Today in Nerd History | August 14

Today’s date brings us the blast processing of a console war starter, a whimsical undersea journey from Studio Ghibli, a bittersweet romance across time, and the mustachioed optimism of a football coach who believed in belief. Let’s fire up the nostalgia engines!​

Inclusion on this list does not imply that the entry is family friendly, only that it was a nerd culture milestone. Parents should, of course, use discernment.

The SEGA Genesis, also known as the Mega Drive outside North America, was released on August 14, 1989. This 16-bit console became a formidable competitor to the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and helped to define a generation of gaming.

Nerdy Facts:

• Blast Processing: SEGA marketed the Genesis with the term “Blast Processing,” implying that it had superior speed and performance compared to its competitors, which became a memorable part of gaming history.
• Iconic Games: The Genesis is home to many classic games, including “Sonic the Hedgehog,” “Streets of Rage,” and “Golden Axe,” which remain beloved by gamers today.
• Third-Party Support: SEGA aggressively pursued third-party developers, leading to a robust library of games and helping to establish the Genesis as a serious contender in the console wars of the early 90s.

Hayao Miyazaki’s “Ponyo,” a beautifully animated film from Studio Ghibli, premiered in theaters on August 14, 2009. The story follows a goldfish named Ponyo who desires to become human after befriending a young boy named Sosuke.

Nerdy Facts:

• Inspired by Classics: “Ponyo” draws inspiration from Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid,” infusing it with Miyazaki’s unique storytelling and environmental themes.
• Hand-Drawn Animation: Unlike many contemporary animated films, “Ponyo” features hand-drawn animation, showcasing the intricate and beautiful artwork characteristic of Studio Ghibli.
• Star-Studded Dub: The English dubbed version of “Ponyo” features voices from Hollywood stars such as Tina Fey, Matt Damon, Cate Blanchett, and Liam Neeson, helping to bring the film to a wider audience.

“The Time Traveler’s Wife,” based on the best-selling novel by Audrey Niffenegger, premiered in theaters on August 14, 2009. The film stars Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams and tells the story of a man with a genetic disorder that causes him to time travel unpredictably and his relationship with his wife.

Nerdy Facts:

• Complex Narrative: The film explores themes of love, fate, and the challenges of maintaining a relationship across different times, staying true to the book’s intricate narrative.
• Makeup Effects: The film used extensive makeup and visual effects to show the aging process of the characters as they move through different periods, adding depth to the storytelling.
• Cult Following: Despite mixed reviews, “The Time Traveler’s Wife” has developed a cult following, particularly among fans of the novel who appreciate its emotional depth and unique premise.

“Ted Lasso,” a heartwarming comedy series starring Jason Sudeikis, premiered on Apple TV on August 14, 2020. The show follows an American football coach who is hired to manage a struggling English soccer team, despite having no experience with the sport.

Nerdy Facts:

• Character Origins: The character of Ted Lasso originated from a series of promotional videos for NBC Sports’ coverage of the English Premier League, where Jason Sudeikis played a humorous, overly optimistic American coach.
• Critical Acclaim: “Ted Lasso” received widespread critical acclaim for its positive themes, humor, and performances, particularly Sudeikis’s portrayal of the titular character, earning multiple awards including several Emmy Awards.
• Cultural Impact: The show has been praised for its feel-good storytelling and has resonated with audiences globally, becoming a symbol of kindness and optimism, especially during challenging times.

August 14th is a celebration of innovation and creativity across different media, from groundbreaking gaming consoles and enchanting animated films to compelling romantic dramas and uplifting comedies. Happy Nerd History Day to all who enjoy these iconic contributions to pop culture!