A Piece of Christmas Spirit From My Youth

And now, a very special pre-holiday present for my readers: a piece of writing that may or may not have been published in a humor zine back in 1995.

(Just found it amongst other files - cannot trace to whether it was presented elsewhere).

Either way, here's a glimpse into my mid-20s mindset; all grammar and punctuation kept as is.

Enjoy!

========================================

SCROOGE WAS RIGHT!
                                     
Most people, when they celebrate Christmas, usually put on some
inspirational music like "Silent Night", or "Twelve Days of Christmas", or THE PARTRIDGE FAMILY CHRISTMAS album, I usually crank up "Don't Believe in Christmas" by the Sonics, or "Christmas in Prison" by Willie Nelson, or even Monty Python's "Christmas in Heaven". Call me cynical, but Christmas ain't
what it used to be.

Sure, I got a lot of loot Christmases past, and there are good things about Christmas (free stuff, the birth of our Savior, and that song where the dogs bark "Jingle Bells" all easily come to mind), but my attitude these days is more Ebenezer Scrooge than Bob Cratchitt.

First, Christmas comes earlier and earlier. Stores usually begin putting their Christmas stuff up in late July/early August, and then before their Halloween stuff. I say, let's just change Christmas to August and be done with it. Besides, it's a lot warmer, you don't have to worry about snow, and I personally would love to have a scantily clad Playboy Playmate in my
stocking. It's really hard to take Christmas seriously when, in September, Carson Pirie Scott & company does their window display, and all the people stand and stare like sheep. It makes it hard for a guy like me to visit all the naughty bookstores.

Another thing I don't like, quite frankly, is this whole "let's be nice to the world" attitude around Christmas. Sure, yeah, I'm all for being nice to the world, but it's out of a "if we do nice stuff, we'll get nice stuff." Parents, let me give you this advice--if your kid acts perfect from November through December, he wants something. Just make sure that they behave
January through October. Also, ladies and gentlemen, there are poor people and depressed and lonely people the other months of the year. Live the Christmas spirit all year, people.

Thirdly, everyone wants to get into the act. Do we really need more lame-o Christmas albums? (I'm looking forward to Pearl Jam's Christmas With Vedder. Eddie, get a life and a friend, pal). And if I see one more TV show rip off "It's a Wonderful Life" (which, as a movie, stinks) and/or "A Christmas Carol" (Charles Dickens should rise from the dead every time this really excellent book is butchered by some hack screenwriter), I'm going to go
Terry Rakola on someone's heinie. (If you can catch that reference you win....an actual autographed letter from me. Maybe even a two page letter).

Basically, I think Christmas has gotten way out of hand. I mean, I realize that a baby isn't as aesthetically pleasing as a fat guy in a red suit who, any other time of the year, would be charged with breaking and entering, but people have lost the point. Christmas isn't about one day, it's about a way of living every day. People who act like total inconsiderate fill-in-your-own-obscenities-here decide that, on one day a week, they are the most humane. It's kind of like adopting a child for one day, and dumping it back at Dr. Satan's House of Child Abuse for the rest of the year. It's got to stop.

Do I like Christmas, the holiday? Not really, since there's a lot of hullabaloo about it. But as a spirit, a way of being, I dig it. People, pretend every day is Christmas, and we'll all get along, and be nice to each other, and stop wars and stuff.

God bless us, every one, except for that Urkel dude. He annoys me.

=====================================================

NOTE: After reading this, I am honestly surprised I lived into 1996 and beyond.

Time For A Nap

Yes, it's been a busy, hectic week, and I'm only now catching up on some work related assignments. (Mostly finishing things that I should have finished today, but hey, when you gotta crash....you gotta crash).

Anyway, I'm gearing up for an upcoming Net Tuesday meeting (which I would be very grateful if you could help get the word out, especially since now we have a cool entry on the Netsquared hub), a Doctor Who meetup, and a Geek Breakfast. (You can get all of this - and more - via this week's Job Stalker post)

(Minor quibble - getting a little weary of people who never show up for events insisting on changes or locations. Meetup accounts ain't cheap - except for Netsquared, who covers Net Tuesday - and quite honestly, they probably wouldn't come if I moved heaven and earth. But enough of my ranting and raving - I'll save that for Zone 4).

Well, that's it for me - now, time to bed.

Share A Moment (or Two) With Me At Learnapalooza

Now that this month's Chicago Geek Breakfast is over, I'm planning on gearing up for this Saturday, where I'll be teaching two - count 'em, two - classes at Learnapalooza, which is a great one-day festival (actually this year, two days) focusing on volunteers teaching various subjects.

Now, if you are planning on making it, here are some fine details:

• You're going to need to sign up - head to http://www.learnapaloozachi.com and be sure to RSVP for each session. There is some room for walk-ins, but at least this way, you can be assured a seat.
• My first session will be the ever-popular Doctor Who 101, which will be held in the Blue Room at the Next Door Cafe, just a short walk down from the Diversey Brown Line Stop. After a half hour lunch break....
• I will then be presenting my infamous Sherlock Holmes & Social Media session at 1:00 pm - same room, same location.
• Added incentive - Next Door is sponsoring a book drive; bring a children's book and they'll donate a backpack full of supplies. Next Door also has some great coffee and crepes, so you don't have to worry about staying fed.
• Not interested in either one of my sessions? There are plenty of other sessions to check out at a variety of locations; you'll be sure to find something of interest.

So if you're in the area on Saturday, be sure to stop by and give us a visit. I promise to be warm, friendly, and gregarious. And tomorrow - more blogaround goodness!

My Open Source Lifestyle

Although the year is almost one quarter completed, I can safely say that at least one of my major life decisions has paid off in spades.

I've spoken before about "Harvey", the Ubuntu-powered Panasonic Toughbook that has been the equivalent of a mid-life crisis for me. (Some men buy sports cars, some men date much younger women - I start adapting open source software in a major way).  One of the benefits of using a Toughbook as a portable computer is that, well, it can take a pounding; since it's powered by Ubuntu, most of my computing has been easier (if a little more work intensive).

This morning was the ultimate test - taking it for one of the social media classes I'm teaching for the neighborhood businesses.

Test 1 - one of my colleagues offers to have me plug the Ubuntu into a small overhead projector, so everyone can see the screen. After making the appropriate attachment, voila - my display and the screen show the same thing. 

Test 2 - comments, many many comments. The best were, That looks like a James Bond computer and You could hurt someone what that computer, dude.

Thankfully, I still have the Windows machine working (for not much longer), but at the very least, should I need to replace my current laptop, I have a dependable standby (which comes in handy for recording podcasts).

Via Improbable Roach on Flickr

But that leads into my next major decision....recently, I found my father's old Merkur Solangen safety razor. Rather than look at it in awe, wondering if I should take the plunge....as of April 2nd, I will begin full-on wet shaving.

I was actually inspired by a gentleman under the nom de blog Mantic59 (and who has expanded his blog into the must-read Sharpologist; I recently linked to one of his many excellent videos).  Ok, granted, my initial experience consisted of a switch to shaving soap, but with a traditional cartridge razor. I loved the fact that I could get a great shave, the soap felt great on my face, and quite honestly, the acne of my teenage years was no longer an issue. So after ordering a sample pack of blades online, I'm gearing up to actually try to practice shaving the old fashioned way).

(It also helped that Merz Apothecary opened a store near Palmer House downtown, meaning that I can avoid ordering exotic shaving soaps and creams via Amazon...although I have plenty to last awhile. Besides, supporting local businesses is always cool).

Oh, and for those of you concerned - I have a styptic pencil. And backup cartridges should I decide to go back. However....I doubt I will.

I'm Becoming a Broadcasting Giant

Check it out - it's tonight at 7 pm EST (unless the trailer says otherwise):




(Hey, Roger, I think you'll like my segment most. And folks, this is going out semi-live, so there won't be a repeat. Be there for the premiere. Aloha.)

Saturday Morning Online Catch-Up

Yes, it's that time again - time for me to highlight the various goings-on and online shenanigans that I've been participating in throughout the past week.

If you haven't already, be sure to RSVP for Doctor Who 101 on 11/19 (that's next Saturday) from 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm. If you're a Facebook pal and have RSVP'd yes to the invite....you still need to use the Eventbrite page. Yes, it's that critical.

I've also begun parlaying my involvement with Chicago Net Tuesday into "building my brand", as the marketing wonks would say. You can easily join us on Google Plus, and you can find me there as well, via my about.me page.

In addition, I can also now post my own blog entries to Chicago Now's Job Stalker, and I have to say....I'm actually quite glad. I was getting a wee bit concerned with the slightly dour introductions - now, I can bring on my most positive attitudes uncensored!

(Work-wise, freelancing is hectic, but OK; some great opportunities have come in for the future that are going to really rock. Have some fun stuff early in 2012 that I can't talk about just yet, but trust me, I think all of you will dig it).

And finally, new Zone 4! (Dr. Whoverse is a rerun this week, thanks to our crack producer being in Austin....and I kinda wish he would stay there. But that's a tale for another time). And if you have a few bucks, why not sponsor us? (If you do, I will say nice things about you). Take it away, Brant!

Join the Few, the Proud, the Comic Related!

Benefit # 1 - Distinctive
Casual Wear

November is a month that has a great deal of significance for me in one regard - it's the month when my column for Comic Related, "TV Party", first appeared online. (CR Guru/Close Personal Friend Chuck keeps reminded me that I was the "first" columnist; read into that what you will). Having a regular non-blog outlet for my writing has provided me with great benefits (including "press credentials")....and I would like to pass the magic onto you.

Comic Related is looking for people who are willing to write for them on a regular, consistent basis. They're looking for people who are willing to write weekly reviews of comics (with an indie slant, but they'll accept mainstream) as well as weekly/regular columns about things comic related.

Benefit # 2 - Cosplayers
Model Headwear on Request

Knowing Chuck, Brant (who is second only to Chuck in honesty, integrity, and all-around cool) and John (who is definitely the third out of three) as I do, they're a great group to work with. I mean, I get to interact with the guy who wrote all those Green Hornet comics I dug in the 1990s! I sometimes get the occasional piece to review! I get press passes! Plus, it's allowed me to develop my unique writing style.

(Although Brant is asking me to consider changing how I submit columns - he's claiming that my handwriting is already tough to read; writing it in crayon and faxing it in is really tough for him to transcribe).

What do you need to write for Comic Related? I've found these helpful:

• A strong, writing ability - you don't have to be Shakespeare, but you should know basic grammar, composition, etc.
• A strong opinion tempered with a strong sense of consideration - in order words, Beavis & Butthead-esque declarations of "this sucks" or "this is cool" aren't good enough; describe why you like the book, or why you hold a particular opinion
• A sense of humor - unlike some bloggers who participate in a "fake" style of humor, Comic Related doesn't quite take itself so seriously
• Dependability and an ability to meet deadlines.

So, you're probably wondering, how do I become a writer for Comic Related? Simply send an e-mail indicating your interest in either being a reviewer or a columnist. They'll follow up, and trust me, unlike other comic news web sites, you will never be able to say, "Comic Related never met a press release they didn't like."

Come join the Comic Related community - it is a total and complete blast. I'm still having fun after all this time, and it's only getting started. 

Latest & Greatest

First, if you're coming to Wizard World, just a heads-up; I'll be attending the "Way of the Nerd" panel at 5:00. It's put on by my pals at the Chicago Nerd Social Club, and it will be awesome and bacon-flavored and all the other pimply teenaged hyperboles...

(....hey, any time I can make A Hard Day's Night reference, I'm happy).

I have to admit that, other than pals, Wizard World seems, well, very much like a testosterone-fueled flea market. I mean, four or five vendors of samurai swords? Energy drinks? Cosplaying women giving backrubs? Really, Gareb Shamus?

But if that last statement has you down, let me just remind you that there's a new Zone 4 Episode and Job Stalker post online. You'll dig both. I promise.

Upcoming Fun Stuff

Spending most of my time networking and job seeking means one of two things - one, that I have learned really good time management and have been effective in performing regular tasks; the other is that, now, more importantly, it's important for me to also focus on hanging with friends and, well, having a life.

Part of it means giving up some of my other activities (I'll be decreasing my involvement with Chicago Net Tuesday), but I have some other cool things happening....and here's your chance to have a close, personal interaction with me.

• On Saturday, June 18th, I'll be bringing some comics over to Third Coast (see the photo for the address) as part of the Chicago Nerd Social Club's Comic Donation Drive. I will more than likely be there between 5:30 and 7:00 pm, not only to attend the Comic Meetup in a timely manner, but also provide a great opportunity for me to barely miss my Comic Related colleague, Decapitated Dan Royer.
• Speaking of Comic Related, be sure to check out tomorrow's Zone 4 Podcast. Like last week's episode, I was honored to be asked to co-host; this week's show will be all about the DC reboot/reshuffle/brouhaha. It was a great show, and allowed me to, well, basically do more of what I do on this blog. Only live and with other people.
• I'll also be putting on a session at Learnapalooza, a day-long festival of learning held in Wicker Park on June 25th. (I'll be attending an orientation this weekend). I'll be doing an expanded - and updated - version of a presentation I did years ago. (I'll also cover online communication in this presentation as well) Further details are forthcoming, and will be on the blog, but please plan to come on out - even if you don't see me, there's plenty of cool sessions to attend. 
• Finally, as many of you know, I am now a semi-contributor to the Baker Street Blog, helping me build my media empire one piece at a time. My most recent piece are some expanded thoughts on one of my favorite neo-Holmes movies:

As always, thanks for reading!

The Newest Member Of the Family

Any suggestions for a clever nickname?

At the risk of sounding excessively geeky, for the past month, I have been basking in the glory of a minor accomplishment.

I have always been an advocate for open source software solutions, using it for e-mail, browsing, podcasting, and media playing. However, I always felt that if I were to really practice what I preached...I needed to take the next step and actually use an open source operating system.

About eight months ago - while I was gainfully employed - I had purchased a used Panasonic CF-29 Toughbook via eBay. Although I ordered it knowing it had no battery or CD/DVD drive, I had no idea that the hard drive had been wiped....and therefore, had no operating system.

A month ago, deciding that I had the time (and more importantly, having failed to revive a 7 year old desktop), I decided to download Ubuntu and install via USB. This had great potential for disaster, dear reader - my dad used to attempt household fix-it projects with no workable handyman skills. My non-techie approach to revive a dead laptop may have had similar risks.

Only 25% of 40 GB used - go me!

For a few weeks, after installing the software onto USB, I found myself able to boot an initial menu, but with hours of blank screen. Thankfully, a few quick Google searches led be to Unetbootin, software which allowed me to create a USB drive that could boot Ubuntu. Once I had done that, I was able to install the software in about 30 minutes. (And that may be a slight exaggeration - I doubt it really took that long).

I've written on my non-profit blog, Metroshrink, about how it appeals to my sense of community-mindedness...but in terms of overall use. It's actually very easy (in fact, I'm writing this blog post on my Toughbook as we speak, my Hewlett Packard laptop taking a nice rest). Ubuntu has a built-in software download center (making it really easy), and although there is a slight learning curve for changing wallpapers, etc, it is quite cool. (Although I will still need to get a battery and CD/DVD drive once I have the cash...)

I initially changed the desktop to a Winston Churchill motivational poster, but decided to go for something a little more personal - and generic. So after Ubuntu boots, here's the sight that (very quickly) greets me:

Thankfully Ubuntu also has wi-fi, torrenting, etc - it's a pretty good all-in-one package. But the coolest thing for me has been, in the midst of a job search where there's often little return, there's a huge ego boost in turning a large, electronic paperweight into a working computer.

At some point, I will need to buy the latest Windows laptop - if I'm planning to consult, having some proprietary software would be beneficial. But as a guy who is both community-minded and - more importantly - cheap, using Ubuntu, a very user friendly operating system, is probably one of the best moves I've ever made.

So now, I only have two things to decide: what kind of clever nickname can I give the Toughbook; and more importantly - should I bring it to tonight's Net Tuesday meeting on open stewardship?

Digital Brushes with Greatness

Douglas Adams 
Originally uploaded by icarusjj

Last night, I could barely sleep, so in a semi-conscious haze, I decided to go through my old data CDs and transfer appropriate files to my portable hard drive.

(Yes, the above is only said to secure my geek cred)

Anyway, I had forgotten that I had a folder entitled "Celebrity e-mails" on a disc...and came across this from my misspent youth on the Prodigy Online Service.

I'm posting this response (I was unable to find the note which spawned it) because, quite frankly, it's a reminder that once upon a time...I was cool.

And like that time, I still know cool people.

---------------------------------------------------------

PRODIGY(R) Service Personal Message 09/08/94

----------------------------------------------------------

To: HMPU35B

From: Douglas Adams

Subject: Re: ?A Brief Note from a Fan

Date: 09/08/94 05:59 AM

Thanks for your note. Glad you enjoyed the books, but... what's the Kama

Sutra

of Liverpool?

Best,

Douglas Adams

--------------------------------------------------------------------

For future reference please note that my preferred email address is:

(I intentionally left this - and other - references to Mr. Adams oblique, since he is no longer amongst us)

----------------------------------------------------------------

-------- Original message header follows --------

From xxxxx7@compuserve.com Thu Sep 08 05:59:50 1994 [PIM 3.2-243.68]

Received: from xxxxx.compuserve.com by inetgate.prodigy.com with SMTP

id AA29528

(xxxxxxx for ); Thu, 8 Sep 1994 04:29:55
-0400
Received: from localhost by dub-img-1.compuserve.com (xxxxx)
id EAA04276; Thu, 8 Sep 1994 04:35:08 -0400
Date: 08 Sep 94 04:30:23 EDT
From: Douglas Adams xxxxxxx@compuserve.com>
To: "INTERNET:HMPU35B@prodigy.com"
Subject: Re: ?A Brief Note from a Fan
Message-Id: <xxxxxxxxx@CompuServe.COM>

-------------- End of message ---------------

Surviving SNOWMAGEDDON: Assorted You Tube Goodies

...and now, to cap off this Friday night,

a little something something from the news portion of Comic Related:



A little piece of genius forwarded by Radio Free Skaro's Twitter account:



Two Marvel movie trailers posted by pal Rich:

And finally, proof that the Replacements improve anything:

Next Week, Get a Close, Personal Experience with Me!

TECH cocktail Chicago 9
Originally uploaded by ChicagoMicro

I'm planning a theme week next week for the blog, so I thought I would outline some events in my schedule that...well, you may be interested in.

(By the way, I look the same as I do in this picture, only not as chunky. And better dressed).

On Tuesday, February 8th, I'll be attending the Social Media Breakfast , which is a great opportunity for basic working. (There are also other Social Media Breakfasts around the country). In addition...
• I will be presenting the evening of February 8th as part of the Chicago Net Tuesday meeting. I'll be talking about Sherlock Holmes and Social Media, and is a great chance to see me in hot, community organizing action
• On February 10th, I'll be attending the Red Cross' Flirting For Disaster at Lux Bar. It's a fund raising/networking event that is well worth your time and attention.

By the way, the gentleman on the left in the photo is my pal Mike Dwyer. Be sure to catch him with his improv troupe, Mustang Repair, at one of their upcoming shows. You can usually catch me there as well.

And now, back the usual blogging shenanigans

Presenting Python: Meeting John Cleese

John Cleese @ Wisdom Bridge
Originally uploaded by Gordon D

You know, in looking back over the blog, I've noticed that I've mentioned that I would blog about this in three separate posts. Consider this my way of making an amends to you, dear reader)

Imagine, if you will, those heady days of 1990 (I thought it happened later, but the Chicago Tribune proves me wrong): The Simpsons was known as "that animated show that looks really crappy on channel 32"; we were in the early years of the George HW Bush presidency, long before "Dan Quayle" was a punchline; and Bell Biv Devoe was the closest thing my generation had to the O'Jays. I was in college, studying psychology, working a series of part time jobs, and still at home.

However, through a coworker of my mother's, we were invited to a fundraiser for the Wisdom Bridge Theater, the highlight being a presentation by John Cleese of "The Importance of Making Mistakes". Yes, that John Cleese.

So in the span of two years, I go from being an extra in a movie with Robert DeNiro...to meeting John Cleese. And I still couldn't get a date.

So with Mom in tow, we went to see John Cleese at the Palmer House, and he gave a lecture on "The Importance of Making Mistakes", citing the plucky example of Gordon, the Guided Missile, who continually adjusted his target in order to be more accurate.

(Yes, he was doing industrial films at the time. But he was still John Cleese. Of Monty Python. That put him on an almost divine level)

But after the presentation came the ever popular line-up for autographs. As we eagerly approached Mr. Cleese, my mother handed me her program, and asked if I would have Mr. Cleese sign it.

My mother told me specifically to have him sign it for "your old, decrepit mother." She now denies this.

Taking her at her word, I handed Mr. Cleese two programs, and the following exchange took place:

ME: Would you please sign this program to me, and the other to my old, decrepit old mother?
CLEESE: (Pauses, then smiles): Ah, decrepit, what a wonderful word...

With that, Mr. Cleese asked where my mother was, and sheepishly, she said, "Here I am." Of course, the autographed program (which, upon inspection, really was a catalog for the company whose films featured Mr. Cleese) contained liberal use of the word "decrepit"...and which I have stored in a nice long box buried deep in a closet.

But at the time, it made me realize something - perhaps it was the fact that I was in the fruit of my young adulthood, but I began realizing that the very people whose work I enjoyed....were actually people. People who did amazingly cool things: DeNiro drank a beer at 5 am and asked me to watch it while he worked; John Cleese joined in a liberal insulting of my mother.

And had the blogosphere been around at that point, would have driven content on this blog for months afterwords, as I would have been fannishly declaring, "I met John Cleese, and am therefore better than you!"


Like I don't do that already.

Joining THE GUILD

The Guild Season 2 DVD art
Originally uploaded by worldofhiglet

(In the spirit of full disclosure, I happen to know Edgar, the webmaster for this web series. However, most of my viewing of this series comes through DVDs rented through Netflix)

Geek and nerd based humor, if not done right, can either be one of two variations: either comedy focused primarily on various obscure references and stereotypes (think The Big Bang Theory) or basic snark at how extreme nerds can get (or Nerds Suck - I'm thinking of a particular blog, but do not want to be accused of link trolling)

But after viewing the first three
seasons of The Guild (available on DVD), it strikes me that writer/creator Felicia Day - and the rest of the cast - have done something unique: they've managed to create a wholly unique style of geek humor.

The premise of the series is simple - a slightly neurotic gamer (played players in a World-of-Warcraft type video game. However, the genius of the series is that, rather than see these characters as stereotypes, they're treated more like archetypes...and are given a little bit more room to breathe emotionally. What could have easily been a series of one note characters (or even overdrawn portraits) become...well, people. Much of the humor is gently goofy, and the webisodes flow naturally into one another when viewed in succession.

(In many ways, this reminds me of a show from the 1980s called Dear John, which followed a similar pattern. Only - let's face it - Felicia Day is much better looking than Judd Hirsch. But then again, who isn't?)

But The Guild is one of those rare treasures - a pleasant comedy that will, at times, make you grin uncontrollably. All three seasons are available on DVD (and are relatively inexpensive, meaning you should let your aunt Myrna know to get a gift receipt so you can return that godawful necktie she will purchase for you for Christmas and use the money to buy the DVDs) and through Netflix Watch Instantly. Believe me, it's the kind of show that really justifies the existence of the Internet - charming, quirky, absurd, entertaining, and above all, intelligent. And the cast makes it look incredibly easy.

Season 4 just ended online, but I'll be the first in line to catch the DVD upon release.

This is mandatory viewing, folks. It won't change your life necessarily, but it will make you feel better.

And in the end, that's all that matters.

Happy Birthday, Doctor Who!

And now, a pause to celebrate a show that many of us love and enjoy.

By the way, I'll be celebrating this weekend by attending Chicago TARDIS in Lombard.

If you're there, and would like to have a Close, Personal Encounter™ with me, I'll be part of the "There's a Blog For That" panel on Sunday at 1:00 pm. (Correction)

Otherwise, check out cool podcasts like Radio Free Skaro, Podshock, 2 Minute Time Lord, or the Happiness Patrol. Watch some Doctor Who stories.

Happy birthday to a fine sci-fi institution.

Obligatory National LIteracy Month Post

Gordon's Graphic Novel Bookshelf
Originally uploaded by Gordon D

Recently, I was reading a group of messages on this Twitter doohickey that has all the young 'uns enraptured, and I came across this tweet from Open Books, a super cool Chicago bookstore that reminds me of one of my old St. Louis haunts.

But the challenge was to share about what reading and writing means to me, in celebration of National Literacy Month, and it's a real challenge because I'm so used to having books around, I can't imagine a time in my life without them.

My mother once told me that the day after I was born, my father purchased a copy of One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish and read it to me. My earliest comic book memory was reading Superman fighting the Galactic Golem. My first CTA trip was to my paternal grandparents (who lived on 40th Place off of Archer and California), with a walk down to the Brighton Park library near Archer and Kedzie.

(At one point, I was nearly arrested for library card fraud, as I had three - count 'em, three - library cards at once. Long story).

But what books and writing gave me were a chance to improve myself. Never mind that they opened my mind to different ways of thinking...books were my way of gaining insightful knowledge, of learning how to be in this world, and were a really cheap source of entertainment.

Writing gave me the ability to express myself - from well crafted essays to poetry to high school crushes (which I hope my then-would-be-paramours have destroyed), the ability to put words together is something I treasure, and would never take for granted. (Otherwise, this blog would be nothing more than inarticulate grunting).

In an age with increasing technological advancement and sophistication in popular culture, there is something refreshing about the simplicity of words on a page...that can be read at a casual pace, without the need for electricity, or even sophisticated equipment. Between two covers is a gateway of imagination and insight, amazingly simple in design but complicated in its influence.

In the past six months, I've had interactions with two "new media" types on Twitter - one was a woman who wondered why people still went to libraries; the other was a guy who complained that Ebert was off by preferring e-books to regular books. Both of them missed the point.

It's not about being on the cutting edge - it's about sharpening that edge.

Or in other words, what would have happened if that infamous Twilight Zone episode were made in the Internet age?

More than likely, Librivox would come to the rescue.

Making Chicago COUNT

So you're a non-profit that wants to improve your tech capacity? Or you're in the tech biz - IT, social media, coder - and you want to get involved in the non-profit sphere in Chicago.

If you're interested, have I got an event for you.

On Sunday September 12th, the first ever Chicago COUNTS conference will be held at the Illinois Institute of Technology from 9 am to 5 pm. Trust me, folks, this is the first conference of its kind in the Chicago area, and it is a big deal. Just look at the keynote speakers we have lined up - it's a veritable non-profit Justice League:

• Geoff Livingston, who consults with non-profits on how to get their message across;
• Nate St. Pierre, who works to mobilize others on the common good;
• Chris Jarvis, who helps businesses and non-profits set up employee volunteer programs, and 
• Estrella Rosenberg, who's done a lot to set up and maintain non-profits.

( In the interests of full disclosure, I'm not only helping organize, but I'll also be presenting. Yes, friends, you have the chance to see me in my full-on sexy community organizing mode.)

It's a very small admission ($25 until 9/5, and then $30 if you prepay after that), but be sure to buy a ticket. Sure, you could just join the Facebook page, but why settle? Why not engage in a great chance to learn more about how you can use these cool online tools towards the social good? You or someone you know wants to be part of this event. It's more than just a conference - it's the beginning of a movement.

Go ahead. Buy a ticket. Attend the conference.

Like Robert Conrad, I dare you, but with tongue firmly in cheek.

Something I Won At A Singles Event. Seriously.

Chicago August Weekend Fun-O-Ganza

OK, I know, the titles are a little obvious, but there's some cool things happening in August that I'll be attending....and if you're in the area, you're more than welcome to check out.

(By the way, these are unsolicited testimonials, but I do have vested interest in both).

First, given that I haven't been to a decent cookout since I lived in St. Louis, I'll be planning on attending the Eating with Pictures fundraiser at Challengers Comics on August 7th. It's for Reading with Pictures, an organization I've blogged about in the past, and there will be plenty of grilled foods. So come, and thanks to the crew at Comic Related for the heads-up.

Secondly, on August 15th, I'll be heading to IIT to attend Social Dev Camp Chicago, which focuses on the social web and...well, there's just tons of cool stuff. It's co-chaired by Close, Personal Friend® Tim Courtney and Personal Archnemesis® Andy Angelos, and will more than likely prove to be informative, illuminating, and just plain swell.

Plus, if you come, you'll see that there's a lot less of me to love. Really. Lost 40 pounds since April 25.

So what are you waiting for?