Chicago Doctor Who Meetup Has a New Website!

Now Chicago Doctor Who Meetup is much easier to find - just visit http://www.chicagodoctorwhomeetup.com!

(And it's a work in progress, but even still...it's worth checking out!)

Net Neutrality and Donna Noble - In the Same Week

Here are two - count them, two - opportunities to catch me live and in person. (Actually, one's in person - one is on terrestrial radio).

First, you've already read about this in Chicago Now's One Cause At A Time, but this Monday from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm I will be making an appearance on Radio Islam on WCEV (1450 AM). We'll be discussing Net Neutrality - obviously, that's a topic near and dear to my heart (if you're following me on Twitter and Facebook), and I'm always happy to advocate for a great cause. (Head to the WCEV site and you can listen via streaming audio) I must admit that I feel like I did back in my St.  Louis community organizer days....and that's not a bad thing. (At the very least, it reminds me of when I discussed Star Trek on WBEZ. Twice in the same year.) I'm dusting off my old media relations materials, taking time to remind myself of the issues, and preparing for a great conversation.

The second one is this Wednesday at Third Coast Comics, where I'll be holding the Christmas with Donna Noble screening for Chicago Doctor Who Meetup. It's good to stay in the fan organizing game...especially since I stepped down from Chicago TARDIS as auction director. (My reasons are a story for another time). Thankfully, although the holidays look bleak....I have some social outlets. (Especially since after the holiday, I'm running a social event before we see the Doctor Who Christmas special on the big screen).

So if you want to see or hear me....now, you have several opportunities.

Upcoming Personal/Podcast Appearance - Doctor Who Meetup @ Third Coast

Heads up - if you're in Chicago and want to hang out with me - and participate in the recording of a Doctor Who podcast - and watch a classic episode, I hope you have the time this Wednesday.

As part of the Chicago Doctor Who Meetup, I'll be hosting a screening of the classic series episode Survival. Afterward, I'll be recording an episode of the Who 37 podcast with pal JB, where we'll be discussing this episode in the context of The Eaters of Light, which was also written by the author of Survival, Rona Munro.

It's part of our usual series of screenings at Third Coast Comics, which happen every third Wednesday at 7:00 pm. It's a short walk from the Loyola Red Line station, and it's also a great way to meet fellow fans.

Plus, if you're one of the five readers of this blog who happen to live in Chicago....would definitely love to meet you. All I ask is that you please RSVP either via Meetup or Eventbrite....and hope to see you there!

(If you can't make it but want to help out, you can either chip in or become a monthly Patreon sponsor of the Chicago Doctor Who Meetup).

Chicago Doctor Who Meetup's Now on Patreon!

As many of you know, I run the Chicago Doctor Who Meetup, which runs screenings, social events, and basically works to reach to Doctor Who fans throughout the city of Chicago.

But running the Meetup can be challenging, especially when many costs are out-of-pocket. Currently, we have been able to pay our Meetup fees through member donations, but with an increased demand for more Doctor Who-related events, we need more resources.

So I'm happy to announce that today, we're launching the Chicago Doctor Who Meetup Patreon page, located at

https://www.patreon.com/ChicagoDrWhoMeetup

We're fortunate enough to have a healthy following on our Facebook page, but an enthusiastic Facebook following does not necessarily translate into equally enthusiastic attendance. 

I'm reaching out to our members - obviously, they're our first customers, but I'm asking for your help, dear reader.

Please feel free to forward this post (and/or the Patreon link) via social media. Yes, it may not make sense to reach non-Chicago residents, but the more we can get exposure...the more likely we are to get sponsored via Patreon. 

So if you can help, please do...because I love running the Chicago Doctor Who Meetup, and want to be sure it stays running. 

As The Blogaround Turns

Things have been a bit...interesting. Nothing major, but plenty to keep me busy. And in that spirit, here are some other appearances and writings online - mostly to provide tons of reading pleasure and provide a little search engine love.

So if you missed it, I made another appearance on WBEZ's Morning Shift to discuss Star Trek....and in fact, there's even a short little video as well.

Not only did the most recent Trek-themed Chicago Now post earn a mention in the Nonprofit Quarterly , but there's another Chicago Now post focusing on current events. And who says that social benefit issues are boring?)

News about the Chicago TARDIS Charity Auction is moving fast - in fact, this very blog post is getting a bit more traction via aggregator sites. And if you want to help, please visit the Chicago TARDIS Auction page for details.

(Also, if you're in town this Wednesday night, join me at the next Chicago Doctor Who Meetup event at Third Coast Comics).

In other news, check out this recent comic review for I Hear of Sherlock.

Finally, via Facebook, an episode of Zone 4 that's all about Suicide Squad.

The Doctor Who POWER OF THE DALEKS Brouhaha

Copyright BBC Worldwide

To think that this all began with a YouTube upload.

About two weeks ago, a YouTube user uploaded a file they titled Power of the Daleks - Mystery Animation. Yes, I watched it before it was pulled for ownership reasons. (Screencaps are from various other YouTube users, and if asked, I will pull them from this post). 

The animation was intriguing - two minutes from episode three I believe, much of it heavily rotoscoped based on existing telesnaps and footage. (Unfortunately, Power of the Daleks was one of the many classic Doctor Who stories believed to be wiped, with no film copies available. (I've seen the BBC-produced CD-ROM reconstruction, and highly recommend it).

However, thanks to an article from the UK's Mirror (which does for clickbait what Rob Schneider does for movie comedy), we now have a group of fans who are spreading word of a fully-animated DVD reconstruction of Power of the Daleks in honor of Troughton's 50th Anniversary. 

Copyright BBC Worldwide

Sorry, friends, but I'll believe it when I see it. And I don't think we're ever going to see it.

Far be it from me to not trust an online content provider who links to their own internal articles claiming it's from BBC Worldwide. (Click my link and you'll get BBC Worldwide's news releases...because I don't believe in deliberately misleading people).

Of course, many old school Who fans will ask, But why do you have to be so negative! We deserve this, and you're not being fair! We know the BBC is holding out, and why would you support them?

First, let me just say - I am hoping I'm wrong. If I'm proven wrong, and we do get a fully animated (or even recovered episodes plus animated reconstructions) of Doctor Who: Power of the Daleks, I will gladly eat crow.

(I hear it's especially tasty on rye bread with mustard).

Copyright BBC Worldwide

My rationale for thinking it's not happening...well, here are a few reasons for thinking that the animated Doctor Who: Power of the Daleks won't be happening any time soon:

1. The animated footage looks a little too polished - I wish I could post the video directly, but since it's been pulled, I have provided screenshots. Much of the footage involves rotoscoping, a very time intensive process, which would mean that either plans were afoot now, or (more likely) this was an audition piece for a company under a BBC contract (and possibly defying a non-compete clause, meaning that the BBC was within their rights to pull it). Leading to
2. Their last DVD release of classic Doctor Who was...underwhelming:  Yes, I've seen Doctor Who: The Underwater Menace. The photo-and-soundtrack reconstructions look rushed, the existing episodes demonstrate why this story has such a poor reputation....and even if BBC Worldwide chose to release solely via iTunes or Google Play...that's a lot to expect from a formerly lost episode. (Plus, you would have people complaining as to why these episodes weren't released on DVD)
3. The Mirror is not to be trusted - remember about two months ago, when "rumor" had it that Matt Smith was returning to the role? And was later debunked? Remember who started the rumor - that's right, the Mirror. Fool Doctor Who fandom once, shame on us;  Fool Doctor Who fandom twice, and you need to be publicly reprimanded.

Look, I'll be the first to admit that I am eagerly looking forward to be proven wrong about the recovery and/or release of Doctor Who: The Power of the Daleks. But until then, I'm going to simply wait and see....

...and planning to watch City of Death and The Web of Fear (another previously "lost" story) as part of the Chicago Doctor Who Meetup. 

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.

Watch Now - DOCTOR WHO: THE MAGICIAN'S APPRENTICE

Had a great time with last night's group view of The Magician's Apprentice...but rather than write another full-length review, I'm offering this complete episode, available legally via YouTube.

And quite honestly, what did you think? Please leave your thoughts in the comments section below. (My thoughts - next week. Honest).

Your Doctor Who To-Do Event List

You know, in my second life as organizer for the Chicago Doctor Who Meetup group, I can honestly say...I have some really great things in the hopper.

And yes, that does include planning the Chicago TARDIS charity auction, thank you very much.

Heading into the week of the premiere....there's some really cool things happening, and you're all invited.

On Wednesday, September 19th, we're holding our usual event at Third Coast Comics, conveniently located near the Granville Red Line station. For more details, please check out the evite on Meetup.

In addition, we're holding a trial event - watching the Series 9 in glorious High Definition at the Red Lion Pub in Lincoln Park. (Trust me, it will get a little wibbly-wobbly later on in this post). We're asking people who wish to attend to RSVP via Eventbrite....and you're more than welcome to do the same if you're interested.

And if you're looking to talk about the episode on September 22nd, join us at the Red Lion Pub in Lincoln Square (which is not the same Red Lion in Lincoln Park). Interested or wish to RSVP? Details via Meetup.

Thanks, and more blog posts are forthcoming!

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.

Tuesday Blogaround

Things have been progressing at a pretty fast pace - writing assignments (two in process), current freelance work (things are gearing up, and I'm always eager for professional referrals. So today, just a bit of summary of my various writings and shenanigans online.

First, on the Comic Related tip: I not only have a new column up and running (and yes, I am aware of a misspelling), but there's a new edition of Zone 4. I think that either way, you'll get some enjoyment out of either one.

I was also fortunate enough to participate in a writer's roundtable about using visceral language. You definitely want to check out Sean Taylor's blog for more details.


If you're a member of the Chicago Doctor Who Meetup, you'll definitely want to help support our pledge drive. It pays for our hosting costs and allows members to help keep us moving along.

Your DOCTOR WHO Holiday Moment of Zen

Although organizing the Chicago Doctor Who Meetup group can be a challenge (people always wanting to know why I don't travel to the far suburbs to organize events, or even why I don't provide free parking), sometimes, it pays off.

At last night's event at Third Coast, one of our members actually made full-on, delicious Dalek Cupcakes.

Which is good, because we watched Terminus, and hoo-boy....we needed every pleasurable moment we could get our hands on, because that story....just isn't good.

And now, photos of Dalek cupcakes. Enjoy!

Five Non-Spoilery Thoughts on DAY OF THE DOCTOR

Yesterday, like many other people, I watched The Day of the Doctor, the 50th anniversary special for Doctor Who. Of course, it helped that I had planned a group view with Chicago Doctor Who Meetup and Chicago Nerd Social Club; despite the previous 36 hours being crazy (due to an online final exam, efforts to move people from waiting list to main list, and other activities), I managed to make it to the showing with relatively high energy.
And now, for your reading enjoyment, five thoughts on Day of the Doctor:

1. November 23rd, 2013 was a great date for one simple reason: it proved something that I have always believed: fandom is a phenomenon that is best enjoyed when it's shared. Despite having multiple complaints from multiple others in the past, those who attended, made comments, etc, made it all worthwhile. You don't know what the heck that means to me.
2. Personally, I think this would be a great pilot for a sitcom starring Matt Smith and David Tennant - rather than do Pertwee/Troughton-style bickering, the two Doctors perform a kind of Abbott and Costello double act, and I want to see more of it. Seriously.
3. Plotwise, much is resolved and handled in a very creative way, so much so that I wonder how much Steven Moffatt had this in his head, and how much was simply sitting at a keyboard and typing away.
4. Yes, there is fan service. And two moments had me actually squeeing....which, if you know me, is not a pleasant experience to be around. Enough where the uberfans who declare the current show runner to be the "worst show runner ever" were lifting their jaws off of the floor.
5. Quite simply, I felt the same way watching Day of the Doctor that I did when I watched The Five Doctors for the first time....on November 23rd.....on public television. Yes, I was that proud.

Yes, I'm hoping to get a review DVD to watch. Something tells me this is one story that I'm going to want to watch repeatedly....

A Rather Pulp-Toned Week....

This week has seen me attend two - count them, two - job interviews. (OK, so they were phone interviews, but they count). This has seen a jump-start in both my professional and writing life (after yesterday's news, heartened that another pitch was accepted, and have two stories "in the queue" for future publication)....but you're not here to read all that. In that spirit, here's my weekly summary of all my online shenanigans:

• This week's Zone 4 focuses on pulp stuff, whether it is Mark Waid's Rocketeer/Spirit crossover for IDW, his Green Hornet for Dynamite, or BBC's Sherlock. If you want to know more, download and listen....and please like us on Facebook if so inclined.
• Speaking of Sherlock Holmes (and I may have missed this last month), here's my latest post for the Baker Street Blog
• And for the social media "gurus" who read this blog - for the both of you, my latest from One Cause At A Time
• If you would like a chance to meet me up close and personal, please feel free to join me for this really cool Doctor Who-themed event (via Facebook);
• In addition, please come in October when franchises collide!

Two Chances to Meet Doctor 1.5

Many people are unaware that, in the 1960s, two spinoff films were made from Doctor Who featuring Peter Cushing as the title character.

Although many a fan wonders about how "canon" this Doctor is, I'm happy to announce two opportunities for Chicago area fans to view the film. (If you live elsewhere, make travel plans).

First, on July 17th, the Chicago Doctor Who Meetup group is sponsoring a viewing of Dr Who and the Daleks at Third Coast Comics. Please check out the details and if you can make it - RSVP.

If you can't, well, the Doctor Who and Chicago MST3K Meetup groups are doing a joint "official" screening of the Rifftrax version on October 19th at the Irish-American Heritage Center. (Yes, there's a cost involved, but it involves licensing). To express your interest in the event, head on over to the event page and RSVP.

And now, back to job seeking!

My Comic-Related Activity This Past Weekend

It's Saturday night - our regular Zone 4 recording had been rescheduled, and my mom was having some health issues (she's better, now). So what did I choose to do?

Attended the Comics Meetup/24 Hour Comic Day at pal Terry's shop, conveniently located near the Red Line stop.

Talked with some fellow creators (it's weird to say that now, especially since my work hasn't been completely released), had a great time, and quite honestly....it's just what I needed.

And above - some of the sights via my smartphone's camera. Enjoy!

Help The Chicago Doctor Who Meetup Group

Now, you're probably wondering where I've been the past few days - in short, I've been busy interviewing for some positions; catching up on freelance work; doing some writing projects; and making sure the Chicago Doctor Who Meetup group is running smoothly.

And I'm asking my pals for a little help in that regard.

We're hosted on Meetup.com, and our hosting bill is up for renewal in late October. (We're on a six month plan). In that spirit, rather than just blatantly beg for money, and since this isn't quite a Kickstarter project, I've put together a cool little fundraising screening, and I'm asking my online pals to help spread the word.

On Saturday morning, October 6th, the Chicago Doctor Who Meetup Group is putting on Coffee With Sarah Jane, a special Saturday morning screening at ING Direct Cafe's Orange Ball. We'll be viewing the following episodes:

School Reunion - The Tenth Doctor, Rose, and Mickey investigate strange disappearances at an exclusive school. However, when they encounter Sarah Jane, one of the TARDIS team isn't too pleased, and sparks begin
to fly....

Pyramids of Mars - The Fourth Doctor and Sarah trail a malevolent force back to an old home in 1918. There, they encounter robot mummies, a pyramid-shaped rocket, and a malevolent Egyptian god seeking revenge...

It's only two (2) whole dollars to get in....and yes, it can be quite a bit in today's economy, but you'll be helping out a group that's not only being revived, but starting to become very active. (Just look at the stats from our last screening).

Also, if you can't make it (or are out of town), you can always click on "Suggested Donation" to help support our group.

So please, if you're a Chicago Who fan, you're more than welcome to join us...and please support what's becoming a really active group.

(Don't worry - my usual blog summary will be up and posted tomorrow afternoon. I promise).

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.

July - Brought to You By Coffee!

Ok, so you're thinking, "Oh, Gordon, you're just going to link to this week's rather impressive Zone 4 episode and your extremely clever, Doc Savage-influenced Job Stalker column this month, aren't you?"

Well, yes, but you'll have plenty of other opportunities in the month to have a close, personal interaction with yours truly, including:

• On Tuesday, July 10th, there will be a very special Net Tuesday meeting. Geared towards newer members, this is going to be one where we're announcing a slight change in direction. You probably want to be there if you want to be part of using tech for the social good.
• On Wednesday, July 11th, come to Third Coast Comics for the Chicago Doctor Who Meetup's screening of Matt Smith's Favorite Doctor Who story. Yes, we're only calling it that to get the newbies, because the Tennant and Smith worship....needs to be tempered a bit.
• July 19th brings the latest edition of the Chicago Geek Breakfast. For those of you who complain that it's too early....well, where's your sense of initiative? Real geeks get more done by 5 am....by huge amounts of caffeine.
• The Lakeview edition of Learnapalooza on Saturday, July 21st will feature two presentations by me at Next Door Cafe - Doctor Who 101 at 11:30 am, and Sherlock Holmes and Social Media at 1:00 pm. You'll need to RSVP on the Learnapalooza web site if you plan on attending - these are going to be popular presentations. After all, they're on the back of the Learnapalooza t-shirt.

That's right - as my freelance work is slowly, but surely, coming together (with interviews for potential full time positions as well), I'm putting together a rather impressive array of activities, and you are more than welcome to attend and have a close, personal interaction with me.

It's June Already?

Things have been really hopping for me, and so far, the month's barely begun, and my calendar is starting to get filled in. Here's what's on my plate thus far:

• On Saturday, June 9th, I'll be presenting at Chicago COUNTS, a one-day conference that deals with tech and social good. I'll be presenting on "How Not to Be A Douchebag: Social Media for the rest of us". If you're interested in attending, please RSVP by heading over to  http://chicagocounts2012.eventbrite.com
• Upcoming Meetups for both Net Tuesday and the Chicago Doctor Who groups
• Becoming the new organizer for Chicago Geek Breakfast
• Impending regular contract work that will (hopefully) provide me with a little more structure to my day....and longer term work.

 But otherwise, things are going great - I have another listing of cool Chicago stuff on Job Stalker, and I'll be performing more of my usual online tomfoolery at the Zone 4 Facebook page - if you like it, we'll give you a shout out, and I will make some obnoxious comments at your expense. (And be sure to check out our latest episode)

Happy Friday, everyone!