Zone 4 Friday Blogaround

Enjoyed a (relatively) low impact week after the intensity of last week, especially in light of a successful Mission: Red - we exceeded our fund raising goals for this year, and our "take" from last year (As you can see on the left, I had a large stake in making sure this was successful). I've been adjusting to a new freelance schedule (working out of home some nights and weekends part time), seeking other freelance opportunities, and quite frankly, adjusting to a relatively mid-range busy life.

However, that hasn't stopped me from doing the online thing - as always, there's a new episode of the Zone 4 podcast for your listening pleasure. But don't let me convince you - here's pal Brant to tell you more about it:






Other online items of note:

• Not one, but two entries in the Chicago Now Job Stalker blog
• A brand new entry in Baker Street Blog
• I've spread my unique brand of internet jackanapery to the Zone 4 Facebook page - join today! and
• Check out my about.me page and help me increase my Klout score.

Thanks for reading!

Whadda Week!

Yes, I know this is my usual Friday post a day late, but I was busy last night. As you can see, I was part of the team that organized and pulled off the successful Mission: Red fundraiser to benefit the Chicago Red Cross. In addition, I started a new part time freelance gig - bad news is that it's nights and weekend, but good news is that it's part time (meaning I can go find other stuff). Plus, successful Doctor Who 101 event at the Wormhole Coffee (meaning - it's time to start planning edition # 3)

On the crazy content front, here are some of this week's highlights:

• There's a brand new episode of the Zone 4 podcast, and if you like it - and/or are a personal friend of mine, you'll like us on Facebook 
• It's mid-month, meaning another edition of my Comic Related column
• A very special post in the Baker Street Blog; and
• Not one, but two guest posts for Chicago Now's Job Stalker

Be sure to stick around on the blog - not only am I presenting (or representing) a feature I had done years before, but you might hear some wacky stories, like how this week I had to explain to a co-worker the significance of the word muah

Zone 4: Makes Your Week Complete

Vamping on a Kids in the Hall sketch, circa 1993

If it's Friday, it's time once again for another Zone 4 episode, wherein I learn a hard lesson - always turn off the desk fan while recording. But it's a fun comic related show that you should be listening to, so subscribe today and join us on Facebook!

Next week is going to be very busy for me - starting a few freelance gigs (nothing full-time, but will bring in some sorely needed income), but am more than eager for the opportunity to work. But here's some of the other places you will find me:

• my review of Action Comics # 1 is up as the Comic Related "Hot Shot of the Week";
• this past week's Job Stalker guest post features another one of my pop culture-flavored metaphors;
• thanks to Gaper's Block for the nod for this Tuesday's Chicago Nerds Doctor Who 101 event (and if you attend, please buy coffee and baked goods);
• don't forget the Chicago Red Cross Mission: Red fundraiser next Friday at 8:00 pm - buy your tickets here!
• I actually spent some time building out this site with sub-pages and other cool features....but in the spirit of tradition, will continue to keep misspelling words and using punctuation poorly. 

Thanks for reading, and don't worry - more blogging fun to come.

Now That All The DC Reboot Hype Is Over...

Here's a chance for you to help support a noble organization in a noble cause with a cool event. (FULL DISCLOSURE: I'm a volunteer).

If you're going to be in Chicago in mid-September, why not come to our signature event of the fall, Mission: Red - you can order tickets here:

And if you can't make it, or live outside of Chicago, please - buy a raffle ticket for a scooter. (It's your chance to reenact Quadrophenia!)

Come on down - have fun! Meet cool people! And more importantly - help a great organization that does some truly heroic work.

Friday On My Mind, So To Speak

This has been one heckuva week, but I'm glad to say....

• Mission: Red, the Red Cross experience auction fundraiser for which I volunteer as marketing co-chair, is officially kicked off. If you can make it in September, please feel free to sign up (and Twitter/Facebook/etc) at http://bit.ly/MissionRedTix. This is a very high-end event, but one which I think at least a few of you might be interested in (and you can always follow the event on Facebook)
• Obligatory mention of my latest guest post on The Job Stalker
• To the guy who called me a "hypocrite" in response to this post - sorry, dude, but you lost the argument when you used the same word I called that comic shop owner on. And if I offend someone, pulling my statement isn't hypocrisy - it's being responsible. Just like blocking you from making a response on this blog is, as well as encouraging people to visit your shop's competitor.
• Speaking of controversial opinions, please give a listen to fellow Comic Related podcasters Nerd Girls Eye View as they discuss women in comics. 
• Thankfully, I have a pass for WizardWorld Comicon next week...but may end up going either Friday or Saturday. At the very least, I can get a chance to beat up Billy Corgan for crimes against music and the city of Chicago. (Hey, I came of age in the '90s. He's a bit of a prat. I think I'm owed that much)
• Remember that Doctor Who 101 event I did for Chicago Nerd Social Club? Planning one for September. Watch this space and others for details.
• Finally, as long as it's Friday, it's time once again for a new Zone 4 podcast episode. Let pal Brant lay it out You Tube style:

A Semi-Modest Proposal In Light of Recent Events

005 - February 10, 2011 - American Red Cross Flirting for Disaster a photo by chicago red cross on Flickr.

First, full disclosure - I volunteer for the Red Cross. In fact, I'm going to be co-chairing the marketing committee for one of their larger fundraisers in the Chicago area. So if you want to accuse me of being self-promoting, fair enough.

Quite frankly, I have to admit - things have been tough. Except for postings on Facebook, my birthday last week was just like my Christmas - I got nothing. Nada. A card from my aunt, but that's about it. I'm not happy about it, but quite frankly....

...Friday's tsunami news was a little more disconcerting.

My other aunt (the one married to my uncle) has family in Hawaii. So I was a little concerned that they might have been affected by the earthquake in Japan.

But it also made me glad that I volunteer for the Red Cross, and that I'm more than happy to do whatever I can to help them help others.

So here's the challenge to you, dear reader - I would like you to support your Red Cross. Yes, I mean financially....but there's also other things you can do that doesn't involve money.

On a simple level, go to this microsite - it's the Red Cross' effort to bring attention to fire safety and fire victims. It will allow you to "burn" your profile picture on Facebook, and you can also send updates via Twitter. Yes, you're online anyway looking up Doctor Who series six spoilers, so why not put that effort to good use?

On a deeper level, give your time. Call your local Red Cross and see if they have an Auxiliary Society. You have time and talents that can be useful to the Red Cross, and believe me - they can use it.

(If you're not a fan of the Red Cross, for some reason, find an organization that appeals to you, and do it).

Because quite frankly, it's easy for us to assume that what we believe in is worthwhile...it's a lot harder to take that belief and put it to good use.

And quite simply, it's not about - yet all about - us.