My (Belated) Birthday Reflections

(Thread starts at this Twitter post; check out the corresponding Twitter memory)

So for anyone who's been my friend over these past way-the-hell-more-than-18-years-of-life that I've lived....I'm grateful on my birthday to have you in my life.

Thank you. /18 pic.twitter.com/1mwo44uPt8

— Gordon D (@gordondym) March 6, 2018

What Do These People Have In Common?

And more importantly, what do they have in common with me?

Obligatory Educational Content For the Blog

Birthday Thoughts

Ok, so you're probably thinking, "Gordon, why the [expletive] are you blogging at approximately 6:40 am on your birthday?"

Yes, I've been that busy. And it's my blog, my rules.

Yes, today's my birthday, with pal Roger's coming shortly. My life in the past year - actually, the past year and a half - has been active, lively, and not without incident.

Ever since the events of October 2013, I've been making headway into really examining what works in my life...and what doesn't. Making decisions about how I spend my time, establishing priorities...well, it's safe to say that I'm growing up in that regard. So much so that my new idea of a great evening involves a blanket and a good book.

(Or e-book).

But the past six months have been rough...with Mom's health (she's doing better, by the way), people and cats in my life passing (within two months, I lost my aunt, my mom's cat, and a friend), and changes in my employment.

Moving towards a freelance career, rather than a straightforward job...well, I'm enjoying it. Granted, it means a greater emphasis on finding/soliciting work, but it also gives me the opportunity to pursue my writing. And it also means scheduling rest and relaxation at regular intervals.

(Trust me, in my much younger days I "lived for the hustle". However, living for the hustle also can be a very lonely life).

All in all, I'm grateful. I'm in a much better place than I have been in awhile. Sure, I have challenges, but I can face them with a much clearer head and greater confidence.

And that's the best birthday present I can give myself.

Big Hint About Upcoming Personal News.....

Happy Birthday Fred Hembeck!

He's not only one of my favorite artists, but he's also responsible for fostering a love of comics in my youth.

And yes, he did corrupt it. Yes, indeedy!

Happy birthday, Mr. Hembeck!

And here's what I'll be reading tonight....

Orson Welles: The 100th Birthday Blog Retrospective

To think that it all started in high school AP English class....

That's when I first saw Citizen Kane....but more importantly, was introduced to the talent of Orson Welles.

I remembered him (at that point) as more of the "Paul Masson wine" guy - you know, the fat man who would sell no wine before its time? But after that point, I was....well, much more open minded...

Then I saw The Third Man in college - as well as the later restoration rerelease....and was hooked. Heck, I even wrote a Welles-themed story for Airship 27 Productions. (And yes, Ron, this is a very blatant attempt to bully and blackmail you into publishing it).

But on this 100th anniversary of Orson Welles' birth, I am choosing to celebrate not with reminisces....but with some choice selections of Wellesian fare from this very blog.

• The Ballad of Harry Lime, which is all about The Third Man;
• The Many Lives of Harry Lime, its radio (or "audio drama") spinoff;
• The Stranger, one of his lesser known (but really good) films;
• A review of the recently released My Lunches With Orson; and
• Some various Welles-ian tidbits (including the infamous Pinky & the Brain sketch)

The  best tribute I can give to Welles is to point to his work. Enjoy!

Guess What Today Is?

..... And for those who aren't quite into cake:

Happy Birthday Tom Baker

Offered without comment. Or apology.

Happy Birthday, Jack Kirby!

He would have been 95 years old today. 

And yes, I think he would have said that. Out loud. 

March Birthdays Of Note

First, March is a very momentous month, as 80 years ago marked the first appearance of Doc Savage, perhaps the greatest of all pulp characters. Without him, it's safe to say, much contemporary popular culture would have a much different nature and character.

In other news, today is my birthday. Without me, it's safe to say, many of my friends....would probably less remarkably less interesting lives.

And now, back to following up on a promising job lead; if you would like to help, please visit http://bit.ly/HireMePal.

As always, thanks for your support!

Let the Friday Celebrations Commence!I

I Dare You to Knock the Beer
Steins Out of Their Hands

Whew, this has been a busy week - a huge thank you to Lynne Thomas and Arlington Heights Memorial Library for a great Doctor Who- themed event this past Tuesday. It was, quite honestly, a great evening....and hopefully, to be repeated at a later date. (Which reminds me that I should probably check my calendar and think about doing another Doctor Who 101 event post-C2E2)....

Speaking of which, this week is going to see a great increase in my social activities, since Tuesday is my birthday. I'm planning an evening get-together with friends (and was asked by an acquaintance why I didn't schedule something for the weekend - really? I can't celebrate my birthday when I want to?), so Tuesday night at 6-ish, look for me at Fado's at Grand and Clark. Please bring presents as well. :)

In addition, just received the first colored, completed page of art for a web comic project I've been working on. It is, quite honestly, impressive. Once this is online, I'll be sure to link to it - the artist took my humble script and turned it into an artistic masterpiece. So much so that I'm considering sending him the latest Job Stalker post and seeing if he'll turn that into a classic.

While you're waiting for Dan Con on Sunday (and yes, I will be there - just be sure to ask around and someone will point me out), please feel free to give the latest episode of Zone 4 a listen. This time, Brant, Captain Ron, and I talk to Dan Sehn of Argo Comics. No trailer this time around, but this is a great episode.

And work-wise, although I'm nowhere near a traditional 9 to 5 job, I am moving slowly, but surely, towards building a steady freelance base. As one assignment will be ending in the few months, I'll be starting up another training series with a small firm. But I'm always on the lookout for opportunities, and if you think you know someone, please feel free to forward my Linked In profile to them.

Things are moving forward, and I am very grateful.

Happy (Belated) Birthday, Groucho Marx!

(Yes, too much Doctor Who-related news this week, but didn't want to miss Sunday's milestone,  so I'm posting this today because you can never have too much Marx Brothers)

Happy (Belated) 100th Birthday, Lucille Ball

Now with gratuitous Aunt Harriet cameo:

Public Domain Drive-In: Post # 1550

Today marks the 100th birthday of actor/St. Louis resident/art collector Vincent Price, who was best known for doing a lot of horror films. So many that as a guy who grew up watching most of his stuff - his work with Roger Corman on adapting the works of Edgar Allen Poe; The Tingler with William Castle, or even (personal favorite) The Abominable Dr. Phibes/Dr Phibes Rises Again - I'm at a loss to choose one to highlight.

However, since I write about public domain films on occasion, I'm going to feature the Italian-made The Last Man on Earth, the earliest adaptation of Richard Matheson's I Am Legend. I can't say it's one of my favorite Vincent Price movies, but there is a kind of eerie creepiness about it that still tends to get under my skin.

And now, for your enjoyment, please watch - and distribute to your friends on the Interwebs. Because we're all trying to stretch our entertainment dollars, and this is one of those movies that's worth staying in to see.

Today's Google Doodle

Much like Wil Eisner, the creator of The Spirit (and featured in today's Google doodle), it is my birthday.

And to my Chicago friends - had no plans this weekend. You are more than welcome to show me the small kindnesses that you would show all the other people you've shown small kindnesses to.

Because due to family illness, the past few months have been hell. And quite frankly, I could use some support closer to home.

Thanks for reading!

P.S. To one particular pal - thanks for the invite. You, sir, are "a rock star", as the teenagers say. 

Gift Suggestion For My March Birthday (Although I'd Need A Bigger Model)

(via Buzzfeed and BBC America on Twitter)

A Few Reminders

Just a few reminders.

First, my birthday is March 6th.

Secondly, to make shopping for me easier, here is all that I want, and is available on 2/23:



Thanks for your attention.

Your Offical "Blog THIS, Pal!" Moment That Goes Too Far....

Via Facebook. Also, Tweetup tonight!

And Lo, There Shall Be...A Tweetup

As many of you may or may not be aware, March 6th (Friday) is my birthday (it's also Tom Arnold's birthday, but he's not a blogger, so there!).

(This is also post # 1100, but that has nothing to do with content)

Long ago, I decided to emulate Jack Benny, who no matter what year, stayed a perennial 39 years old. I liked it because, quite frankly, it was a good year to stay at.

So for those of you in the Chicago area on Friday, March 6th...you are cordially invited to join me for my 12th annual 39th birthday celebration at Fado's Irish Pub, located at Grand and Clark (just a few short blocks from the CTA Red Line train) from 6pm to 8pm. It's more historic than what happened at the Alamo.

Just a few notes about the event:

• Be casual, man. It's no big thing. Just me and some friends getting together, but feel free to bring friends.
  
• Please also feel free to forward on Twitter, Facebook, etc. I'll be sending out invites today via those channels, and let's face it - it's a social media groove thang.
• You'll win brownie points if you bring some attractive, single females...or you are an attractive, single female.
  
• If you're interested in me and an attractive, single female - please bring a resume. I'm serious. I have dating standards, you know.
  
• Please don't be surprised if I don't stay all night - I have a ticket to the hottest movie in town that day at the Navy Pier IMAX:

That's right - it's Old Government Short Subject Night. Going to definitely rock.