Pop culture’s top nerds
From a rock ‘n’ roll perspective, it doesn’t get much dorkier than singing about palidromes and playing the accordian. Yet They Might Be Giants (led by John Flansburgh, left) make it work with a mix of irresistable melodies and an inventive spirit that, among other things, made them the first band to open their own online music store in 2004. And though they cut their teeth during the early ‘90s alternative era, TMBG are still active with recent appearances as part of Dave Eggers’ “McSweeney’s” crowd as well as a host of children’s music projects. You’re not the boss of them, no. (Lawrence K. Ho / LAT)
Led by Rivers Cuomo, left, alt-rock favorites Weezer have been flying their nerd flag freely since their debut album was released in 1994. Clad in old man sweaters, plaid jackets and Cuomo’s ever-present Buddy Holly glasses, Weezer elevated their self-consciously bookish look to a sort of geek chic for irony-friendly hipsters. “Revenge of the Nerds,” indeed. (Myung J. Chun / LAT)
As the saying goes, living well is the best revenge. How much revenge has Microsoft chief Bill Gates exacted to what must’ve been an assortment of high school tormenters? Despite the difficulties reported with his company’s new operating system Vista, factor in the good works being done by the Gates Foundation and this nerd is still on top of the world. (Lee Celano / AP)
