#EpicWin: Talk Nerdy To Me, Lover Unveils the Top 10 Nerdy Moments Of 2011

#TalkNerdyToMeLover's @JennHoffman

Ahhhhhh… the end of a year. 2011 was filled with so many epics wins. (And some epic fails we will just pretend didn’t happen. Move it along…nothing to see here…)

With video games such as Modern Warfare 3 receiving budgets bigger than most Hollywood movies and reading tools and gadgets such as the Amazon Kindle and iPad making being well-read and tech savvy “cool” again, the revenge of the nerds is taking place, one epic moment at a time. Since 2009, TNTML has provided social commentary of technology, pop culture, dating and everything else relevant to nerd culture. This year the staff at TNTML chose their tops picks of epic nerdy wins.

We loved all these moments, so in no particular order TNTML presents:

TOP 10 EPIC NERDY WINS OF 2011

Z) Boyfriend Proposes by Hacking Zelda

When two nerds find love it’s a beautiful – and ridiculously geeky thing. After meeting in college, Bay Area gamer Amber Mani (AKA Amani2) got the surprise of her life when her boyfriend of six years proposed to her via video game. The dorky duo were playing the original Legend of Zelda together on an emulator, when suddenly something very strange came up on the screen. During the part when you enter the cave there is typically an icon of an old man who says “It’s dangerous to go alone. Take this.” Instead, her wily boyfriend hacked the game and replaced the usual generic words with a marriage proposal of epic proportions. When she looked up to react he was kneeling and holding an 8-bit heart container made out of Legos with a ring inside. The answer, of course, was yes. Will there be a Zelda themed wedding? Geeky Gamers everywhere are holding their breath to see the outcome of this union.

Y) Video Game is Released: People Go Missing. The Release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3

We were hesitant to put a “product” on the list, but trust me – the second one of our friends got their dirty little mitts on this game they would go missing for days. It’s like: Want to see your gamer boyfriend/girlfriend disappear for a month? Give them a copy of Modern Warfare 3. MW3 sent Call of Duty fans into a frenzy when this updated version of the multi-player video game was released in November 2011. At an estimated $200 million, the launch budget was bigger than many A-list Hollywood blockbusters. According to sales figures the investment was well worth it. Activision reports sales for the game grossed over $400 million in the first 24 hours, and eventually reached in the billions, making it the biggest entertainment launch of all time.  When mainstream Hollywood budgets start getting funneled into geeky stuff like gaming – it’s gotta make the list.

(And this was SOOO tough to choose between COD and Skyrim! But feel free to talk about who had the "bigger" year in the comments)

X) Nerdy White Kid Kills “Look at Me Now”

When the Kansas City comedian and rapper David McCleary Sheldon AKA “Mac Lethal” posted a You Tube video rapping to Chris Brown’s “Look at Me Now” while cooking pancakes in his kitchen, he had no idea he would become an overnight internet sensation. Now with over 14 million views, interviews on CNN and several offers for record contracts, Mac Lethal helped build street cred’ for goofy white guys everywhere. 

(http://youtu.be/Teaft0Kg-Ok)

Which leads us to…

W) Texts from Bennett: That Same Nerdy White Rapper Guy Fools Everyone with Tumblr (Or Does He?)

In addition to being a successful “Nerdcore” rapper, Sheldon is also responsible for a ridiculously funny Tumblr called "Texts From Bennett" where he purports to chronicle text message conversations between himself and his younger wannabe gangster cousin Bennett. While most people say this was just a big prank and Bennett is not even a real person, David Sheldon maintains that the conversations are totally real. Hmmmm…. TNTML calls BS on the authenticity of the messages, but either way, calling Vincent Van Gogh the actor from Old School? Brilliant!

http://textsfrombennett.tumblr.com

V) Occupy Wall Street Gets a Library

When the #OWS protest was first dismissed as a “rag tag” group of misfits who were just whining about the economy, nobody knew the movement would become a focal point of news stories, political campaigns and overall pop culture this year. So when members of the New City Outpost decided their camp should have an official library, the overall intellectual value of the protesters an educational boost. Or at least it looked like it did. The story of the #OWS library (which has since been dismantled) can be seen on Stephen Boyer’s blog “The People’s Library.” Maybe they should have just all shared one giant iPad or Nook. It is a collective movement, right?

https://peopleslibrary.wordpress.com/

U) Oh Wow: Steve Jobs Dies, Becomes Patron Saint of Inspiration

Steve Jobs knew he made significant contributions to the tech world, but when he passed away on October 5, 2011, even he probably couldn’t imagine how much of the mainstream world would grieve so deeply over his death. From thousands of news stories, blog posts and tweets, to thoughtful tributes and an epically poignant and insightful eulogy from his sister… People. Went. Nuts. NUTS. The outpouring of sympathy showed that he not only changed computers, but he overhauled the way we view these special people who are passionate, brilliant and dedicated enough to bringing us new ideas that change our lives forever.

T) Odd Future Gets Weird: The Year Punk Rock and Hip Hop Met Nerdcore

Odd Future frontman Tyler the Creator has been known to blur the lines of hip hop, punk rock and outright geekery.  Wearing oversized glasses, striped knee socks and t-shirts displaying images of evil lasercats, you might say his style is more about channeling Steve Urkel than Johnny Rotten. Nevertheless Tyler, who is straight edge (no drugs, no alcohol), grabbed headlines by winning an MTV VMA, gracing the cover of Spin Magazine and most recently for being arrested at the Roxy for stomping the shit out of the sound board when his music was unexpectedly cut off during his set. In the fall it was announced they have a sketch comedy show in production called Loiter Squad airing on the geek cult favorite  Adult Swim on Comedy Central. Promoted almost exclusively through word of mouth and via the Odd Future Tumblr, this genius type of performance art is what you get when you cross early adapters with a punk rock attitude. TNTML salutes you for letting your freak flag fly. Golf Wang!

S) Social Media Goes Hollywood

Ain't it true!

A movie about social media wins and Oscar? So. Much. Yes. Who would think a movie about Facebook would become one of the most award winning films of 2011? Not only did The Social Network win the Best Motion Picture Golden Globe in January, The Social Network also received eight Academy Awards nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Cinematography, Best Director, Best Film Editing, Best Original Score, Best Sound and Best Adapted Screenplay and topped nearly every major film critic’s list as the number one film of the year. Now if we can only get Zuckerberg to get rid of that creepy “poke” feature Facebook will have an even bigger win for 2012.

R) Comic Book Culture Evolves with Miles Morales and Womanthology

What’s up with all the white dudes dominating the super-hero market? Hopefully that won’t be the case for too long. Two major graphic novel breakthroughs happened in 2011 and the girls of TNTML couldn’t be happier.

First, this August, Marvel introduced Miles Morales, a half-Black, half-Hispanic American teenager who debuted in the pages of "Ultimate Fallout" No. 4. Nerds of all creeds and colors got to geek out twice as hard when it was rumored that Community’s Donald Glover may be playing the Morales character on the silver screen.

Second, a totally rad chick proved there is interest and support for female roles in comics. Womanthology, a collection of comics by women curated by artist Renae De Liz, raised over $100K on Kickstarter in only 30 days. What’s even crazier is that she only asked for $25,000 for the project, showing that the support was even larger than she thought it would be. Even more bad ass? Celebrity cult film and comic favorites Kevin Smith and Neil Gaiman donated to the project, giving girls in graphic novels even more star power behind their cause. Kick ass!

Q) Watson Beats Human Contestants on Jeopardy

Are our laptops, cell phones and ipods secretly conspiring to rise up, band together and kill us in our sleep? When computers become smarter than humans it can be scary. Or totally awesome. AI proved to be a real threat when IBM’s artificially intelligent supercomputer, beat both of the human challengers winning more than three times the amount of money as the people. Ken Jennings and Brad Rutter, two of the most successful contestants on the show were left in the dust by Watson. Peeps better start warding off the hostile robot take-over by studying up on their Potent Potables ASAP.

So….

We hope you enjoyed our fun little list of memorable nerd moments for 2011. There were so many things to geek out on that we couldn’t include everything. Portal, Dr. Who, Batman, The ThunderCats revival, Siri, you winning the Florida state chess championship, your 94 yr-old grandmother singing “I Will Survive” on YouTube… blah blah blah… we know. That’s why we want YOU (yes YOU!) to leave your favorite nerd moments of 2011 in the comment section. So have at it! And enjoy the rest of your year.

<3 @TNTML

#nerdsunite

click here to follow Jenn on twitter!

#NerdPr0nz: Behind the Scenes with @MeowMistiDawn

<editorsnote> Misti Dawn is the nerdiest girl working in porn. In this column she invites you inside of her world outside of the sets, and inside her heart. awwwwwwwwww </editorsnote>

#TalkNerdyToMeLover's @MeowMistiDawn

Yello Ladies and Gents,

So here we are right before the holidays and I’m about to hop a plane home for two weeks, really the longest I’ve been home since I’ve moved. I’m really excited to drink 50 cent PBRs with people who really drink PBR for years not this hipster crap here. psh.

This week has been another amazing week. Hollywood, I love you. Valley, I’m sorry it’s you, not me. I went to see Edgar Wright’s, "The Wright Stuff" this week at the New Beverly with Michael and Chris. Basically it’s a series of movies that are considered great but Edgar hasn’t seen. I started talking with Edgar a bit over facebook and aim the last couple of years oddly enough but never thought I’d meet him. Well, that changed. He sent me a message on facebook about the series (that’s how I even found out of about) and invited me and gave me a ticket +1. So that was interesting. Michael went with me and I hung out and talked to Edgar a bit after the show. Awesome, really nice guy. Kind of exactly what I expected so that was comforting to have someone be as interesting and nice as you projected on them.

Friday Tim Armstrong and I went back and saw Buckaroo Bonsi that Friday at Edgar's show as well. I can’t lie, they were all pretty terrible movies. Maybe timing is just off.

Saturday night Jen, Julie, Michael, Chris, Ben, Shep and I went to Bar Sinster. Oh and MC Lars came out, too. Finally introduced him and Jen >:) I think they hit it off a bit eh eh :) But the night was awesome. Jen and Julie got tied up for the first time and really had a great experience with it. We all danced and talked all night. Oh friendship, I’m really feeling for the first time since I got out here that I have a group of friends to do things with it. It’s starting to feel like home.

Nerdily Yours,
Misti Dawn

MistiDawn@MeowMistiDawn.com

MeowMistiDawn.com
TheNaughtyNerd.com
MistiAndMichaelLoveSex.com

Twitter.com/MeowMistiDawn
Facebook.com/MistiMeowDawn

#nerdsunite

#HowTo: Trigger attraction in women

<editorsnote> Nerds, meet my buddy Jordan; he's a former Wall Street attorney, and is now the owner and co-founder of The Art of Charm, a dating and relationships coaching company, as well as the co-host of 'Go Legendary', a men's lifestyle & social dynamics talk show. How friggen rad is that shiznat? Whoop whoop! </editorsnote>

#TalkNerdyToMeLover's Jordan Harbinger

Seduction is bringing out the natural character of women. It’s not in your relationship to her social mask which you believe is sexuality. That’s what the game wants to continue propagating the economic cycle of fashion, sex, porn, and beauty industries.

Triggering attraction (instead of purporting the economic fantasy) is done by having a polar relationship to her female alpha energy (not just her independent personality or social status). It’s up to you as a man to know this and DO connect with her energy and nature in your communication instead of just her social value or personal development. It comes down to the levels on which you’re communicating with women. If you’re trying to ‘get somewhere’ with her independent or social alpha behavior, you’re communicating with women on the 6% of causal socio-cultural development which is non-sexual and leaves you both high and dry. It’s in having that relationship with all female alpha nature which will allow you to trigger attraction, flirting, and responses that you just couldn’t before.

THAT RELATIONSHIP DOES NOT EXIST IN OUR MAINSTREAM SOCIETY which is why it’s such a challenge. Amongst other things, I teach guys how to build that relationship which will give you the ability to attract women like nothing else.

As a man, you are the one to bring out that suppressed alpha nature within women. Their sexuality has been suppressed for years and instead of developing, it’s been corrupted and jaded by social pressure and relational influence on their behavior. You have to be stronger than the game itself in order to consistently succeed in relation to women. You have to be stronger than THEIR social programming and instantly communicate nonverbal relational equality and natural value.

You are the man to bring it out; that is where your power lies in seduction. If you’re gaining too much interpersonal rapport with an independent women, there’s not going to be much attraction and you’ll be stuck in the friend zone very fast. A mouse could fart in the wind and women today will lose interest within 1 minute but don’t let that depress you. The behavior of women is more at fault than you could ever fathom right now.

I have been around the world, been the EXACT same man and same behavior and the range fan of female behavior is the most volatile and variable thing. I take care of myself but I’ve stopped taking the blame for unnatural behavior or suppression of others. I can help you free your mind by changing the types of behavioral relationship you have. You have to be the rock and have conditioned relationships of power if you want to consistently succeed with women. Things are difficult today BECAUSE the behavior of women changed. Not just because you changed; more so because the behavior of women changed. Taking the weight of the corrupted First World on your shoulder is psychologically damaging.

Everything is causality.

Female behaviorism is THE invisible missing link yet is the most important because nothing gets anywhere without a woman’s inherent approval. Women will get what they want; they just have to want it. And today they are more confused than ever in our popular culture but they know inherently how to respond when they are touched on that natural level (actually Prada’s often don’t do anything when they do feel a connection which is why you have to often just keep doing the right things to push it forward).

It’s not your inner game; it’s your physiological relationship with female nature. Their behavior is more important than your inner game in making relationships happen. Things have become so jaded in certain environments that in many cases strippers actually come closest to the mating process with showing interest but it’s all about money. America has lost touch but as a man you can bring out their nature within women instead of the game and that is seduction.

So the key to seduction lies in nature and energy, not within the interpersonal or social dynamics of logical/verbal communication. I can ‘show you’ on my one on one coaching trips or lead you to the resources (just not here). Learn to grow in your relationship to alpha nature and all of your questions will be answered about women. To do so, you have to go beyond the behavior of First World women because unless you are somehow ALREADY a natural, though our women are great models of personal development and social adaptation, our adult generally women are PISS POOR models of natural behavior.

The main secret is understanding that female sexuality is nothing like a prick-teasing porn star. What we are missing in all of the 1st World Western culture are natural alpha models of female behavior. They’re just not financially viable for the architects to sexploit but it’s up to you to HAVE a behavioral relationship with female alpha nature and then you will consistently trigger attraction and flirting within the women you connect with. It is THE missing answer that men are struggling for.

Triggering that physiological response a woman has in response opens the path of attraction and starts the mating process. It’s when you can condition yourself into that upfront behavior of women (rare in the 1st World) that you’ll then be able to bring it out of literally all women whether it’s behaviorally evident or not and without having to spend years ‘in the trenches’. That means dating more natural women from outside your country and doing natural grounding relational meditation as I teach. It comes down to what kind of relationships do you have; relational mastery and controlling what influences your emotional state. It’s about accepting your power.

What are you getting emotional about?  A female pornstar so you buy more and perpetuate the economic cycle believing skin is sexuality? Anyways, the answer to triggering attraction is clearly represented the strongest in nature and your energy; your natural relationship with her at alpha levels.

It’s not your pick-up lines, methodology or personality; it’s your relationship with all female energy at alpha levels that will bring that physiological response of flirting out of women. Study and harness nature and energy.

#nerdsunite

If you dig this and want to learn more from Jordan and The Art of Charm Team, then visit http://www.theartofcharm.com

#NerdsUnite: The Ramblings of a Raconteuse (Why I freaking love the #NoH8 campaign))

<editorsnote> Nerds, meet my buddy Helenna. We met on twitter not too long ago, and she's totes mcgotes one rad chiquita banana with a flare for all things flair! That's right, Helenna here is what we call an artsy fartsy nerd. She's a poet, into all things dramatic arts, and she's going to come on board to write each week about her love of said drama. Well not like actual drama drama, like some cat fight shit - but you get the idea.

I only have one thing left to say ... HIT IT HELENNA!!! </editorsnote>

#TalkNerdyToMeLover's @Helslevy

As you all know from my first post, I am a “fan girl.”  What I haven’t told you yet, is there is nothing I love more than “artivists.”  

An “artivist” is someone who combines activism and art, and the boys of NOH8 do the best job of anyone I’ve ever seen.  Ever.  Period.  Seriously.  I first learned about the NOH8 Campaign back in 2009 and knew it was something that I wanted to support 100%. 

I realize that this is a very politically charged blog post, but I’m sharing this because I see the NOH8 Campaign as a true testament to the power of art to evoke society’s emotions and propel change in a major way.   No matter what one’s politics, I don’t think there is any denying that these images are powerful. 

As their website states, the NOH8 Campaign is “a photographic silent protest created by celebrity photographer Adam Bouska and partner Jeff Parshley in direct response to the passage of Proposition 8. Photos feature subjects with duct tape over their mouths, symbolizing their voices being silenced by Prop 8 and similar legislation around the world, with “NOH8” painted on one cheek in protest.

Three years since its inception, the NOH8 Campaign has grown to over 18,000 faces and continues to grow at an exponential rate. The campaign began with portraits of everyday Californians from all walks of life and soon rose to include politicians, military personnel, newlyweds, law enforcement, artists, celebrities, and many more.”

Jeff Parshly and Adam Bouska 

The photos themselves are stunning.  Adam is an extremely talented photographer.  They would be incredible even if there was no particular cause to rally behind, or statement they are trying to make.  But the fact that the right for gays and lesbians to marry, is at its core a human rights issue, makes these photos even more powerful.  

I am so incredibly proud to be one of those 18,000 faces and did this vlog about my experience when I did the shoot for the first time.

And I loved the experience so much, I did another open shoot session with a group of fabulous ladies since then.

from left to right: with Miranda Allgood, Tanya Perez, Cristina Cimellaro, Bonnie Gillespie, Holly Elissa Lamaro, Kristen Nedopak, and Molly Holmer

What Adam and Jeff have created is amazing.  They have kept an incredible fire burning for a cause that is extremely important and they have a team working with them including the amazing studio manager Christopher Hayden, who deserve serious props for doing an EXCEPTIONAL job.

Recently I attended the 3 year anniversary party for the campaign at the House of Blues on Sunset in LA and it was INCREDIBLE.  The venue was transformed into a gallery to display many of the campaign photos, people could sign the NOH8 board on the wall and get temporary NOH8 tattoos on their cheeks, the DJ Brynn Taylor was phenomenal, Adam took photos live of celebrities onstage, they had brochures, there was an open bar for part of the night, a red carpet… It was GENIUS.  Everything was incredibly well thought out and pitch perfect.  BRAV-freaking-O!!!

from left to right: with True Blood’s Kevin Alejandro, Leah Cevoli, Kristen Nedopak, Barry Levy and Adam Bouska 

All in all, I love this campaign.  

I love everything it stands for.  And while I’m sad that there has to be a 3 year anniversary for a silent protest against something that I believe is a basic human right,  I am glad that this campaign is stronger than ever.  Hopefully 20 years from now we’ll all be looking back at Prop 8 and saying “what’s the hell??? Why couldn’t everyone marry the person they love?”

But for now I am  happy to be able to be a voice in the crowd saying “fuck Prop 8.  I choose NOH8. “

xoxo

hels aka) Helenna Santos Levy

#nerdsunite

#NerdsUnite: Top 5 dating do's and don'ts that drive guys away

<editorsnote> Nerds, meet my buddy Barry. He's a dating coach here in LA, and starting in January he is going to help me out with dating and totes offer up some advice for the community! How friggen RAD is that!!! Here is his latest and greatest. HIT IT BARRY!!! </editorsnote>

#TalkNerdyToMeLover's Barry Price

Here are my top five dating do's and don'ts that can drive guys away:

1) Acting Too Independent

Most female techies, trekkies and nerdettes are also strong and independent. It's good that modern women can be self-sufficient, when a guy is  starting a relationship with you, refusing to receive his offers of help, gifts, or support sends the message there's no space for him in your life. "You're Not Needed Here" vibes make him feel as unnecessary and unfulfilled as Jabba the Hutt's personal trainer. Some men move on as soon as this happens, others simply offer less-and-less of themselves until they become needy and dependent on the strong woman (you!) both emotionally and financially. Many potential princes turn into frogs this way. 

2) Making A Good Impression

We should all try to put our best foot forward with the opposite sex, no one disagrees with that. Being well groomed is a must. But too many girls put on an 'act' when first meeting or dating a new guy. Maybe you hide your true quirkiness, geekdom, or idiosyncrasies, afraid the person will be turned off. (Some ladies outright lie about their job, finances or relationship status to supposedly make a good impression.) This sets up a ticking time bomb, delaying the inevitable parting of ways. It's true that your first date may be too soon to tell a new guy about your multiple CosPlay stalkers. On the other hand, if you normally belt out "She Blinded Me With Science" at the top of your lungs as you drive (who doesn't?), but stay quiet this time because he's with you, then you're missing the whole point of dating: getting to know each other! Hiding who you are is antithetical to dating. So, the next time you meet someone new, wear that Cookie-Monster backpack you bought today and laugh at all your favorite "New Girl" jokes. As my (single) Mom once said, "If he doesn't like me, I'd rather find out right now and move on!"

3) Having Too Long, and Too Specific A Checklist

It's good to know what you want in a man. Some things are deal-breakers (91% of his wardrobe is Ed Hardy, 9%  Von Dutch). But too many perfectly sane, dateable nerd girls have such rigid, detailed checklist items for a potential mate that they filter out everyone. Here's a good exercise to make sure your checklist is working for you, not against you. Write your list of traits of your ideal man. include his looks, personality, job, religion (Sith Lord?)  types of clothes, fave Manga character, hang-outs, hobbies, etc. Now make a list describing the type of girl he is probably dating. Describe her in detail. Compare her traits, activities, attitudes, etc. to yourself. If you match her description, you are well on your way to getting Mr. Right. If not, it may be time to think about how to improve your own list, rather than focusing on his. TOUGH LOVE! KaPow!

4) Sleeping With Him Too Soon

When a guy has sex with a girl the night he meets her, or on the first date, yeah it's fun, but it short-circuits the courtship process. That process, a prolonged earning of the female's affection, has evolved over history as a way to weed out horny dweebs who were not 'in it for the long haul'. What's too soon? That depends on the guy, but if you allow a man to jump this process, you lose a valuable filter for testing his level of interest and commitment. That's not to say the occasional night of impulsive passion isn't okay, so pour some Patron and party down. But you better know that body-shots aren't typically the  foundation for a long, stable relationship. 

 

5) Waiting Too Long To Sleep With Him

You may hold back on becoming intimate with a new lovable hunk for a variety of reasons. No matter what the reason, if you wait too long and he doesn't understand why then he could misinterpret it as lack of interest, or lack of sex drive on your part.  If you're just getting out of (or over) a long-term relationship and it's a big emotional step for you to be with someone new, then tactfully share that with your new dude. If you're stalling because you're scared he'll lose interest once he's slept with you, then your instinct may be right and he may be more interested in the chase and the conquest than a long-term relationship . It's up to you to decide who's serious enough to deserve one-on-one time with kitty. Either way, keeping a man waiting and wondering will have him jumping to conclusions based on his own fears, and ultimately doom your dating.

#nerdsunite

Want more from Barry? Call or email him for your free one-on-one Dating Quiz and Assessment today. BarryPaulPrice@gmail.com & 323.301.6038