When The OC premiered, well, more years ago than I care to think about, teens fell in love with Seth Cohen. More adorable nerd than classic boy-next-door, his quirkiness endeared himself to us and we were rooting for him to hookup with the unattainable popular girl, Summer Roberts. Eventually, she too fell for him and fans everywhere cheered. The rest went down in geek history.

Since the days of Seth and Summer, it’s become totally cool to like bespectacled video gamers over muscly heartthrobs (not that we aren’t loving ourselves some Chris Hemsworth…). To celebrate all thinks geek chic, The Rapper P.D.A. has released a song called GEEK…and we’re totally crushing. Check it out and swoon!

[Lead image via Alistair Cotton/Shutterstock]

Most shocking health stories of 2010

Harry Potter cast learns to speak American

10 ways technology have ruined men

If this isn’t a prank, it’s the worst thing ever

Nerds are all the rage

Guess who is having a boy!

Jake G is topless. Say no more.

Damn you autocorrect is the new FML

Dina Lohan needs to get a grip

If you haven’t dated a nerd yet in college, you should really give it a spin. We’re generally intelligent, motivated to treat you like a princess, and can fix your computer to boot. That said, we do have our fair share of surprising quirks that you should be prepared for. As a happy boyfriend of one year and editor of a blog that supports digitizing textbooks and carrying around portable computer monitors, I feel uniquely qualified to offer up a few tips to break in your new favorite nerd.

1. Try to understand when he whips it out in public.

His laptop, I mean. Or smartphone, if you’re lucky. Either way, most nerds I’ve come across share the common physiological need to access the answer to any lingering question, at all times. Deciding what to get for dinner, and don’t know what bulgogi is? Before you even lift your eyes from the menu your boyfriend will probably have his internet-connected device of choice out on the table to look it up for you. While I’m inclined to say that this behavior enhances conversation by providing valuable information, I realize that many would disagree. If the gadgets coming out a little too often, don’t be afraid to lay down the law and declare an internet-free zone.

2. Start a playful fanboy argument

iPhone or Android? Mac or PC? Xbox or Playstation? I promise you that your nerd has VERY strong opinions about some of these timeless debates, and it shouldn’t take too long to pick up on his tastes. If he’s an iPhone lover like myself, make some passing comment about going to the Verizon store to buy a Droid, then sit back and enjoy as he reconciles his affection for you with his irrepressible nerd rage. After he steps off his soapbox, tell him that his well-informed and impassioned argument changed your mind. This will make his MONTH.

3. Let him fix your computer, even if you can do it yourself

We nerds aren’t exactly famous for toned bodies or intimidating demeanors. We aren’t going to sweep you off your feet by throwing winning touchdowns or scaring away the creepy guys that hit on you at parties. Weird as it sounds, reinstalling your corrupt OS or adding more RAM to your laptop is our chance to feel like your protector. So next time you run into computer issues, hand the reigns over to your nerd and give him the chance to play knight in shining honor.

4. Find websites you can both love, and surf them together

Your nerd probably spends a good part of his free time browsing the web and scrolling through his favorite RSS feeds. You can make yourself part of this sacred ritual by finding some general interest or comedy sites that you both enjoy, and turn it into a couple’s activity. Any nerd would love nothing more than to curl up in bed with a laptop and a girlfriend to browse 9gag, Cyanide and Happiness, or TFLN.

5. Share your passions with him, no matter what they are

There are lots of different kinds of nerds, but the one thing they all share is a strong passion for something.  Your relationship isn’t going to last if you can’t open up to him about the most important things in your life.  Don’t worry if it doesn’t make sense or doesn’t seem to mesh with him; my girlfriend’s passion is becoming a vet, and I don’t really like dogs, but I love it about her anyway.  Nerds usually aren’t too picky, but one thing we won’t put up with is a girl who doesn’t really seem to care about anything.  It could be baking, hiking, neuroscience, underwater basket weaving, South American beaches, or EU politics; it really doesn’t matter.  We just respect the hell out of the fact that you care about something.

The world’s largest nerd orgy, otherwise known as Comic-Con, kicks off today in San Diego and we’re  celebrating the dork-a-palooza by focusing on entertainment’s sexiest geeks. From the guys who never the leave the house without polishing their suspenders to to the guys who refuse to hide their  acapella affiliations, we’re covering every kind of nerd and dork that’s out there.  Because at the end of the day, when you’re done sitting around your phone waiting for that Abercrombie and Fitch model to call, these are the kinds of guys you want to date.

Seth Cohen is your basic neurotic Jewish man who talks a mile a minute and doesn’t stop playing his video games for anything. And we mean anything. This is the kid who didn’t even press pause when his father was like “this underage car thief from the wrong side of the tracks is going to live in our pool house now.” He’s obsessed with comics and confides his deepest secrets to a plastic horse. He’s a catch… especially if you’re a psych major.

Steve Urkel is your all-around classic nerd. He has the glasses, the suspenders, and the never-going-happen-except-during-sweeps crush on the hot girl next door. Oh and he’s also some kind of nuclear physicist genius who is creating mind-blowing inventions in his Chicago basement. So yeah, he’s that guy you see at your 25th high school reunion wearing a suit made out of gold…that he got as a gift from the president for inventing affordable time travel.

Dan Humphrey is your brooding, intellectual dork. The kind you might find sitting on a lone bench (hand!?)writing about his deepest thoughts, desires, and his anger towards his social-climbing-eyeliner-overdosing little sister. He’s the guy you want when you’re ready to move to Brooklyn or when your history paper is due in an hour and you haven’t even started yet.

Harry Potter is your everyday all-around wizard next door who can defeat the most evil wizard in the world, yet can’t control his pesky wand when a girl he likes conjures up some impressive magic. He’s a dork with a dark past and he’ll always be there when you want to talk abut feelings or weather-shaped scars on your forehead. Oh and he’s bilingual. Parseltongue foreplay anyone?

Screech is that pesky lifelong virgin who lacks all self-awareness about how completely annoying he is to everyone around him. Despite his constantly-cracking voice and his curly do, he manages to get in with the in-crowd and spend his day drooling over totally hot babes like Lisa Turtle. If his superior social climbing skills don’t impress you, then just wait for him to introduce you to his not-so-secret crush, Zach Morris.

Andy Bernard is a real-life good guy who happens to belong to one of upstate New York’s finest acapella groups. He’s not one to hide it when he likes a girl and he’ll do just about anything to get his lady of choice to marry him. Yep, marry. This guy is all about  some solid commitment — and outrageous Secret Santa gifts.

I know there are a lot of girls out there who wish their boyfriend would just put down the friggin controller already and step away from the Playstation. I get it – no one likes sitting around watching their boyfriend play videogames for 4 hours. I can’t imagine anything more boring. But (and yes, this is the nerd in me talking), maybe instead of standing in front of the TV or tearing the controller out of his hand, you should join him!

My boyfriend and I are both gamers and, trust me, it’s a lot of fun to play together. (Seriously, there’s a reason he plays so often. These games are addicting.)

Video games are a great way to unwind after a long day of class. Especially when the only shows on TV are repeats of The O.C. (from the 3rd season when it sucked) and Judge Judy. They also happen to be a great way to take out some boyfriend frustration in a healthy way. Instead of yelling at your man because he forgot your birthday (because he was so busy playing Halo…), you can just beat the crap out of him in a game of Super Smash Brothers.

Also, much like any activity you do together, playing video games is a good way to get closer with your BF. You’re showing your guy that you’re interested in his interests and that’s something he’ll definitely appreciate. Probably not enough to let you play all the games he’s obsessed with (he doesn’t want to affect his standings), but there are tons of games out there that he won’t mind playing with his girl.

For those girls who are new to video games, look into download-able games on your system. Most are cheap, crazily addictive, and, best of all, they’re simple. There’s everything from puzzle games to updated versions of old arcade games. Matt and I have played everything from Zuma to the old Xmen arcade game on our XBox.

For those who are more experienced, pretty much anything with a multi-player mode will do. If you’ve got the hand/eye coordination for a shooter, then go for it, girl! My favorite is Left 4 Dead, because it’s really straightforward: just kill zombies. Plus with co-op modes you have to rely on and strategize together, which is great bonding time for couples.

The best games to play together? Obviously anything on the Wii. My favorite is Wii Sports resort. It’s a lot of fun and all about the competition. And let me tell you, there is no better way to take out your frustration on your man than with a sword fighting duel. You can work up a sweat and show that boy who’s boss and no one actually gets hurt. (Well, besides that one Wiimote mishap….)

Whatever system your boyfriend has, there’s definitely something out there to play, so stop begging him to drop the controller and pick up your own. You’ll be happy you did.

For those not in the know, the San Diego Convention Center becomes a mecca every summer for fans of comics, science fiction, fantasy, and a lot of stuff in between. But even if you’re not a fan of any of those things (or a self-proclaimed geek like me!), Comic-Con has expanded over the years to encompass whatever’s hot in pop culture.

So if you’re going to be in SoCal from July 23-26 and can get yourself a pass, here are some reasons why you should check out Comic-Con (and if you can’t go this year, definitely mark your calendars for 2010):

1.   Check out upcoming films way before they’re released and hear from the filmmakers and cast.
The movie panels are a big hit each year, and 2009 isn’t going to be any different. Dozens of movies are going to be previewed at Comic-Con, but here’s just a sampling of what’s on the schedule next week: Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Avatar, Zombieland, 2012, The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus (Heath Ledger’s last film), Astro Boy…and, of course, Twilight. Yes, the cast is going to be there. Including RPattz.

Cue fangirl screams.

2.    Sit in on discussions and upcoming season previews with the cast and crew of your favorite TV shows.
Get the scoop on TV’s most popular shows from the writers themselves (and the hott-with-a-double-“t” cast members!). Shows that will be represented include Smallville, True Blood, Heroes, Dollhouse, Family Guy, Chuck, Lost, 24, and Dexter. If I could just see Stephen Moyer, Milo Ventimiglia, Joss Whedon, and Kiefer Sutherland, I would be able to die a happy, happy woman.

3.   It’s not just about the shows, movies, and comics – there’s intellectual discussion to be found!
Comic-Con will be hosting several discussion panels with college professors, writers, and other experts on everything from parody in art to the anthropology of Star Trek. There are a number of panels relating to women in pop culture and comics specifically, so put your thinking caps on, ladies!

4.    Did you dream about being a filmmaker as a kid? Well, now you can learn how to make your own movie, from pre-production to DVD!
Comic-Con is sponsoring a four-day film school seminar taught by professional filmmakers and screenwriters. They’ll walk you through the film-making process and show you how to make your dream a reality at a low cost. It may not be as comprehensive as film school, but for you aspiring screenwriters and directors out there, it’s not a bad way to spend your time at Comic-Con.

5.    It’s like Halloween in the summertime.
Many hardcore fans dress up in costumes at Comic-Con to show their dedication to what they love. Regardless of whether or not you choose to dress up, it’s fun to see all the different costumes, especially the ornate ones. After all, it’s not every day that you see a real-life Hellboy walking around!

6.   Free stuff!
Need I say more?

7.   Three words: Hot. Geeky. Guys.
And no, I don’t just mean the gorgeous actors who will be there to talk with fans and sign autographs. You won’t find more nerds anywhere else, so if you’re like me and love a geeky guy, you’d better high-tail it to San Diego (and take me with you, please!).

Worried about those spring break hook ups? Check out these do’s and don’ts.

Did politics kill Meghan McCain’s libido?

Jesse McCartney is looking pretty hot in this just-released video.

Looks like mama Lohan is finally starting to worry.

What do you think, is Angelina a better blonde or brunette?

Sharon Osbourne is being sued for battery, negligence and infliction of emotional distress.

Nerds vs. Geeks: its all in the definition.

How far would you go for a Nintendo DS.

Danielle Lloyd talks domestic Violence.

This was a week for decisions. Major decisions. And boy, did we make them. We elected Barack Obama as the 44^th (and first African-American) President of the United States. And though we didn’t directly choose Michelle Obama (or any of the First Ladies), we did decide who’s hot and who’s not.  We chose between working out at the gym and at home, between babes and nerds, between trendy skirts and patterned leggings. On the relationship side of things, we decided to make the jump from friends to lovers, and subsequently from lovers back to friends. We learned that guys get off on porn (really?), and girls become more fertile by watching Sex and the City. We decided that you shouldn’t spend too much money on dating, and on the proper prep work for losing your v-card.

And now that it’s Friday, take a break from all the deliberations and enjoy the weekend!

• C’mon everyone! Stop having lives and start watching TV! P.S. Cavemen premieres tonight… (Reuters)

• Finally, a class where the nerds will be cool! For a semester, at least. (The Crimson White)

• Honda Civic being sold on Craigslist has over 930,000 miles on it and is in seemingly great condition. One question: does it still smell like a guido or is that just a New York thing? (autoblog.com)

• “If I would’ve let him smoke crack in my house, he would still be alive, and I blame myself.” Ummm, I feel like that logic is somewhat flawed. (KCTV5)

• Another reason to go Green: Volkswagen is planning to release all future models with a hybrid option! (GoSunSolutions.com)

Which is probably why Washington State’s Linux Users Group (the university’s largest computer club) has decided put out a memo to all the sororities on campus: “Make us over, and we’ll do your homework.”

In an effort to attract more women to the computer science program (and get a free haircut), the “nerds” of WSU’s Linux Club plan to host a “nerd auction”.

“You can buy a nerd and he’ll fix your computer”, their website explains, “help you with stats homework, or if you’re really adventurous, take you to dinner!”

But before the computer loving dudes go through with the auction, they’re looking for a few good sorority girls to make them more appealing.

“If anyone’s going to bid on us, we’ll need some spicing up. And who better to help with that than sorority girls who like nothing better than a makeover?”

While the whole “Beauty and the Greek” (sound familiar to anyone?) event is still in the planning stages, WSU’s computer program has garnered national attention because of it.

Will the idea bring more chicks into the lives of these self-described nerds? Of course!

Will the girls stick around? No f*cking way.

Please.

Telling some guy to get a haircut while he spends 10 hours fixing your busted iBook is totally a win-win situation…for the chick.

Maybe if they got Ashton Kutcher to produce the whole thing and throw in some embarrassing challenges that made them look redonkulous in front a huge crowd…

Either that, or just have everyone eat spiders.

America loves it when people eat spiders.