Donate An Item to the Chicago TARDIS Charity Auction

(Photo by Gordon Dymowski)

Yes, it's that time of year again...I'm running the Chicago TARDIS Charity Auction, and I'm looking for donations! Two of my friends have already made their intentions clear (and they know who they are), so I thought that as a public service I would highlight (via my personal blog) exactly what you need to do!

So in other words, here are the donor guidelines for the Chicago TARDIS charity auction:

2017 CHICAGO TARDIS CHARITY AUCTION DONATION GUIDELINES

DONATIONS 

Note: Chicago TARDIS will no longer collect canned or non-perishable food items during the convention. If you wish to make a monetary donation, please donate directly to Northern Illinois Food Bank via http://bit.ly/ChiTARDISAuction and send the receipt to auction@chicagotardis.com

• Chicago TARDIS must receive notification of donations by November 18th, 2017 at 11:59 pm. Walk-in donations without prior registration will not be accepted
• Arrangements for delivery of donated items must be made by November 23rd, 2017. Incomplete items will not be listed or displayed.
• Donations may be delivered to the convention site starting the evening of November 23rd at the Auction Director’s discretion.
• When registering donations online, please clearly list any restrictions, such as expiration and blackout dates as well as total retail value.
• Tax information will be mailed to all donors following Chicago TARDIS upon request. 
• Items that meet a minimum retail value under $200 will be included in the silent auction, and those over $200 will be included in the live auction. 
• Some items under $15 retail value may be categorized as “Buy Now” by Chicago TARDIS Auction staff. 
• All displays included with donations will be kept by Chicago TARDIS (and/or the high bidder) unless the donor notifies Chicago TARDIS in writing that they wish to have the display returned. If the donor wishes to have the display returned, they must pick up the display onsite after the close of the silent auction 

Photo by Gordon
Dymowski

DONATION ITEMS - GUIDELINES

To maximize your exposure and bidding, below are a few tips and types of donations that have been popular in the past: 

• Items related to Doctor Who, related media from cast and crew, spin-off media, and British science fiction (Blake’s 7, Red Dwarf). Memorabilia from other science fiction franchises like Star Trek may also be considered.
• Tangible items that a bidder can touch, feel or smell can market themselves and are good ideas to include with gift certificates.
• Handcrafted items: Paintings, sketch art, knit scarves, and other fan-created crafts. 
• Collectible Items such as action figures, books, audio dramas, DVD boxed sets, etc. However, we have found that some practices work best: 
• One-of-a-kind handcrafted items (like paintings, fan art, and knitted items) always bring in major donations; 
• We know that carrying items when traveling can be a challenge; if you are thinking of purchasing items specifically for the auction, it may be easier to simply make a cash donation; 
• Our ability to authenticate specific items is limited, so we ask that you keep this in mind when donating. (We can authenticate signed photographs, though)

 All proceeds benefit Northern Illinois Food Bank whose mission is to lead the northern Illinois community in solving hunger by providing nutritious meals to those in need through innovative programs and partnerships. Northern Illinois Food Bank is the source of nutritious food, innovative feeding programs, and hope for more than 71,000 people each week. If you have questions regarding the silent or live auction, please contact Gordon Dymowski at auction@chicagotardis.com or use this personal contact form

Time Isn't Relative: Help the Chicago TARDIS Charity Auction

I know that many of you out there are like me - willing to give a little to help out others. So when the opportunity came to run the Chicago TARDIS Charity Auction, I leapt at the opportunity....

...after all, isn't helping people and fighting evil what Doctor Who is all about?

However, I'm now soliciting item donations....and for the readers of this blog, it's a great opportunity to help out. How?

• Know any stores/fan groups willing to donate items for auction? Thinking of donating an item yourself? Fill out our online form and trust me, I'll reach back out to you. (All proceeds benefit the Northern Illinois Food Bank, so you can be assured that I won't secretly steal your mint condition VHS of Time and the Rani).
• Have suggestions for people/organizations I can contact, especially in the Midwest? Drop me an e-mail via auction@chicagotardis.com (That way, I don't have to put my personal contact information online, and won't have to deal with people bugging me because I made a cheap joke at the expense of Time and the Rani)
• Forward/Tweet/Facebook the heck out of this post - use your social media mojo. Heck, even promote it on Google Plus. I'm not afraid to "shake what my mother gave me" in terms of bringing positivity to the Chicago area.

Since I'll be reaching out to various and sundry (and may end up contacting some of you anyway), why not help a pal out. Even if you can't be at Chicago TARDIS, you can help make the holidays a little easier for someone....and help someone else get some really cool Doctor Who-ish swag. In the end, isn't that what it's all about? 

Life In Transition (or "Why I've Been Away")...

As you've probably noticed, I have not been as regular on this blog as I may have been in the past. Perhaps you're wondering what's going on with me....or if something's wrong.

I'm fine (although right now, suffering through a slight cold), and have been busy with freelance work.

My life has gotten....well, a little busier, a little bit more engaged. It's not just the burgeoning writing career (which has taken up a bit more of my time, being a non-profit tech blogger, writing a guest blog, and contributing to a job search blog), but I'm finding that I'm becoming much more "in demand" for certain activities. Some of them I turn down because of time constraints, and others have turned me down. (Like a conference who could not decide whether I could be charged a "reduced consultant rate" to attend, or that I was a "volunteer" who could not attend....after they investigated me via Linked In).

However, what leaves me with a positive experience is that I'm smack dab into investigating a whole new field of endeavor - I'm not so much leaving the non-profit world behind as I am entering a cool side door into other possibilities. I've also been recovering from a particularly nasty six months earlier this year - nothing major, just the realization that sometimes, even though "no" is a complete sentence, some people expect an essay. (And yes, I'm being very vague. Deliberately so)

Life right now is....interesting. In a good way. But perhaps in letting go of what I think I should be doing....I'm finding myself falling into a cool new pattern.

And I'm enjoying every second.

It's A Wonder - I've Been Published!

Yes, after all this time, I can formally announce that the first page of Excelsior Comics' new Wonderman webcomic is up and running. It's a brilliant piece of comic writing and now nobody can push me around. I'm officially a "creator".

In addition, the new One Cause At A Time blog for Chicago Now is being launch. It's taking the place of my long, neglected Metroshrink blog, with a difference - slightly wider audience, as well as a greater incentive to post more frequently. I'll be gradually phasing out of Job Stalker in the next few weeks, and will post a very special "want ad" this coming Wednesday.

By the way, if you know someone who needs a great overview of social media, just found out that my Sherlock Holmes & the Social Media Mystery is scheduled for 9/10 via Dabble (For details, simply click the link and join us).

In addition, the latest episode of Zone 4 is up and running. Quite frankly, it's one of the better episodes, and it's because I had to take charge at the last minute. And please leave comments on our Facebook page, even if they are off-color.

Want to Help Net Tuesday?

If you or someone you know is involved in tech, non-profit/social good, or is interested in good old fashioned community organizaton? Please feel free to download and forward this flyer for our upcoming Net Tuesday meeting.

(Please be sure to check out our newish main page as well):




Net Tuesday Flyer - August 2012 Imagine Englewood

Two Tuesdays Ago in Chicago.....

It started off as another Chicago Net Tuesday (or "net2chi", for those in the know) meeting....except for the co-organizer resigning, and the member who claimed that the community "didn't need" a group that helped connect non-profits and technology....and my own impending sense of burnout.

So after that meeting, I took a break, and decided....no, the naysayer wasn't going to win. I wasn't going to allow someone who was using the group to build their own resume (at least, I'm presuming) take over. So I wrote an inspirational note - yes, I'll be suspending the group later this year, but only get some well-deserved rest and relaxation. (I'll be putting together meetings until September, at the very least).

So lo and behold, Netsquared (our "parent" organization) put out its online newsletter, and in it, is probably the greatest quote ever cited this month.

You can find the original citation here

Nice to know that sometimes....just sometimes....I say things that warrant a hearty "Hi-Yo, Silver!"

Cheapskate Film Festival: BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA

(First, don't forget to check out this week's Zone 4 podcast, as well as a double dose of non-profit/tech action, including Job Stalker)



I've always been a fan of John Carpenter's movies - he's a director who knows his craft, yet always imbues his films with a very smart, pulp-influenced sensibility. Even his more horror-oriented films like Halloween, The Fog, and The Thing have the kind of crackle and spark that most summer movies rarely - if ever - possess.

For today's edition of the Cheapskate Film Festival, I'm going to talk about Big Trouble in Little China, whose two-disc set was acquired from a clearout/discount chain for $10....and was the best money I have ever spent.

Yes, this film wallows both in stereotypes and special effects....but beneath it all, there's an energy and a sly sense of humor. I mean, Kurt Russell channels John Wayne! Kim Catrall actually looks....presentable! There's tons of martial arts action! It's the kind of movie that you may not necessarily want to see on a daily basis, but really has a great spirit about it. It's pulp sensibility is apparent from the first frame.

But enough of my testimonial - please allow me to use the power of YouTube to run a "highlight reel"






Trust me, you don't get better in terms of sheer entertainment value than Big Trouble in Little China. 


It's a classic. You'll thank me later.

My Usual Friday Blogaround

Right now, I'm currently prepping for a few upcoming personal appearances - first, I'll be presenting tomorrow at Chicago COUNTS (for non-profits and tech), and I'll also be gearing up for my first Chicago Geek Breakfast as organizer. So if you're in the area, don't be like several people on that "social media channel with the words book and face in the name".

Seriously, I was informed by one or two such people that if I made it a lunch, they might come. My attitude - if you're not willing to get up early and take initiative, you're part of the decline of Western Civilization. (And the event was created by someone else, and part of a national initiative - I'm just lucky, like with Net Tuesday, to be able to make it happen)

Speaking of which, you might want to give a listen to this week's episode of Zone 4. The crew wanted to talk about property crossovers; I think talking about them is a waste of time, because they always turn into a large pile of rhetorical waste products. I was outvoted. Please listen to hear my First Amendment rights be trampled, or something.

(Actually, I only kid slightly - I'm just starting to get a little weary of comic and pop culture fandom. We sometimes take ourselves a little too seriously, and act a little too obnoxiously. But please give the podcast a listen).

And for those of you who are professionally inclined, here's my latest Job Stalker post.

P.S. No special significance to this entry's picture - just thought it was rather funny.

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!

Douchebags A Go-Go, Part Deux: The Book That Inspired It All

A few short weeks ago, I viewed the pilot for Showtime's new series House of Lies, and enjoyed it....with some reservations. What the series did for me, of course, was encourage me to seek out and read the book that inspired the series.

If you're looking for a book that reflects the content of the series, well, this isn't it. However, Martin Kihn's House of Lies: How Management Consultants Steal Your Watch and Then Tell You the Time is one of the sharpest, most incisive - and biting - examinations of corporate culture and the corporate mindset, showing how people who enter a very lucrative profession often end up at risk of gaining the world, but losing their soul.

This is a much more picaresque novel, and unlike the series (which seems to be a fix-the-broken-company formula that takes stylistic cues from the BBC's Hustle), the book actually manages to draw blood. Ironically, given Mr. Kihn's past as a comedy writer, his ability to juxtapose the sole purpose of a consultant (namely, shift data around, write reports, and regurgitate back to a client) is mixed with a sharp, insightful examination of how that culture functions.

In many ways, Kihn uses corporate jargon (which is now coming increasingly cliche) as a way of examining the undercurrents of corporate culture. As someone who has worked/is working in that culture, his insights are dead-on, creating a portrait of a culture which is smooth, intelligent reading for anyone who is even interested.

(Now, many of you know why I prefer to work in non-profits; yes, there is dysfunciton, but as Kihn demonstrates throughout, corporate consultants tend to be a self-perpetuating system, operating solely as a way to generate income through meaningless "advising". Non-profits, at their best, have a core set of non-corporate values which they strive to work towards....and now Kihn has me using it).

So please, head to your local library or independent bookstore and grab a copy of House of Lies. It's actually one book that's better than the series.

Douchebags A Go-Go: Showtime's HOUSE OF LIES

If there's one thing I've learned from my recent forays into the corporate world (as a non-profit guy looking to make his way back into non-profits), it's this - current corporate culture is rife with satiric potential.

There is so much mismanagement, double-talk, empty positivism, and flat-out confusion that a smart writer could take advantage of it - create a show that could, well, poke fun and demonstrate insight into that mindset, especially now in these socioeconomically challenged times.

Showtime's House of Lies, which debuted this past weekend, attempts to do just that....and, well, shows that there's a lot more work that needs to be done on the show.

It's not a bad premise - Don Cheadle as a "management consultant" attempting to gain some sense of self-worth while living a relatively self-destructive and unhealthy lifestyle - but there's a certain something lacking in the script. Oh, sure, we're given both sides of the high-powered lifestyle, and there are some good moments, but the idea of corporate thinkers taking advantage of high paying corporate clients, and realizing that they're in on the con...

...well, much of this resembles Hustlle, the BBC show about con men, right down to the stop-the-action-and-have-the-participants-comment moments. However, Hustle manages to have the right touch - we are well aware that we're watching an imaginary land where con men are the good guys taking on those who deserve to be conned, and the writing tends to be sharp. The writing on this first episode, however, seems particularly weak and without bite - characters seem poorly drawn, and there's nothing to indicate any particular sting to the satire. When we get to the ending and how the issues are resolved, there isn't a sense of how it all fits together - more like this is a spec script with one level of rewriting.

There's promise, though, and the writing needs to draw a little more blood. At the very least, House of Lies shows promise...even if it's only the promise of watching episode two.

And by the way, I sent Don Cheadle an e-mail asking for advice on how to better promote this blog (and my burgeoning consulting gig). Here's his response:

Actually a screenshot from the show - used for satiric purposes only

How I Spent This Past Friday Night

Remember that fundraiser for the Chicago Red Cross I told you about? The one I did marketing for as a volunteer? It was this past Friday. It was a blast. And we might a high percentage of our fundraising goals. So as a result, spent the past few days tired, but extremely happy.

Click on any small one and make it bigger. Or check out a slideshow.

Mission Red 2011, a set on Flickr.

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

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.

Your Non-Profit Engagement Moments of Zen

In order to drive my online reputation (and further SEO) around me being a non-profit communications and social media expert....I present the following video by Ben Stiller.

(Which also happens, not coincidentally, to promote a really good cause....

...and that school building effort is also pretty cool)

In addition, here's an NSFW (language) clip of Henry Rollins who - although he's talking about punk rock in commercials - could be seen as talking about how Marvel should do the Kirby heirs right. Or even how DC should deal with the Siegel & Shuster heirs:



Wiser words were never said.

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?

I Know Cool People, Part Four

As many of you are aware, I often like to highlight the accomplishments of my friends both online and offline on the blog, because - quite frankly - they deserve it.

Today's edition actually comes as the result of being unemployed - having copious free time allows me the chance to catch up on such tasks as polishing my resume and listening to podcasts (Of course, it also means that many of my dining options include Ramen noodles, but there you go). One of my current favorite podcasts comes from pal Chuck at Comic Related.

Chuck's a good guy - he often publishes my writing, and it must be tough for him to transcribe my faxed loose leaf sheets written in crayon into a workable online format. Plus, if you haven't read Comic Related, trust me - it's a good group to hang out with. But a recent edition of his Related Recap podcast was really impressive, mostly because it featured an organization that I wish I could work for. Or, at the very least, help out on a volunteer basis.

Episode # 273 of the Related Recap focuses on the Sequart Research and Literacy Organization, a non-profit down in Edwardsville, Illinois (close to my old home town of St. Louis) that focuses on comics as a literary and art form...and that actively encourages study and discussion into the field. Most of their efforts seem to go into documentaries and books...and fortunately, I had the chance to read and enjoy one of their works.

Gotham City: 14 Miles is a critical examination and exploration of the 1960s Batman television show. OK, you're probably wondering at what point I've consumed the Kool-Aid, but this isn't just a isn't-it-cool tome. It actually makes some serious points about how the show progressed (arguing that the first season - a more straightforward reflection of the comics - is the strongest), and the variety of perspectives really makes for a pleasurable, enjoyable read.

But I'm grateful for Chuck to highlighting an organization that speaks to me on a personal level - a group that believes, like I do, you can talk about comics and television without engaging in the more obnoxious behavior that often accompanies fandom. That you can be smart about being nerdy...and that you can actually be distinctive and individualistic, and who are actually making some serious effort with some great projects.

So here's an offer for the fine staff at Sequart - please take a lok at my Linked In profile, and if I can help connect you, drop me a line. More than willing to help.

And kudos to Chuck, a man whose work - and headgear - continue to impress me on a daily basis.

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

Attention: Stalkers!

Here's where I'll be this Thursday - RSVP via the link:

Good News For the New Year

Lord Bravery
Originally uploaded by Gordon D

First, going to be starting a new freelance gig on Monday. It's a good first step towards my going back to the non-profit world, and although I'm surprised that it only took me three months to get back into the working world...I'm not complaining, especially in this climate.

Secondly, I'm going to be writing more social media/non-profit stuff in my new blog, Metroshrink. This way, I can concentrate on building up this blog as more comics/pop culture/Chicago highlight stuff. There may be some crossover, but I would like to separate my "professional" blog from my personal one.

Finally, I'm hoping to have a new podcast recorded and posted by this weekend.

You know, this makes up for a really crummy holiday. I can only imagine what my birthday in March will be like....