When I think of “a good television channel,” my brain leaps over all of the fantastic shows put out by movie channels in the past ten years, past my addiction to the Daily Show, past Syfy, the good idea that was never fully realized, and goes back to my childhood.  Back to when channels like Nickelodeon and MTV produced interesting, sometimes experimental content that didn’t pander to their audiences.  When producers had a lock on their demographic and sought variety within that demographic, instead of trying to appeal to as broad or generic a base as they can.

This, I think, is the strength of Geek and Sundry.  It’s made by geeks, for geeks.  There’s diversity within that niche, just as you’d find diversity at, say, a convention, but it doesn’t try to be something it isn’t.  And for some people – self included – it just fits and instantly feels comfortable.  Comfortable in a way I haven’t really experienced since I was young and couldn’t wait for the Saturday night SNICK lineup.

So, what can you expect to see on Geek and Sundry?  Not all shows have premiered, and I’m sure more will be added in the future, but right now you can see:

The Guild

Yes, you can find The Guild lots of places now, but it would be ridiculous if this show weren’t included in the lineup (you can really probably consider it the “first” G&S show).  In addition to seasons past and present, there’s currently a music video up for a new single by The Guild crew.  ”I’m the One That’s Cool” is clever and catchy, and it’s not a stretch to call it a geek anthem.  I expect it’ll get quite a lot of play in high schools everywhere, not to mention conventions, high school reunion parties, road trips… you get the idea.

The Flog

It’s Felicia Day’s personal vlog, a format that feels quite familiar to viewers of The Guild.   She answers viewer questions (in a weirdly literal sense), discusses her favorite things of the week, and takes us viewers on geek-related field trips.  It’s like catching up with one of your friends.

Table Top

Think Celebrity Poker Showdown meets tabletop gaming.  Wil Wheaton gathers friends, introduces a game, and everyone settles down to play.  This is possibly one of the most ambitious new shows, because making tabletop gaming fun to watch simply hasn’t been done.  This show is clearly already striving to do the right things in terms of pacing, clear explanations, a fun group of people, etc, but I think it will settle in and get even better with time.

I’ll be interested to see if they try different approaches – for example, is it better to have a “newbie” or a table of old hands out for blood?  Do they want to introduce lesser-known games to the audience, or go with one everyone knows, like Settlers, so we can focus on the funny and less on trying to follow along?  It’s got a lot of potential, and I’m interested to see where it goes.

Dark Horse Motion Comics

If I’m being honest, it might have been this show that first got me thinking about the golden days of Nick and MTV – days where they were willing to be experimental, to try shows that were unusual.  I don’t know that I would have normally sat down to watch this, because, well, I prefer sunshine and rainbows in my head like those Friskies cat food commercials.  But I’m glad I did, and I can’t wait for Wednesday and the next installment.

Anyone who thinks you can’t get drawn in to a graphic novel should watch this.  There’s some animation, but essentially you’re “watching” a graphic novel – a dark, creepy one.  And the serialized nature of the show is also a perfect complement to the experience of reading comics.  I may be watching between fingers splayed over my eyes, but I’ll be watching just the same.

What about you?  Have you tried Geek and Sundry?  Share your thoughts and opinions below! 

I like an eclectic assortment of music. On a daily basis, my playlist can range from country to classical to classic rock. I’ve seen shock rock legend Alice Cooper live, caught the eye of Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen and got a thumbs (well, thumb) up from him, and was just three rows back from country dreamboat Kenny Chesney. But for as many different types of music as I like, there is one that really speaks to my heart: geektastic music.

That’s right, geektastic music. Everything from traditional filk to nerdcore to parodies, if it’s full of geek culture references, I’m bound to listen to it over and over. The songs are catchy, usually light and fun (though there are some tear-jerkers), and are another way to get all fan-girly over the things I love.

Geektastic music is nothing new – Dr. Demento’s Star Trekkin’, Buckner & Garcia’s Pac-Man Fever, Leonard Nemoy’s “classic” The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins, and hello, Weird Al, anyone?! – but thanks to the internet, it’s had an explosive expansion, even including some really well done videos. Here are some of my favorites – some you may have already heard of, some that might be new to you. (All links are to videos, and not all are SFW.)

Hey There Cthulhu by Eben Brooks

Eben Brooks was my introduction to true filk, and I’ve been lucky enough to be serenaded by him at the past two MisCons (alright, alright, he wasn’t serenading me specifically, but let me dream a little, kthanx?). It was at MisCon in 2009 when I first heard Hey There Cthulhu (to the tune of The Plain White T’s’ Hey There Delilah), a sweet ode to the great tentacle monster. If the cultists of Cthulhu had a theme song, this would be it.

Nerdy Girls Need Love Too by Amy Lee Radigan

“If I was a time lord, both my hearts would beat for you…” A nerdy girl, her guitar, and her quest to find love. This beautiful acoustic number rings so true for any geek girl who’s ever searched for a geek guy to share her life with. I found my geek guy years ago, and this song reminds me how lucky I am.

G33k & G4M3R Girls by Team Unicorn (Probably NSFW)

Odds are you’ve heard of or already seen this parody of Katy Perry’s California Girls, but the eye candy may distract you slightly from the lyrics. (Those girls are hot. Hard not to be distracted.) But that song is such a tribute to girls who love comics, sci-fi, manga, and games, I feel frakking empowered when I listen to it. Plus there are Stan Lee and Katee Sackhoff cameos, and Seth Green rapping. What’s not to like? “Browncoats represent, we aim to misbehave!” Indeed. (Note: my link is to the director’s cut.)

Fett’s Vette by mc chris (NSFW)

mc chris (who you might also know as the voice of MC Pee Pants on Aqua Teen Hunger Force) wrote this awesome rap in honor of everyone’s favorite bounty hunter, Boba Fett. This is an example of what some call nerdcore hip-hop, and though mc chris doesn’t care for that term himself, I think it’s an accurate descriptor. (Note: not an official video.)

Do You Wanna Date My Avatar by the cast of The Guild

Joss Whedon is my master now, and Felicia Day is my mistress (not that way, you pervs!). I adore everything that geekgirl does, and even though I’m not a MMORPG player, The Guild resonates with me. I absolutely adore the video she and the rest of the cast did for Do You Wanna Date My Avatar. The song’s fantastic, and it’s great to see the cast in their avatar costumes. After seeing this video, the guy in the weird red and blue cosplay outfit at Valley Con finally made sense.

Tonight I’m Frakking You featuring Kunal Nayyar and Matthew Brian Brown (Probably NSFW)

I’m not exactly a dance music girl, but I can’t get this Break Originals single out of my head. The song references everything from Big Bang Theory (no surprise with Kunal Nayyar involved) to Dr. Who, and the video features Caprica’s Alessandra Torresani in a Slave Leia bikini, Richard Hatch as a bartender, and Chad Vader. It’s a whole lot of awesome.

It’s the End of the Verse as We Know It (and I Feel Fine) by Eben Brooks

Another shout-out to Eben for his wonderful Firefly filk. Imagine condensing the entire Firefly/Serenity story into about three and a half minutes – that’s what this fast-paced R.E.M. parody does. You haven’t lived until you’ve heard a hundred con-goers belt out, “What the hell, Joss?!” in unison.

F**k Me, Ray Bradbury by Rachel Bloom (Absolutely NSFW!)

Sometimes, there’s nothing better than a good book. Nothing. And apparently Rachel Bloom is even more passionate about reading than I am. I don’t know what Ray Bradbury thinks about this song in his honor – for his 90^th birthday, even – but I think it’s pretty damn cool. (But I like Kurt Vonnegut, too. Hope I don’t get bitch-slapped.)

Neutra Face (A Bearded Poker Face Parody) by DD40

OK, if you haven’t worked with typesetting or graphic design before, this one might not be your cup of tea. But if you’ve ever ripped your hair out over seeing yet another newsletter/blog/whatever in Papyrus or Comic Sans, you’ll love Neutra Face. Even if it’s bold italic. (This is so not what Lady Gaga ever intended.)

But Wait, There’s More!

Beyond the filk/nerdcore/parody genres, let’s not forget the world of geeky soundtracks! From theme songs to background music, the soundtracks of geektastic movies and TV shows are in constant rotation at my house, and probably at yours, too. My husband, who normally hates musicals, can’t get enough of the soundtrack to Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog. We own all the Star Wars tracks (ladies and gentlemen , the John Williams Orchestra!), as well as those for the old and new Battlestar Galacticas. And there’s a reason The Hero of Canton has taken on a life of its own.

Naturally there are many great geektastic songs out there I’ve never heard of, and I’d be glad to take a listen to any recommendations you all might have! I hope you like the ones I’ve listed here!

What’s your favorite geektastic song?

I was crushed.  You mean… the actress who played Scully really wasn’t as smart as her character?  But she was so convincing!

Occasionally you see lists of “hot geeks” here and there, but typically they aren’t really geeks; they play them in movies and TV (Zachary Quinto is a prime example; he donned the Spock ears, he must be ‘one of them’!).  Below I’ve attempted to compile a short list of selected ‘real’ geeks in Hollywood, completely separate from their roles – though, as you’ll see, this is harder than it seems, as apparently ‘geeks’ tend to seek out roles that, well, geeks would want.

First, a few caveats: most actors and actresses could actually probably be considered ‘geeks’ in some respect, especially if they started out in theater (hey, all those drama kids had to go somewhere).  That would be a massive common denominator, and really is it so very unusual for someone to be passionate about their job?  So I tried to find people who are at least rumored to be a little more on the nerdy side – even if, at first glance, they’re just another pretty face.

Dan Aykroyd

Sure, we all geek out over him, and he probably hears quotes from Ghostbusters wherever he goes, but he actually might not mind – because he’s into ghosts himself (he was a writer on the films, after all).  In fact, it’s easy to mention any number of Aykroyd’s hobbies and interests – police memorabilia, UFOs, conspiracy theories… the list goes on.  It’s also been rumored that he was diagnosed with Asperger’s.  Whatever the reason, it’s clear he’s not afraid to get vocal about what he cares about, whether it’s life from other planets or a band he likes.

Mila Kunis

She’s been getting a lot of mainstream attention lately, with her role in The Black Swan.  However, she’s no stranger to the geek world; one of the few actresses who gleefully admits she plays World of Warcraft, she’s also proclaimed her love for Star Trek.  Oh, and she’s a main voice on Family Guy, and has done characters for Robot Chicken – here I’m breaking my own rule, confusing Kunis’ work with her self, but we all know she’s just awesome, all the way around.

Felicia Day

When you say “actress who plays World of Warcraft,” Felicia Day is probably actually the first one who springs to mind.  Though she, too, has an acting resume that would make most geeks drool, there’s even more – she wrote and produced The Guild, and she has a double major in math and music.  What’s not to like?

Rosario Dawson

Rosario Dawson first began to become synonymous with ‘geek’ when she landed roles in movies like Clerks II and Death Proof, but it turns out she’s walked on the nerdy side for quite some time.  An unabashed fan of comics, rock, and Star Trek, her geek cred has been raved about by Kevin Smith.

Vin Diesel

Okay, so I’m not positive I believe this, but I keep reading it so I had to include him.  Supposedly Vin Diesel (who was in the fabulous Pitch Black and the decidedly less fabulous Chronicles of Riddick) has been playing D&D for twenty years, and also plays World of Warcraft.  Do we believe those muscles have ever been hunched around a table, or over a computer?

Elijah Wood

Back when I was a wee lass of twelve, I had major crushes on a few actors, who shall remain nameless to preserve my dignity.  All my BOP and Teen Beat magazines featured a young Elijah Wood, along with the tidbit that his favorite movie was Star Wars.  I remember, back then, thinking that he would make a good friend (aww).  Since then, he’s only stayed awesome, in choices both professional and personal – and apparently he’s still a fan of Star Wars.  I want to see more collaborations between him and Robert Rodriguez!

Jessica Alba

Jessica Alba might not proclaim her geek tendencies from the rooftops, but we know she’s at least a little counter-culture (dogs named Sid and Nancy?).  She’s gorgeous, but refuses to do nudity, and in fact is often quite self-deprecating about her looks.  In interviews and even acceptance speeches, she has a sort of angst about her that is uncomfortably familiar – it’s something that comes from being an outsider.  While we don’t know if Alba would ever play a tabletop game, we know she doesn’t live the typical Hollywood partier lifestyle – and with the movie choices she continues to make and the people she surrounds herself with, it’s only a matter of time before she’s ‘one of us’, if she’s not already.

What about you?  Would you consider these actors ‘geeks’?   Or, tell me about your favorite famous geeks who didn’t make the list.

Well, I realized last week that I’ve done it again – I’ve settled right back into my knee-jerk, resist-what-people-are-fawning-over ways.  And no, I’m not talking about Avatar.

I’m talking about Felicia Day.

It’s not her fault, really.  I didn’t even really know who she was.  My snobbery started with Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog.  Everyone, from friends all the way to Wil Wheaton, said I should watch it – and it was usually in the same breath with “Joss Whedon omg!”  Now, I liked Buffy, and I really liked Firefly, but something in my cynical soul has always kept me from really jumping on that man’s bandwagon.  So… I just didn’t watch it.

Then, when I heard about The Guild, it was always in the context of, “If you like Dr. Horrible…”  or “influenced Dr. Horrible!” or “Joss loves this girl!”  So… yeah.  You can guess what happened next – or didn’t happen, really.

So then last weekend I was in the company of lots of people who said I should watch those things.  And I couldn’t get away, and they had laptops.  Up went Dr. Horrible.  Surprisingly, I liked it much more than I thought I would (Whedon’s songs usually grate on me).  Then they showed me the first episode of The Guild.

Oh my God.  I laughed so hard I was crying.  I’ve played World of Warcraft for years, but most of the time I was solo – I’ve only belonged to an actual guild for six months or so.  In that respect, I’m almost glad I didn’t see The Guild until now, when I can appreciate it all the more.  I only saw the first episode that day, but then I went home and watched the rest of it.   All in one sitting.

Now I’m something of an instant fangirl.  One way late to the party, but there just the same – and I’m not afraid to admit it.  And as for Felicia Day herself… I’m not going to pretend I’m as cool as she is, but she’s easy to relate to.  She reminds me of some of my friends.  Now I’m following her on Twitter, and she’s probably my second-favorite celebrity to read, behind Grant Imahara.

My name is J, and I like discovering things on my own, in my own time – but I’m trying to change that.

So tell me: what else should I be watching?  Or reading?

Season 2 – Christmas Special

Season 2 – Episode 2: Block’d

The Guild’s season two has been sponsored by XBox Live and Sprint, so the episodes will be coming out weekly rather than monthly.  Check out the first episode on MSN Video:

Season 2 – Episode 1: Link the Loot

D&D Related

RPGBloggers.com is pretty much going to take care of all the RPG related plugging!!  Actually, it’s 11:46 on Wednesday and I really wanna get this post published.  Ha!

Random Geekery

The most awesome TV related post ever – Why You Shouldn’t Watch Firefly – from Critical Hits.

I have plugged this again and again, but please please please check out Legend of Neil, from the people who brought you The Guild.

For those lucky folks going to GenCon, check out the vendor list compiled by Trask at LivingDice.

BingeGamer had a hilarious story about a wanted murderer getting caught while playing Guitar Hero at Walmart, of all places.

Neatorama linked to an awesome place where you can buy fake Boy Scout merit badges for things like Blogging.  YES!!  Oh, and you should definitely date a unicorn because they fart glitter.  If anyone finds a Homer Simpson Euro, please send it to me!

I <3 Hawty McBloggy.  I always find something on her blog that I need to share with you all.  Check out this XBox wedding cake which spells inevitable doom for the newlyweds.

Art based on Darth Vader’s helmet?  Only at Geekologie.  Oh, and who needs Strawberry Alarm Clock when you can have the Wake n’Bacon alarm clock?

If you haven’t been reading Stolen Pixels by Shamus Young, we will hunt you down and gank you.  This one is about the WoW server types… so hilarious, and true.

BoingBoing, you never cease to bring me awesome info, like how to surgically create your own elf ears.

That’s all the geek that’s fit to eat!  Yum!

In this +5 Post of Pimping:

• GenCon goodness (and e cursing her new job’s training days)
• The lights are out, but somebody’s home!
• Prizes, prizes, prizes!
• DVDs, drunken Zelda adventures, and Power Strip Chewing 101
• Sexy Red Dragons

#1 – If you’re going to GenCon, please drink a White Russian in my honor.  *sniffle*  While you’re there, don’t miss the StupidRanger crew’s session:  Out of the Box Roleplaying.  Not only will you have a blast, you’ll get to meet everybody who is anybody in the RPG blogging scene.  (Except me.  Stupid mandatory job training.  Next year I will be at GenCon!!)

#2 – Speaking of RPG bloggers, the Propagandroid at The Gamer Dome apologizes for an unplanned disappearance of his site.  Technical difficulties.  Don’t worry – the ‘droid will be back!

#3 – RoleplayGateway is having a big celebration for the month of August.  There are trivia games and banner/tshirt design contests and all sorts of prizes are being given away, including a Personal Ad Makeover by yours truly.

You can also win:

• Custom full-color or black and white character sketches, avatars and signatures, flash animations (all courtesy of their arts team).
• A spot as a “featured member” on a future RoleplayGateway podcast!
• Getting to have your work posted as a “featured piece” on the RoleplayGateway blog!
• Getting a free Roleplay Advertisement spot, one of the site’s newest ways to promote your roleplay!
• Getting interviewed by Vexar’s new “Interview with a Roleplayer” series!

#4 – As you all know, I am a HUGE fan of The Guild.  Anyway, if you are too, there are a few things you’re going to want to check out.

• Power Strip Baby is in a Cutest Baby Contest where he can win a $20,000 scholarship.  If you think he’s adorable (and he is!), please check out the details on The Guild’s site and go vote for him.
• Guild Season 1 is available on DVD today for only $20!  Who is going to buy it for me?
• Sandeep Parikh, aka Zaboo, has a new web series called Legend of Neil.  Basically, a guy passes out after drinking and playing Legend of Zelda and wakes up to find that he is stuck in the game.  It is totally NSFW, so please don’t check it out if Big Brother can see your web history.  There are two episodes out so far and it’s pretty hilarious.

#5 – Voting for the ENnies ends August 6th.  Be sure to vote for DungeonMastering.com!

D&D Related

• Dante at StupidRanger reviews the 4e Dungeon Master’s Guide.
• Shelly Mazzanoble of Wizards of the Coast (and Confessions of a Part-Time Sorceress fame) is a Dungeon Master.  May the gods help us all.
• John at Gnome Stew had a totally awesome post entitled: What Dr. Horrible’s Sing Along Blog Can Teach You About GMing.
• Dave at Critical Hits would like some tips from GenCon veterans about True Dungeon.  (Note to my GeekBoy – you’d better get over there and comment, dear!)
• Happy blogiversary to Yax and Expy of DungeonMastering.  By the way, YOU (yes, you!) should be sure you’ve voted for DungeonMastering in the ENnies!  When you’re done, check out Things You Ought To Know About Your DM.  (My advice – know his favorite cookie variety and bring them!)
• Propagandroid at The Gamer Dome is working on an index to the 4e PHB, since the existing one, well… sucks.

General Geekery

• Felicia Day of The Guild and Dr. Horrible fame was interviewed at ComicCon by Mahalo Daily.  She’s going to be on an episode of House!  I’m so excited.  Now, if we can just get her on an episode of Big Bang Theory, my life would be complete.
• GeekNews (and GDG Commenter Alan!) pointed out a great tool to see your website as colorblind people do.
• GeekSugar had the neatest little thing – The Hang On Outlet.  It holds the plugs of things you don’t want plugged in, but also don’t want dangling around everywhere.
• Geekologie presents: Geeky Stained Glass and 25 Gesture Rock-Paper-Scissors.   Warning:  The latter will cause you to kill way too much time.
• Get fit and get a piece of Internet History!  Hawty McBloggy points the way to get a Wii Fit that is signed by the Wii Fit Girl!!  Get it now on ebay – before August 1st!
• Phil at ChattyDM just finished a four part series on RPG Blogging.   Trask at Living Dice was nice enough to tack on a 5th installment about SEO.

That’s it for the feedin’ this week!  Hope you’re full of geeky goodness!