#TNTML has an official greeting!!!

#TalkNerdyToMeLover's @saintpepsi

It's the latest rage! Sweeping our country by storm. A topsy turvy turn table of trip worthy awesomeness. Or at least it will be as soon as we get it started. Through our history and in many different cultures and TV shows we have seen ways of greeting each other. Some super secret, others over the top blatant. The blowing of the rams horn to cue the return of the king. The Hand shake in the western world and the wildly hard to follow hand shakes of the tree house forts of our youth. The bow in Korea, the lower bow in China, and the lower still bow in Japan. The random signs rebelious youth in urban areas have adopted for their gangs. The half an icthus as secret Christians met in the sand. We have always had our own ways of greeting each other.

So I propose that the nerds of Talk Nerdy to me Lover have their own signal to show our allegiance and support to the cause of nerds everywhere rising up and taking our place in this world. To show our allegiance to the NERDCORE!!! Now don't get me wrong I'm not trying to coin (mario coin sound insert here) the phrase nerdcore. There are far greater nerds that have come from that line. I just feel it should be broadened to anyone not just rap star nerds. People who are at their very core powerfully set in the nerd way. The force can take a step back, for our masters truly have more power to change the world. More than any jedi could have hoped to.

So as the anticipation of this must be killing you all here goes the explanation of our silent gesture.

Take your hands and cross them as if to be buried palms facing in.

Make the devil horns so often used in metal shows with both hands

Use both pointer fingers now touching and side by side to push your glasses up.

When they are at the summit of your nose you have mastered the silent Nerd hand sign.

Easy! I know but here's the best part we gotta take this thing viral and reference it always back to Talk Nerdy to me Lover so the world knows of our allegiance. Take pictures or video's of yourself and tag our website in them. We will make the world hear our silent screams of comradery. Group photo's whatever you want to do let it sweep the net. If we can't change the world at least the world will know we are here. So like the who's in who ville lift up your hands, push the glasses to the hilt and scream “We are here, We are here, We are here!!!!”

If you need further guidance I have included an easy to follow video guide of myself doing the gesture.



Tell @saintpepsi how much you LOOVEEDDD his post on Twitter here

BWAHAHAHHAAHAHAH!! Editor's Note: I love you Jordan. This is brilliant!!! Thanks a heap!!! =)

DUDE!!!!!! A greeting AND a theme SONG!!! NERDD OVVERRRRLLOOAADDDD

#DontBeThatDude: The Creeper

#TalkNerdyToMeLover's @saintpepsi

On the menu for today's tips is the crazy creeper. Something to shy away from and not excel at. Sadly, nerds usually fall into the category of creeper. It's not our fault really. It's hard to know what actions prove to be to much for a girl and end up being a turn off. So I'll illuminate a few. As we all usually mean well and just end up up going way over board.

So she gave you a few moments at the local bar. Your friend Matt introduced you to her and let's just say you felt the conversation was a hit. Little did you notice her eye rolls, wayward glances at friends for a needed save, or the inflections of tones in her voice signifying a hopeful end to your conversation. You were all to enamored with the spell binding goddess in front of you to care about those details. So imagine your surprise when she doesn't add you as a friend on facebook. Especially, after you checked out who she was through all of your friends, read three months of her back history wall posts and sent her several messages all with witty quips and goofy attempts to flirt. She should be madly in love with you now, right? Well here's one of those delightful moment's where you went way over board. It actually happens more often than you realize.

A girl likes to be pursued, sure. However, no girl really wants to be hunted. Photoshopping your head into pictures of her and her X, sending her lavish gifts, becoming guy kryptonite by always running up and making sure no other guy gets a word in edgewise and showing up at her job with flowers. Yeah, these are things that land you the title creeper. Sadly, few movies offer you a decent way to court girls. Twilight for example... would have you believe that acting repulsed by the girl, telling her she smells bad, avoiding her only to be found in her room watching her sleep, and then threatening to kill her are all means of getting the girl. These are all wrong and should never be tried on any girl for fear police might be called.

So we fall back on comic book movies and assume our great power will never allow us to ever get close to any girl really so why bother. Wait a minute what about spider man! Geek boy turned superhero and landed three gorgeous girls. Only one of which was because of his power that being black cat. Once again these came with confidence and the determination that he would not geek out on them. Sure he had confidence because he has super powers you say. That may be true, but whom among you doesn't hold some amount of amazing attributes. The ability to remember all the rules from every incarnation of Dungeons and Dragons, A mastery of the pen in either poem or art. A passion for photography of creepy crawly critters. All these can be turned to ways to properly woo a woman. For instance using your amazing ability to remember; to well remember important dates and times you have had with someone, Poems and art need little explanation, and photography just tweak your profile a bit and add flowers and artistic captures of natural beauty. Could lead to such promising lines as, “that sunset was breathtaking, but it is dwarfed by the first moment I saw you.” Hoping to god she doesn't remember the first moment as her nearly hitting you as she projectile vomited like that girl from the exorcist off a porch after to many jager bombs at a party your friend dragged you too.

Ultimately, if she isn't interested stop trying, they rarely accept advances let alone dates with guys they aren't even interested in. Saying to them you just gotta give me a chance, sounds way to much like begging and damn it you need more pride in yourself. You won't find a romantic comedy for yourself; they are just to awkward and ridiculous to happen in nature. Albeit I'm sure they do once in a blue moon. If she's interested in you, it means you're interesting and you should run with that. Don't get me wrong there is a process to this and it means you have to put yourself out there. Just don't make your advances like a dirty diaper shoved in someones face with the always funny phrase, “ya gotta smell this.” For us you usually want to go with that new book sent. Something that someone flips through and it reminds them of an adventure. That's the type of intriguing you want to be.

Tell Jordan how much you LOOVEEDD his article on twitter here.



Don't give it up on the first #date

#TalkNerdyToMeLover's @SaintPepsi

Something many a girl holds to be a social rule. Same thing applies to you nerds out there. Most times a girl doesn't need your full life story. Ease her into the crazy that is you. Sure you can spout off all kinds of random and to you impressive facts. Like saying, “I have a black market copy of one of the original Star Wars reels.” This gets you ridiculous clout in the nerd community and probably a Lucas films black ops team at your door. However, does she really need to know that now? No she doesn't. Don't give away all your interesting stories on the first date over a scone and a latte in the local coffee shop.

Here's why. So often we freak and try and spill every interesting factoid about our lives. We are under the assumption with our low self esteem that there won't be a second date. So like the social cacti we are; we try and soak up all the time we can with what ever girl gives us the time of day. Slow down and let the conversation progress. Let your tangents come naturally. Maybe she'll mention an interest in Science Fiction and you can break out your bad ass tale of how you acquired said reels. Chances are though she's just looking to get to know you and not your collection of movies or collectible figurines imported from Japan.

See the tales of your hobbies and collections fall under the same category as a jock talking up his daily work out routine, like how he lifts for 3 hrs at the gym. This only tells the girl that he has less time to spend with her. Same goes for you saying you beat both Mass Effect games in 3 days by skipping meals and not sleeping. This only shows her she's second to your gaming time. Being a nerd you had better damn well be a reader. So I have always found that conversations about the books you are both reading keep you each captivated with the others interests. Now if she doesn't read. You use the lemon rule and get up and walk out. This is quite empowering to you and your self esteem.

If she is interested in your pastimes or books, please for the love of cthulhu do not correct her when she mispronounces something in a tale you tell. “Oh! I love Star Trak!” “Spook was so hot in that movie!” Sure you want to scream “STAR TREK and SPOCK!!!” Then phaser yourself in the foot even more by bringing up that Leonard Nimoy was way better than Zachary Quinto. Mindless nerd rants will get you at the wrong end of the lemon rule. Avoid at all costs.

Work. It's never an easy topic to keep a conversation going usually people after they leave work, would like to talk about anything but work. Asking questions about the girls hobbies and pastime activities fits in well here. This also gives you a base to jump from. Much like mega man on those disappearing blocks; to knowing what parts of your daily life can easily meld into this conversation. Don't think to long on it though or like those disappearing blocks you'll be left with the dreaded awkward silence. Something that gives a girl enough time to make up her mind and text her gal pal to call her with a family emergency.

On this first date it is key not to over analyze everything she says. This will only leave you with an always quizzical look on your face which is weird and unattractive. We nerds all seem to do this though. Attempt to find meaning in the most mundane of questions or answers. Let them go by the wayside and concentrate on her. But not in a creepy way with the furrowed brow and glasses down one inch on your nose. Just be yourself and don't lay it on too thick. Calm and collected.

Lastly, never and I mean never mention, “Oh by the way I know this totally hot actress named Jen Friel in Hollywood.” No girl on a date wants to hear about other girls. I know... I know shes too cool not to talk about. BUT YOU MUST REFRAIN! But seriously, not talking about ex-girlfriends or any other girls during a date has got to be one of the biggest rules you can lay down. Using other girls as a means of showing you have a social life will certainly bring down the pale horse to this moment. Show her she is the center of your universe in this moment and the only girl deserving of your attention. This includes talking about strip clubs, porn, how hot some actress is or side long letching of waitresses. She is the center of your universe and you are at warp speed so to turn would derail you and leave you seeing stars with a slap to the face that no warm hole can bring you back from.

Best luck in the dating arena if all goes well you can expect some tank and spanking.

Jordan (saintpepsi) Mizell

Tell Jordan how much you LOOVEEDD his article on twitter here.



Geeky guide to meeting a girl!

#TalkNerdyToMeLover's @saintpepsi

Finding it hard to get the girl you want. Single or not; stop walking on egg shells around girls. They aren't some alien species and even if they are Kirk would take the chance, so why won't you. I find most nerds pick a girl with a prick boyfriend. I mean how can you get denied if she can't say yes or no. So you befriend her and hope the guy will eventually not pan out. This actually never works! Stop waiting for the true love you assume is there and start looking for the one that could be there. Even if they do break up you become the awkward rebound sex. That is not the memory you want any girl to have of you. If you get that far in the first place. Next horrible mistake. Picking girls that are so emotionally broken that they come to depend on you always being there as their BFF and catering to every whim or emotional catastrophe. I feel this one needs less explaining; why it's a bad choice. So I say go to a bar or social venue. I realize bars can be scary and full of stuff that will spill on your laptop. These are the social meeting grounds. You should pick a bar where the group of people are the sort you can find similarities with. Not all bars or clubs cater to only the young, bold, and blonde. I frequent a bar filled with aging hipsters and the socially unexceptional at most of your dance clubs. Girls that wear clothes and not underwear trying to claim to be clothes. Where we listen to ridiculously weird music and enjoy the fellowship of a good conversation over the bump and grind of booty to crouch ratio. Plus, the lights are dim which give those of use with an ugly mug a chance at getting a girl interested in us and not our features. Fugz give me a Hell YEAH! Places like this where social norms aren't doing tequila shots out of some over tanned belly button. Find your venue! Next find a girl that isn't with another guy or crying in a corner. Good signs that they might be available. Starting conversations is where too many of us fail horribly. With awful pick up lines or corny starter lines acquired from romantic comedies. Sadly, most of use nerds take our cue from movie lines. Let me tell ya fellow nerds, Girls watch movies too. They know what lines we use and where they come from. Unless you use some obscure syfy line from like Farscape or BSG. Once you manage to start said conversation the rest is all you. Don't try to be macho and don't interrupt the girl. Listen and see what random tangents you can make from her conversation and wait to use them after a pause in conversation. Now as nerds we seldom have the macho bravado to sell the assumption we are some one we are not. So trying to act like anyone but yourself is right out the window. Be yourself, if she's not into that say thanks for the time and move on. Don't get hung up or discouraged. Look at the Mormon's sure they get 50 doors slammed in their face everyday, but if one says yes then they have an in. Play the ratio math nerds. Why do you think those hunky douchbags always seem to get the girl. It's not because of their striking abs. Those help. Or their winning personality. It's usually because they asked like 15 other girls that night. They played the odds so can you. You just need to muster up that confidence. Lastly, Have confidence! That's the greatest attractor to the fairer sex. They don't want the shy guy who stumbles over their words. They want the guy who knows what they want and you know what you want. So aim for it like Link on Wii's Twilight princess pull back your reservations and shoot for the goal.

Jordan (saintpepsi) Mizell



Tell Jordan how much you LOOVEEDDD his article on twitter here!

Editor's note ... the timing of this post is PRICELESS considering this was my last post ... bwahahah!

and for the record ... "nerds are a product of a genetic predisposition, geeks are raised." - TNTML

Comic Nerd Under The Microscope: Jordan Mizell

#TalkNerdyToMeLover's Ponder This

If you were to look at Jordan Daniel Mizell and see his large 6'6" tall stature, long hair and billy-goat beard sprouting from his chin, you'd probably think he's a tough roadie for a some touring Heavy Metal band. You'd be wrong. Actually, this giant loveable teddy-bear-of-a-guy is a talented "comission-for-hire" comic artist and poet. Known as "saintpepsi" all over the Internet (YouTube, MySpace, Twitter, DeviantArt), Jordan has garnered a reputation as a person who can make magic happen with his imagination and some drawing tools. He recently did the logo for "Talk Nerdy To Me Lover", using the site's own creator, Jen Friel, as the model. 

"Talk Nerdy To Me Lover"  interviewed him to find out more about him.

Q: Where were you raised?
A: A super small town in North Western Kansas called, "Norton".

Q: How did you get interested in creating comics?
A: Way back in the day, I read alot of "Garfield" comics and that kinda brought me into the art scene (when I used to re-draw them much worse). I got into "Disney" in junior and high school. When I got into college, I adapted more into an anime look (that went on for awhile). I had a comic published in the local paper and it wasn't until then that I decided I needed to polish my art form. After I broke up with my first serious girlfriend, I got "DeviantArt" and and an art forum called "Sketch Tavern". Sadly, the latter is no longer up and running, but it was in "Sketch Tavern" that I realized all anime art was changing the hair and the clothes. So, from there, I tried to make my own art my own (still working on that in fact).  Right now, I'm really trying to get away from similar facial features.

Q: What's the name of your favorite comic that you've worked on in the past?
A: I was most excited about getting to do the colors for the comic book, "Yenny", which was my very first nationally published work. I have it hanging over my door to remind me of the first step into the industry.

Q: What is the current or recent comic that you've worked on?
A: Lately, I've been working on two.... "Fugly Charlie" and "If (Then)". Both are written by others and I just draw them up. One is about a person so ugly, he's just rejected by all. And the other is a hipster comic where rants are usually appropriate (it has lots of inside jokes, too).

Q: Are you just the artist? Do you do any of the writing?
A: Sometimes I re-write the script (by editing the dialogue "in the bubble" to make it fit), but I mostly do the art.

Q: What Science Fiction & Fantasy films/television shows influenced you to want to become a comic creator? What are your favorites?

A: Wow! I watched tons of great shows.... "Buffy, The  Vampire Slayer", "Angel", "Firefly", "Babylon 5", "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine", "Supernatural".... the list could go on forever. I really like the long-running shows. I'd say my favorite would either be "Firefly" or "Dead Like  Me".

Q: What about influences from the comic book  industry?
A: "Garfield" definitely, and probably alot of different of DC Comics thrown in. A little "Spawn". Then I got into manga  (my all time favorite of those will be "GTO: Great Teacher  Onizuko"... check it out, the art is amazing!). "Blade The  Immortal" (one of the most amazing pencil comics ever made). As far as writing goes, I'd have to say, "Sandman".

Q: What about favorite writers/artists?
A: Never really focused on names. Currently Neil Gaiman as a writer.

Q: What do you think the future is for the comic industry?  How do you see it evolving?
A: I see the single books dying and the trade paperbacks rising to the lead.  A huge push to do things on-line for most of the issues and then release a book later. You don't have to pay to have all the minor issues printed and people get to see them for a smaller price and you know your audience better.

Q: If you could get hired by one of the major comic book companies, which one would it be?
A: Definitely DC Comics, especially with their "Vertigo" label where they released some of their greatest books ever illustrated... some of the most powerful stories, too. I site "Sandman" and "Watchmen"... or even the "Preacher" series.

Q: Which comics-adapted films really impressed you and which ones really disappointed the hell out of you?
A: As far as being impressed, I would have to go with "Sin City", the new "Batman" movies ("Batman Begins" & "The Dark Knight"), and "The Watchmen". I usually like the DC movies (the animated movies DC is making is amazing!). The first "Superman" movie (with Christopher Reeves) was okay, but the new one, "Superman Returns" (with Brandon Routh) sucked. Sadly, most of the Marvel ones are just too corny.  "Daredevil" cracked me up... awful. "Wolverine Origins" was a huge turd and should have been flushed before it was released. I loved "Punisher: War Zone" (lot of fan play to Garth Ennis' crowd). Best comic book movie, however, has to be "The Incredibles".

Q: How often do you go to comic conventions? If you do, do you dress up? Do you go as a "fan" or as a "vendor"?
A: Only been to a few conventions, and only once as a person selling art. Usually, I find it weird because you have instant fans for the day. Like these kids will hang our at your table, super-fascinated by whatever you're drawing. I usually try and interact with anyone and have draw-offs where I would try and draw someone's character before them and what not. Last time I dressed up for one... "Carrot" from "Sorcerer Hunters" in Oklahoma. I do tend to dress up all the time for themed parties.

Q: Why do you think people love comics?
A: With comics, it's the same fascination people had with heroes of old or even gods, to believe there is someone (or something) out there powerful enough to issue forth change. With webcomics, it's usually to relate to similar circumstances with an added fantastic element.

Q: If you could have any super-power, which one would you want? And why?
A: Health regeneration (like "Wolverine"). Sure, you can't fly or shoot lasers out of your eyes, but it basically makes you immortal. On top of that, you never get sick and you never have to worry about aging. Really, it's quite brilliant... so long as it starts around when you turn 25-ish, because if it starts when you're a kid, you'll never progress.  If you live long enough, all the other powers might be available via body modification.
 

Q: What does your family consist of and do they support your career choice to become a comic creator?
A: I have four brothers. Aaron is the married one (a writer and very good). Stephen (younger than Aaron) is an artist and a musician. Jacob and David are twins and are both very good artists (usually, they work in craft media and will be famous someday.... I guarantee it).  My father is a farmer, ranchhand and artist. Lastly, my mother works as a nurse... is also a piano player (as well as a great whistler). My family has always been insanely supportive. They are why I'm thriving in life right now.

Q: What are people's reactions when they first see how tall you are?
A: Usually, people just look up at me and go, "WOW!  You're tall!". And sometimes they hug me.

Q: Do you have a regular 9 to 5 job (besides doing art for comsissions)?  If so, what is it?
A: Yeah, I work like 40 hours a week as a supervisor at Carlos O' Kelly's (a Mexican cafe).

Q: What kind of music do you listen to? Favorite music group/singer?
A: I listen to a wide variety of music. Lately, my favorite singer has been Amanda Palmer. But my fallback is always Flogging Molly.

Q: "Nerdy" is the new "sexy". What qualities do you have that qualifies you as a "nerd"?
A: Oh, many I'm sure. Totally a nerd about TV and computer stuff. I'm not a super fact guy... I mean... I can't spout off the dietary supplements of Gene Roddenberry. I know my stuff on Sci-Fi and Fantasy, a decent amount on comics and animation.

Q: What's your definition of the word, "nerdy"?
A: Nerdy? Someone consumed with the fringe of the technological or entertainment world. To the point that they are offended when others don't know what they are talking about.

Q: Are you available for art comissions? If so, how much do you charge?
A: Yes -- $25 for sketches, $50 for colored single person picture, and $25 for extra characters.

Q: Are there any websites/links you want to shamelessly plug?
A: http://saintpepsi.deviantart.com
    http://saintpepsi.blogspot.com
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhTQr9CVOTk
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-dqb8l10gU&feature=related
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r26VtWxGRLw&feature=related

Follow Jordan Mizell on Twitter: @saintpepsi