding or diaper change. The problem, of course, is that “Unsettling” ain’t much of a nickname and “Spooky” isn’t wholly accurate.

Then I settled on Pinky cause, y’know, she is. But that doesn’t fly ‘cause there’s already a Pinky that I blog about often.

Currently I’m going back and forth between Tootie and Twiggy. Both seem like pretty good nick’s, but I’m gonna wait a bit before I commit. Like I said, this shit is serious.

In the meantime, here’s a very brief Nerd News in Brief.

• Spun: Thanks to my old friend Darth Apu for letting me know that MC Frontalot, or rather the documentary about the man, garnered a mention in this month’s SPIN magazine. He says to look for “the tiniest mention” in the NOISE section on pages 33 and 34. It’s only a sentence, but at least it’s something.
• Getting elevated: Speaking of Nerdcore Rising, the lovely Nagin Farsad and the equally lovely Frontalot were recently interviewed for a really great piece over at Quirkee.com. It’s a helluva read that even touches on the eternal and ever-so sticky question of an inherently racist slant in nerdy rap. Thanks to Church for hipping me to this one.
• They really are: For a more personal piece on a recently released nerdy music movie, check out Lizz’s take on We Are Wizards. While the doc’s already garnered some really complimentary press, this will give you the opinions of a seriously informed Wrock aficionado. Check it out.
• Accio tour help!: Wizard Rock sirens Lena and Lauren are coming to your town. Hopefully. The trick is you gotta help them get hooked with a venue. Apparently many of the libraries they’ve contacted thus far haven’t been too quick with the callbacks, so if you’ve got an in at any of the cities in question why not help the ladies out? Oh, and don’t forget to friend the tour mates on MySpace. Make like Matt and Church and give the Wrockers some love!
• Taking a leak: Late last week I became the first person to receive a copy of Dual Core’s forthcoming release Lost Reality. I’m not at liberty to say anything about at present; I mostly just wanted to gloat. Fuck-to-the-yeah! What I can tell you is that the album will be officially released on April 4th (at Notacon 5 in Cleveland), and that you should expect a review from me shortly thereafter. Not to spoil anything, but, uh, it’s good. Real good. And the guest artists will shock and amaze!
• Something blue?: In other album news, Ultraklystron just dropped a collection of some old and new covers called Imitate. The EP features Karl’s amazing cover of Lupe Fiasco’s “Daydreamin’” that appeared on the Hipster, please! compilation Nerdcore Undercover as well as his amazing and hilarious cover of Beefy’s “Nerdcore For Life.”
• The saga continues: Rhyme Torrents mastermind and imbiber of all controlled substances High-C just put out the official call for last Rhyme Torrents disc. High-C explicitly mentioned that he wants to make sure this one top shelf, featuring “high-bitrate, well-mastered, expertly-crafted, funky-yet-nerdy-yet-not-contrived, pieces de' resistance.” The album release will coincide with this year’s Nerdapalooza in Orlando, and thus will no doubt attract some serious attention. Interested parties are directed, as always, to the RT boards.
• 2 Legit: Big up to the one and only Random, whose Mega Ran album has now been officially licensed by Capcom! While Ran admits “knowing you are not gonna get sued has to be the best feeling in the world,” a little heartfelt congratulations form the scene couldn’t help but make things all the sweeter. Head over to Random’s MySpace to give him a virtual pat on the back.
• Wherein being a sellout is a good thing: Previously, Dan announced that Nerdcore For Life would be making its world premiere Saturday, April 5th at the Wisconsin Film Fest. New news from the NC4L camp has just come to light concerning the tickets for this event; after being on sale for less than two weeks, all 199 tickets to the screening have sold out! Head over the doc’s MySpace and give them a hearty “well done” as well!
• Me too: On a more personal note, the first episode of my new Wired project, GeekDad’s HipTrax, has garnered a significant number of downloads and some really great feedback. Thanks to everyone who checked it out and double-thanks to everyone who helped me spread the word. Keep your eye on your aggregators next week when ep. 2 drops. I really think you’ll dig it.
• What’s pink and sucks?: The other Z – you know, the one who hasn’t been shirking her duties over the past week – has a new edition of her enchanting classic game review series Little Miss Gamer. Check out Z’s thoughts on Kirby’s Adventure and be summarily charmed.
  

Before I depart…

Tomorrow is Baby Day.

Okay, I’m not sure if that is a wholly crumulent holiday, but it is when I expect the arrival of the latest edition to the Family Z. But before I begin boiling water and gathering clean towels, let me take care of a few last minute announcements.

First and foremost: Nerdapalooza ’08! Hot off the (virtual and/or totally imaginary) press is info from my pal Hex. According to the press release I have in-hand, last night on the live Nerdapalooza podcast, “it was announced that both LogicOne and MC Frontalot are confirmed for the July show of Nerdapalooza Southeast 2008; that the other tentative large-scale nerdcore show (INFO2k8 ) will be merged with Nerdapalooza; and that tickets [are now on sale and have been set for] $25 for the entire weekend.” Be forewarned that there are only 300 tickets available for purchase and that ticket prices will certainly rise as the event’s date draws nigh. Check out the Nerdapalooza blog for further details.

Next, let us take a moment to mourn the loss of another geek icon. Visionary sci-fi author Arthur C. Clarke passed away yesterday evening. At 90, he had lived a full and exciting life, and, as the writer of such nerdy touchstones as 2001: A Space Odyssey, he no doubt trashed better fiction than most of us will ever even conceive, much less commit to paper. Clark was a futurist who wrote about our tech-heavy era years before even the faintest glimmer of this digital world took shape in the public eye. Moreover, he always endeavored to keep the science in science fiction. Not that's nerdcore.

And lastly, on what I at least hope is a happier note, the latter half of this week should see not one, but two births within my little family. No, Em isn’t having twins. (And damn you for even thinking that!) In addition to a new baby, we will also be welcoming to the world a brand new podcast. With the help – and, indeed, at the urging – of Ken Denmead, my friend and editor from Wired, GeekDad and Hipster, please! have activated their Wonder Twins powers to bring you another geeky music podcast. GeekDad’s HipTrax is a bi-weekly mini-cast that features a small, family friendly selection of songs from the realms of nerdcore, geek rock, chiptunes, VGM, and Wizard Rock, as well as a little dialog about the artists and their respective scenes. I like to think of it as a more accessible alternative to my long-running Radio Free Hipster: the Nintendo Wii to RFH’s Sega Dreamcast, if you will. Episode 1 should premiere later this week with a kick-ass new theme song from Canadian Beat Ninja Snake Eyes. Keep an eye on the Geekdad blog in rapt anticipation.

The Zen of JoCo

A couple of weeks back I had the good fortune to interview nerd troubadour Jonathan Coulton for GeekDad. I’m not sure if it’ll go down in the annals of dork history as a defining moment of music blogging or anything, but Jonathan was great and I think the piece really came together. It was posted this morning, so head on over and take a look. If you feel so inclined, feel free to Digg or Stumble or… um… Reddit… Redd… Redditit… Okay, I have no idea what the proper verb tense of "Reddit" is in this situation.

At any rate, links to relevant social bookmarking sites are at the end of the post. Lemme know what you think.