Your Friday Online Wrap-Up

Transitions, transitions....most of my time has been spent writing, searching for freelance work (followed up on some leads, but if you know someone who might hire me, check me out on Linked In). But that hasn't kept me from keeping busy...or making changes....

As you may be aware, I've stepped down from the board of the Chicago Nerd Social Club. Much of it is due to personal commitments (mostly Mom), but in all honesty - it was time for me to step down. After five years of service, sometimes the only way to insure people get a seat at the table is to give up your own seat.

Besides, it's meant a mini-renaissance in working on Chicago TARDIS and Chicago Doctor Who Meetup. In fact, if you will be in Chicago any time during September, you have several opportunities to play catch-up:

• September 6th at LaCatrina Cafe;
• September 8th at Wow Bao;
• September 10th at Overflow Coffee; and
• September 21st at Third Coast Comics.

Thanks to web analytics, I'm proud to say that this Prisoner-themed blog post was cited in this Wikipedia article. Granted, it's about a relatively obscure aspect of the show....but it's nice that, after blogging long enough, I'm getting a bit more attention. 

And allow me to finish with a plug for both my Facebook Author page and my Amazon Author page. Follow along - I update both several times a week, and I'm always willing to plug my books. Simply head to the Amazon page - or click any of the links below - and buy. Trust me, you'll get some really good reads...and make my day.

Too Many Darn "Goodbyes"

Normally, June's my month for sad rumination - after all, my father's birthday and Father's Day are within two weeks of one another.

However, August so far...has been tough.

First, this month marks the tenth anniversary of my father's passing. It was...well, a phone call at work. Rushing to get out of St. Louis home in time for the funeral. Dealing with a very dysfunctional position....and with the inevitable countdown to the move back to Chicago.

But this past week has also had two goodbyes - one intentional, the other sudden. And both have me a bit...well, you might understand why I haven't wanted to write about either for a bit.

The first is about Jake - the neighbor's Doberman who became my "transitional pet". Hadn't seen him for a few weeks, but didn't think anything of it. After all, I'd been busy with a burgeoning freelance business, and work has been...well, it's still a struggle to get work, but I've been more consistent in finding and keeping clients.

However, last week my neighbor informed me that Jake had developed a sudden illness and....well, a difficult choice was made.

My reaction was slightly different this time around - unlike my cat Dax's passing, it was much easier to take. Yes, it was difficult, but Jake wasn't my dog. (Well, he was my dog but he wasn't my dog). I'm still a bit sad over it, and I miss him...but more importantly, I think that the fact that he led me to meet my neighbors, explore my neighborhood, and get out of the house during a tough time has helped ameliorate some of the sadness I might feel.

(And trust me, I am sad. However, I'm hoping to adopt another cat in the next few months, so more cat videos will be appearing via my barely-used YouTube channel).

The other goodbye was to Chicago Nerd Social Club as board member. With everything happening (including Mom being hospitalized last week), I realized that I needed more time. After six years of service to Chicago Nerd Social Club, I stepped down in late June, and had a formal send-off yesterday.

I hate saying goodbye, especially to people and activities I enjoy. In many ways, Chicago Nerd Social Club board membership helped me relive my "golden days" as a board member. Yet I also realized something years ago, after something happened to a friend of mine...a lesson I learned in St. Louis, of all places...

I could have anything I want...I just can't have everything I want.

Right now, I've hit a cliche - I'm at the age where I have more days behind me than ahead of me. I need to focus on making each day count. My old days of overwork, cramped calendars, and non-stop activity need new focus. It means that I need to grieve, but also use that grief as a way of moving forward.

Right now, I'm in an uncomfortable place emotionally. But things will get better. And I feel very fortunate that I have the ability to miss people, activities, and assorted animal companions.

Because that means I'm probably doing something right.

Join Me For November (Doctor) Who-Liganisms!

So you're probably thinking, "Hey, Gordon's a busy guy, and I would love to get together with him to hang....but how do I go about doing that?"

Two opportunities, everyone, to socialize with me and "get your Who on."

First, the Chicago Nerd Social Club and Chicago Doctor Who Meetup group hold weekly viewing parties of new Doctor Who every week at the Red Lion Pub in Lincoln Park. You're welcome to join us upstairs for The Zygon Inversion - it's an hour's worth of socializing followed by this week's episode of Doctor Who. It's a pretty cool crowd, and more importantly, all you need to do is let us know your coming (via Eventbrite)

Also, it's getting down to the wire for Chicago TARDIS - not just for the auction, but since Alex Kingston (aka "River Song") will be there on Friday and Sunday...it's going to be really cool. Here are some details for helping with the auction (which benefits Northern Illinois Food Bank - just click around and you'll find a way to register at the last moment.

So please, join me. You'll have fun. I guarantee it.

Your Pre-Doctor Who Series Premiere Blogaround

Yes, tomorrow I will be hosting a live view of the Doctor Who Series 9 Premiere; but until then, here's a listing of various online shenanigans. (All in an effort to maintain "proper reputation management", as the kids say...

But first, via Sean Taylor's blog, my thoughts on writing great mysteries. And with several projects forthcoming....it's very timely indeed.

And on the Chicago Now front....I'm working on two really big posts, but for now, here's a profile of ChariPick, a really cool Chicago startup.

Things are moving along with the Chicago TARDIS Charity Auction, but in an effort to drive interest and traffic, please check out this recent item for the Chicago Nerd Social Club website. (And if you would like to meet me in person, check out the joint meetup with Chicago Doctor Who Meetup on September 22nd).

Finally, I was proud to have been name-checked on both Reality Bomb and Radio Free Skaro....although aside to RFS host Steven - please tell me where you see a few extra letters in my last name?

Best comment wins a prize.

Rocketing Into Spring!

The next few months are....well, let's just say that I'll probably even be less present online than I am currently. But here are some great opportunities to catch me face-to-face.

I've been working on my calendar, and over the next few months, I'll be spending many weekends socializing, enjoying my interests, and basically procrastinating (all of this while building my new marketing consultancy and finding/performing work). So if you're interested in meeting up with me, here's the highlights for April and May:

April 8th - The Doctor Who Meetup group and Chicago Nerd Social Club are putting on a joint social at The Scout, located at 1301 South Wabash. For more details/RSVP, find us via Meetup and Facebook.

April 9th - It's time for another Chicago Geek Breakfast - a casual networking event at Wow Bao. We sit and we talk, and build relationships - click the links for details and to RSVP

April 18th - Chicago Doctor Who Meetup is holding its monthly screening/lecture of a classic Who episode: check out Meetup.com for details

April 17th and April 19th - I will be a guest/attendee at Windy City Pulp and Paper . April 19th - that Sunday - I will be reading "Crossing McCausland" from Tall Pulp and serving on a 2:00 pm panel. Now, what will I be doing that Saturday, you ask....

April 18th - Daina of the Sherlock Chicago Meetup group and I will be co-presenting on gender roles in Sherlock Holmes at Columbia College's one-day Geek Culture Gala. Check out details via Facebook.

April 24 - 26th - Yes, I'm doing C2E2 this year - special thanks for the press pass. I'll be the confused looking one with the well-worn "old school lawyer case".

May 2nd - Please join me for "The Wibbley Wobbley Timey-Wimey Guide to Doctor Who" at Oak Lawn Public Library's first annual Fanfest in celebration of Free Comic Book Day. It's family friendly, has a nice south side location (on 95th street just west of Cicero), and - more importantly - free to attend!

May 9th - Come join me at the DePaul's Celebration of Supernatural - I'll be on the morning panel for antecents of the show, and we're conveniently located downtown - 14 E. Jackson, near the Red/Orange/Blue/Pink/Brown Lines. (Special thanks to Brant Fowler of Comic Related/Zone 4 Podcast for his assistance and expertise, since I'm engaging in a "crash course" in the show). Although it's free to attend, I suggest RSVPing via Eventbrite

May 10th - Chicago Nerd Social Club Leverage 101 event; details to follow. (Here's the obligatory Leverage-themed blog post)

May 14th - Yes, it's another Chicago Geek Breakfast at Wow Bao.

May 16th - Chicago Doctor Who Meetup will have an event at Blue Box Cafe in Elgin. Details forthcoming (because - let's face it - nobody likes spoilers. Nobody

May 20th - It's a very special Who Meetup. Trust me, it's that good.

May 30th - The Chicago Doctor Who Meetup and Chicago Nerd Social Club is putting on a brunch for Who fans at Medici's in Hyde Park. Please check out details via Meetup and Facebook.

As I stated yesterday, my life's changed in many ways. I'm glad now to say that I'm happy busy....and hope to see you, dear reader, at an upcoming event.

All the News From 'Round the Web

As you've read just a few days ago, my short story Crossing McCausland was published in Pro Se Productions' latest anthology, Tall Pulp. (Soon to be available as an ebook - keep watching Amazon). Yes, I get royalties, so please feel free to purchase multiple copies to hand out to your friends.

(And if you encounter me in person and ask nicely, I will autograph it for you)

But now, for some other news from around the web:

• This Saturday, July 19th, I'll be leading the Chicago Nerd Social Club in putting on a great Doctor Who 101 session. It's free, family-friendly, and quite honestly - worth your time. Join us, won't you?
• Recently, I wrote a post about Sherlock Series 4 for I Hear of Sherlock. May have posted this previously, but hey....it's my blog, after all.....
• Although I've had some professional successes, I'm still keeping an eye out for professional/freelance gigs. Know someone who can use my talents? Please have them check out my Linked In profile.
• Thanks to the internet, my sordid past writing Dark Shadows fan fiction is now public.

The Week In Me - Online!

Let's see...first, the writing career's going to an OK start: still working on a draft story with an open deadline, have submitted proofs for two potential publications (more news as I hear it). Working on acquiring work, and am building a Word Press site to show off my professional portfolio. (As a result, I'm considering turning the personal site into highlighting more of my creative efforts). But besides those efforts, here is the usual list of weekly highlights:

• As you can see above, I was recently featured as part of NetSquared's efforts to recruit new organizers. Although I stepped down from Chicago Net Tuesday earlier this year, it's cool to see that my past efforts are greatly appreciated.
• Please give a listen to last week's episode of the Zone 4 podcast - we're reviewing issues 3 and 4 of Mark Millar's Starlight, and there's very little snark at my end;
• Don't forget - Chicago Nerd Social Club presents Doctor Who 101 on July 19th;
• Some Sherlock Series 4 predictions via I Hear of Sherlock; and
• Some light reading via Chicago Now.

Should have some publication news shortly, otherwise....keep calm and drink more coffee.

Announcing: DOCTOR WHO 101 on July 19th

This has been a really rough week, on multiple levels, but one thing that hasn't been rough...is that yes, thanks to Chicago Nerd Social Club, we'll be holding another Doctor Who 101 event.

We have some really cool guests for our panel (a change from the usual online slideshow), with pal JB from Who 37, my pals from Two Girls One Guy And a Tardis....and pal Phil from the late, lamented Bar Tab of Rassilon. We'll be discussing all sorts of cool Who stuff - favorite episodes, good jumping on points for fans....but ultimately, it's about Doctor Who. What else do you need?


So I'm inviting all of you to join us on Saturday, July 19th at Sulzer Library, located at 4455 N. Lincoln. (It's a short walk from the Western Brown Line station, as well as near the #78 Bus stop). The event will be in the auditorium (straight off the front door), and will start around 2:00 pm.

Cosplay not only welcome - it's encouraged.

All we ask - please RSVP at http://drwho101cnsc.eventbrite.com - that way, we know you're coming (and seats are limited)

At the very least, you can claim to have a close, personal encounter with me!

All the Elsewheres I've Been

This has been one heck of a week - busy with a variety of networking opportunities, job interviews....and Mom heading into the hospital yesterday.

(Nothing major - just a few tests. Most likely, it's dehydration. I'm currently house/cat sitting for her.)

While I'm working on two projects (one writing/one editing) for Airship 27 Productions, that's meant a bit of a break from the blog....and that's, well, that's a priority I need to adjust. Too much rushing and not enough contemplation are deadly.....

...but for now, enjoy this review of An Adventure in Time and Space for Chicago Nerd Social Club, as well as the latest edition of One Cause At a Time.

All I can say is...some plans are coming into fruition, and you'll probably be begging me to stay quiet a few months from now....

C2E2: The Verdict....

After a busy time at C2E2, I have to admit that heading to a local pulp show actually served as a kind of palate cleanser. Although I had a great time at C2E2 hanging with my Comic Related pals (as well as Chicago Nerd Social Club)....I have to admit that I wasn't all that crazy about the show this year. In fact....I actually felt that there were some really disappointing and frustrating aspects. (One of which was....well, my own darn fault).

• First, on the positive front - both of the Chicago Nerd Social Club panels went exceedingly well. (Saturday's panel on sexism was standing-room only). Despite all of the back-and-forth on the Janelle Asselin controversy (and yes, more on that later on in thie blog), it's heartening to see a segment of fandom willing to discuss these issues openly.
• Guest-wise....I have to say that I felt many complaints about the lack of media guests was rather out of line. (After all, it's a comic convention - focusing on that might not be such a bad idea). I did think that there could have been slightly more diversity....and I did think the comments about the increasing number of wrestlers with booths was a bit out of line. (At the risk of gatekeeping, wrestling might not be so much a "nerdy" thing as a "comic" thing....and it was worth an effort.
• Saturday...was probably the worst day. It didn't help that one shuttle bus pulled up, was full (but announced another was coming), a second one drove straight by, and a third pulled up to take in a large crowd. Although more regular, this is...not good.
• My big complaint about Saturday morning - despite holding a press pass and having a 10 am appointment, I was herded into large line, and was kep waiting. (I had arrived at approximately 9:55 am). As the third line, I watched as two larger ones were let in around 10:00 am, and we were kept waiting for 10 minutes. As our line progressed, I could see that we were being recorded by a staff member with a video camera at the head of the line...walking backwards. I don't mind waiting until officially opening....but delaying a large group to "get the shot right"? Not cool.
• Not being allowed in early (despite having Press credentials) had a knock-on effect, meaning that I missed two scheduled appointments, was late for my Doctor Who panel (which had a bumpy start due to my lack of preparation), and ended up missing one of my Comic Related pals entirely. Yes, I am whining and claiming privilege for a complimentary press pass, but if I wanted to be herded like cattle, I would have attended Wizard World
• Yes, bags were checked, and I realize the need for heightened security. However, I question that strategy when several vendors sell prop and real weapons (including swords and guns) for cosplayers. (This is not anti-cosplay; I realize safety is an issue, but it seems like C2E2 is sending a very mixed mesage).
• Note to self and to fellow CNSC board members: we should do a bit more planning when having our booth manned. Working two booths is a bit tiring on my part, and I'm willing to spearhead that effort.

Admittedly, my experience at C2E2 was overall....OK. Unfortunately, I think the show this year was hampered by a bit of misscheduling due to Easter (having this and Windy City on the same weekend meant that one effectively "stole" attendees from another - I'll write more on Windy City Pulp tomorrow). I will say this - I was very disappointed in C2E2 this year. In talking with a fellow blogger, he mentioned that C2E2 was started because they could be an altenative to Wizard World
Although it provides a much healthier fan experience, C2E2 needs to work harder on providing value, because just claiming "We're Not Wizard World" is no longer enough.

Blog THIS, Pal - The Networking/Convention/Panel Roadshow!

Right now, even though I'm freelancing and still seeking work (more on that in another post), I am glad to see that, on the networking/social site, I'm beginning to develop a bit of a schedule. So if you're in the Chicago area between now and May-ish, here are some suggested events where you might be able to catch a glimpse of me.

(And don't be afraid to say "hello")

• This Sunday, March 16th, I will be attending Almost Pi(e) Day 2014, an event put on by the Chicago Nerd Social Club. (Note: I'm a board member). Whether you enjoy mathematics or baked goods, I think you'll find this a really great event. Details (including RSVP information) at this link.
• On Saturday, March 23rd, I'll be attending Day One of the two-day Dan Con, put on by pal Decapitated Dan. Mostly, I'll be apologizing to Dan and begging his forgiveness for missing Dan Con 2013.  So in other words...if you want to see me grovel, please be sure not to miss Dan Con this year!
• On Thursday, April 10th (and every second Thursday of the month until November), I'll be running the Chicago Geek Breakfast, a very informal/no pressure hangout/networking/get-to-know-you event. If you would like to RSVP, please check out the Eventbrite page for details. 
• On Friday, April 26th/Saturday, April 27th, I will be hanging out around the Comic Related table at C2E2. (Thankfully, I have a press pass). I'll also be attending two panels run by pal Michi of CNSC and Geek Melange, so I'll be making my way throughout the event. Of course, I won't be there on Sunday, because....
• On Sunday, April 28th, I'll be running the "Publishing New Pulp" panel at Windy City Pulp & Paper, where I'll be meeting with three writer/publishers whom I greatly admire....and fellow Zone 4 co-host Captain Ron (and yes, I'm kidding). If you're into the pulp fiction, you'll want to attend (and I'm hoping to pick up Altus Press' Inspector Allhoff 
  
  anthology)....
• Activities around the Chicago Doctor Who Meetup Group will definitely be picking up, since I have many plans in the works. Be sure to click and check out the site for details in the next few weeks, and finally....
• Just found out that I am fortunate enough to sit on a panel at Joss Whedon: A Celebration happening at DePaul University (my alma mater), on Saturday, May 5th. Clicking on the link will take you to a Facebook evite with further details; once I know more, I'll share them via the blog.

So although I will be blogging more, you can be rest assured that any prolonged absence isn't due to being too busy....it's due to actually enjoying the spring.

Crazy Like A Madman In A Blue Box

(Special Thanks to BBC Home Entertainment for a complimentary DVD set for review)

Under other circumstances, receiving Doctor Who: The Complete Series 7 boxed set would have been more pleasant. No, it's not the episodes themselves (having written about them for the Chicago Nerd Social Club), but the circumstances.

Last week, a friend of mine passed away suddenly. He was a hi-how-are-you friend, but the speed of his passing was...well, it had an effect. Thankfully, it led to me making an impromptu visit with Mom, and I brought along the boxed set to watch some episodes.

Obviously, it led to some questions from Mom (whose exposure to the series are the episodes currently being screened by the local PBS station), but in watching the set (especially the extras and the
minisodes)....there's a strong subtext of comings and goings, learning to develop your own connections as others pass out of life, and sometimes you know when it's the right time for things to end.

And some endings come too suddenly....perhaps I'm making more of Doctor Who than I should. (I'm kind of like that). But it's a subtext that I'm learning to appreciate more - unlike other uberfans who get a little bothered with the emotional subplots, I think it adds a richness to the show that may not have been there during the classic series.

(At least, I may not have seen it).

It goes without saying that The Complete Series 7 is a great set, even if some of the individual episodes leave a little to be desired. But taken altogether, there's a very rich, emotional arc that's worth exploring....and it's a journey definitely worth taking.

My Busy, Busy Week of Online Activity

I know it's been awhile - thanks to two, count 'em, two job interviews in the last few weeks (one is a no-go, one I'm still waiting to hear about), and resuming classes at DePaul, I've been away from the keyboard....at least, away from this blog.

However, now with a variety of activities coming to life, I thought I would go ahead and highlight the activities and good things of the past week and a half. Enjoy!

• The Les Vamps anthology (in which I have a story) will be released in early October, but I have some advance review copies available. Simply drop me a line via my web site (with a preference for PDF, Kindle, or EPUB), and I will send you the file (or, upon request, a Dropbox link)
• Last week, Chicago TARDIS announced a charity auction to benefit the Northern Illinois Food Bank, and who do you think is chairing it? That's right - this guy! If you would like to register to bid (or to donate memorability) simply click here and find the pull-down menu.
• On the most recent episode of the Zone 4 podcast, you'll find the guys and I discussing villain teams. I'm seriously thinking of developing my idea into an actual comic (minus the copyrighted characters, of course....)
• As part of Chicago Nerd Social Club, I've not only written a review of the Scream of the Shalka DVD (Spoiler: it's not that good), I've also organized a Doctor Who 50th Anniversary viewing party (Spoiler: it's gonna be awesome!)
• Your Breaking Bad/non-profit networking mashup moment of zen.
• For Comic Related, I wrote a lovely post about shark jumping, with extra Red Dwarf content.
• Not only have I written another post for I Hear of Sherlock (which integrated the Baker Street Blog), but I was also name checked in another post. Hurrah!
• Finally, if you know of anyone who can use my talents (via my Linked In profile), drop me (and them) a line. More than willing to work remote.

Thanks, and now, back to the job hunt. 

A Different Kind of "Fireworks" On the 4th of July

As many of you long-term readers may know, things...have kept me a bit busy for the past few months. Thankfully, life is beginning to settle into a more comfortable form of uncertainty.

On the job front - have been progressing slowly, with one really brief assignment and a ton of interviews. Here's hoping that I can break through and actually do some actual long-term work. Thankfully, my powers as a blogger have enabled me to keep current on some new releases (those Doctor Who DVDs aren't going to watch themselves, you know), and keeping a semi-structured day floating between wi-fi hotspots keeps me going.

But all in all, some good things - the Zone 4 podcast is going great guns, I'm starting to get back into the swing of blogging for Chicago Now, I'm coming back into my own on Twitter and Facebook and yes, I know about that other blog at the old domain. Trust me, I'm on it like a bonnet, but until you hear from me otherwise, please point your browsers to http://blogthispal.blogspot.com.

(That's the new hip phrase that I want the teenagers to use - on it like a bonnet. I'm sure pal Roger will write a blog post with that very title)

So today, I'll be heading over to Mom's and hanging out with her and Chucky, the cat. Part of my time is going to also be spent catching up on writing (I have WonderMan issue 4 to write - issue 2 is drawn, and I sent the script for issue 3 a few months ago) and doing some blog and other writing (including Comic Related and Chicago Nerd Social Club, as well as some long-overdue tweaking on this blog).

Until tomorrow, friends - have a happy and safe 4th of July, no matter where you live.

My Non Chicago TARDIS Life

While I'm doing the social media thing for Chicago TARDIS (essentially updates on Facebook and Twitter), here are some of my usual online shenanigans for the past week - mainly just to drive search optimization and, well, claim bragging rights:

• Thanks to the Chicago Nerd Social Club and the Bubonic Players, I was able to attend - and review - a really cool, indie-style improv review. 
• If you haven't read some of my recent posts for Chicago Now's One Cause At A Time, now is a great chance to do so.
• Finally, a new, great episode of Zone 4

Kickstarting My Summer

First, this has been a heck of a week - attended a networking gathering on Wednesday (won't name it publicly, but will definitely share details privately); ended up feeling treated less than respectfully - not constructive criticism, but more of an I-know-more-than-you-do-without-knowing-you-vibe.

Of course, I wanted to throw my participation in the upcoming Chicago COUNTS conference on June 9th, and Learnapalooza on June 16th, but didn't want to tarnish this particular person's obnoxiousness. Suffice it to say, I'm moving on. Besides, I'm looking for a few good people to help me in reviving the Chicago Nerd Social Club, more specifically with blogging - if interested, please fill out the form at http://bit.ly/ChiNerdBlog

(Also, I'm going to be organizing a networking breakfast for geeks - more details will be forthcoming, especially since I'm pledging to use my time more wisely)

After all, I have one short-term work contract coming in, and waiting on another work contract to arrive. So hopefully, that will mean some regular income while I attempt to find an artist, colorist, and inker for my Zone 4 story. And speaking of which, we recently focused on the Kickstarter platform on the podcast - it's a very lively conversation which you should hear. Honestly. You'll thank me later.

If It's Friday, It Means One of "Those" Posts....

...but with a slight twist.

Thankfully, I'll be doing some work with a local business development corporation, helping some small business/store fronts get online (whether it's social media, just getting a web site up, or any other small things). Granted, it may not be the most glamorous of positions, but hopefully, it will be a great kickoff for some further freelancing. Yes, I'll still be looking for full time employment, but I'm always willing to share my expertise.

Speaking of which, I'm putting on a small business/social media training on September 1st. If you know of someone who could use this kind of training, and relatively inexpensively, please feel free to send them this link. Yes, there is a cost, but it covers facility and materials. It's part of my way to "build my brand" to use current buzz speak...but this is (relatively) new territory for me. (And if you know a small comic-related business in Chicago who could use it, all the better - more clients = veggies to go with the Ramen noodles!)

Anyway, I've pretty much been engaging in major Doctor Who watching - my most recent post for the Job Stalker focused on work search lessons from Doctor Who, and I'm also putting on another Doctor Who 101 event for the Chicago Nerd Social Club. If you're a reader and want to say "hi", please join us. If Facebook is any indication, it's going to be a big event, but then again, things in the Facebookosphere (is that even a word?) can change in an instant. (I'm also giving a talk tomorrow morning on SEO and job seeking, but unfortunately, the RSVP period is over. I'll definitely summarize it for the Job Stalker on Wednesday)

Finally, as always, there's a brand new episode of Zone 4, where we discuss what's more important - the story or the art in comics, and I rant some more about Wizard World Chicago. Here's a trailer for your viewing pleasure:



And finally, for former coworker & supervisor and current online pal Jeff - I see your Tweet and raise you a YouTube video.

Self-Promotion Sunday

While I'm recovering from Wizard World (which amazingly reached a high level of mediocrity - watch for an upcoming blog post!), I thought I would go ahead and talk about some events and happenings which I'm involved with, and which I hope Chicago-area readers of this blog (or, at the very least, other readers can share with their Chicago pals) will be interested in promoting and/or attending.

First, as many of you know, I've been job seeking, and have actually taken the first step to trying to gain some non-profit/small business consulting clients. So on Thursday, September 1st at 5:30 pm, I'll be putting on a presentation around using Twitter and Facebook - more specifically, once you establish accounts for your business, how do you actually use them in a smart, strategic way. The "Next Steps" session will be held at Newberry Library, located 60 W. Walton. There is a small cost which covers rental of the room and materials - for more information and to RSVP, please visit http://nextsteps0901111.eventbrite.com.

On a less professional - but more fun - note, I'll also be putting on another Doctor Who 101 event for Chicago Nerd Social Club. (Yes, I know it's the Chicago Net Tuesday meeting, but I need a break from that. Life can't be all saving-the-world). We'll be meeting on Tuesday, September 13th at 7:00 pm at Wormhole Coffee, located at 1462 N. Milwaukee (just a brief walk from the Blue line stop). It'll be fun, and you might learn something. I know I will.

And if you're not tired of me saying this repeatedly - Chicago Red Cross' Mission: Red experience auction will be held on Friday, September 16th at the Hard Rock Hotel at 230 N. Michigan. You can order tickets at http://bit.ly/MissionRedTix, and please follow us on Facebook.

Thanks, and hope to see you at one of these events.

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!