Assorted Online Shenanigans - Brought to You by Coffee!

November went by really fast...because, let's face it, I needed to take a break

One of the great things about leaving Chicago TARDIS is that my Thanksgiving was a bit calm....but I was dealing with a lot. I talk about it here - as well as The Witchhunters - for the Who 37 Doctor Who Podcast.

As for the "taking-a-break"  part, well...earlier in November I suffered a serious case of caregiver burnout, but I recovered in time for Family Caregiver Month.

Huzzah! I have a sponsor on my Patreon page! Please come to join him!

Finally, here's video from my October Deep Dish reading at Volumes Cafe:

Making Minutes Matter Most For Comic Related

First, a statement of public support for my pals at Comic Related, who had their site hacked - dudes, that's rough. Whoever hacked into your site deserves a long, painful tortuous punishment - something akin to being forced to listen to the musical stylings of Andrew Dice Clay.

Personally, I think it was due to the fact that my latest column for the site (here via Google Cache) focused on one of my favorite shows. So please enjoy it while the guys rebuild their site....they have the technology.....

However, in an effort to be supportive (and in a slightly self-promotional manner), please give the latest episode of Zone 4 a listen. It's more enjoyable than recovering from having your web site hacked....and less labor intensive.

A Surprising and Revitalizing Week

In all honesty, I started this week in relatively poor spirits....but at this month's past Net Tuesday meeting, that changed. Some old friends/partners visited, and needed help....and for a former community mobilization guy who was feeling out of it, it was the motivation I needed. Now, just have to find a venue, but have some ideas in the hopper.

The other news is that....well, for those of you who didn't know, I have been doing some proofing of pulp e-book reissues for Radio Archives, and was fortunate enough to see that one of the books I proofed has just been "announced" for release. Thankfully, they have been keeping me busy....but one of you might be interested. Let me post the little blurb they send out for your information:

Radio Archives is seeking motivated, excited people to help us proof our eBooks. The team is working hard and we currently have a backlog of 100 eBooks that need to be read and any errors corrected before the eBooks are published.

 

If you have a love for classic Pulp tales as well as a good grasp of spelling, punctuation, capitalization and basic formatting, then you may be just the person we're looking for! Send an email inquiry to Service@RadioArchives.com for more details!

And now, after a lengthy intro, here's a list of blatantly self-promotional items:

• Come listen to the most recent episode of Zone 4, where we talk about Marvel NOW! (and the even more impressive news about Airship 27's new Captain Action book)
• My latest piece for The Baker Street Blog
• Hey, look - a Job Stalker post!
• If you haven't already, please RSVP for next Thursday's Chicago Geek Breakfast at Wow Bao. Come hang out, talk geek, and basically enjoy low-key networking.
• Also, please RSVP for Learnapalooza on July 21st, if you haven't already. I'll be teaching two classes, and you may dig either of them.

Shameless Self-Promotion, Part Two: Online Blatherings

Terry Jones, Cosplayer

Think that I lead a not-quite-busy life? Well, if part one didn't impress that on you, let me give you a heads-up on some other activities....

This week, not only do we have a really good Zone 4 episode (in which I basically talk smack, and quite honestly, should have learned a little diplomacy), but my column for Comic Related this month focuses on two documentaries....and contains a little bit of editorializing on my part.

And of course, here's the latest edition of Job Stalker. 

If you haven't already, be sure to sign up for Thursday's Geek Breakfast. 


Enjoy! 

Continuing Post-AVENGERS Withdrawal

You're probably wondering....why didn't I post my usual Friday Zone 4 promo and general long-form summary of links from this past week?

Well, I went to a midnight showing of Avengers...and spent most of Friday semi-conscious. Sadly, sleep deprivation and caffeine can really hit a guy hard. (And you'll probably be reading it in Comic Related soon, but short opinion - loved the movie.

Speaking of Comic Related, this week's episode of Zone 4 features young Eric Ratcliffe, who has featured me on his Why I Love Comics podcast in the past. He's a good kid, and well worth listening to....even if he does enjoy the work of Joss Whedon a little too much.

On the work/writing front: my primary freelance gig has ended temporarily, pending further funding (and thankfully, I've been helping with the grant research). In addition, I'm working on a small project for another potential client which fits in very well with my professional interests (and would have been a great follow-up project when I was living in St. Louis). Enjoyed a great dinner last week with a pal who flew in from St. Louis. Other than that, I will need to get back on the job search/freelance train, including networking (and in Job Stalker, I explain why we're networking wrong) and investigating training possibilities. On the networking front, between Monday's Latte of Rassilon (thanks, Geek Girl Chicago, for the mention!) and Tuesday's Net2Chi meeting, I should be covered.

A very special thank-you to Ron Fortier, who took a recent post from Baker Street Blog and featured it his Pulp Fiction Reviews blog.

So until next time, folks - have tons of fun. Seriously.

Post-C2E2 Podcast-O-Ganza

Yes, this is my moment of self-promotion, in which I encourage you to listen to the best podcast on the planet. This week's episode is all about Pulp Ark, which happened this weekend, and which I couldn't attend. (Sandwiched between C2E2 and next weekend's Windy City Pulp and Paper, I just couldn't swing it in terms of travel and time).

You'll also notice that I didn't use the photos that you may have seen featuring me and two of the hosts of Nerd Girls Eye View, another podcast on Comic Related that you should be listening to. I have a Flickr account; please Google me on Flick to check those out. (There's a fine line between cool and creepy, and I've already used those photos. Need to show my fellow podcasters some respect).

Along with pal Chuck and new(ish) pal Ginny, I recorded a brief segment for an episode of their Ginny Tonic Hour podcast. (And surprise! surprise! It's about Doctor Who.) You definitely want to give this one a listen, folks.

Speaking of Doctor Who, you may have heard that Egen.tv, the online home of Bar Tab of Rassilon, has had to move, necessitating a fundraiser to cover costs. You are more than welcome to join me at the Highball Lounge, 738 N. Clark, on Sunday, April 29th, from 6:00 pm to midnight. General Admission is $10; $25 gets you a drink voucher; $50 gets you a $25 voucher towards the silent auction. There will be films! Guests! Bands! Comedians! So thank you for allowing me this brief commercial message.

And to finish off, please feel free to check out my latest ramblings on both Job Stalker and the Baker Street Blog.

The Week In Me

First, a trailer for this week's episode of Zone 4:

 


Next, on Sunday at 1:00 pm Central Time (think Chicago time and do the math yourself), please be sure to check out the livestream of Bar Tab of Rassilon. Since we won't be broadcasting on the 8th, here's our first episode for your viewing pleasure (and be sure to join us on Facebook):

Watch live streaming video from egentv at livestream.com

And finally, this week's Job Stalker. Between online appearances and finishing some freelance projects, things have kept me busy. Fortunately, it looks like I'll have some time to scope out some further work, and just accepted not one, but two comics scripting gigs. Both short stories, and one's for Zone 4. All this and prep for C2E2. Wow.

Catch Zone 4 Fever This Week!

Click here for more details

This week, you get two - count 'em, two - chances to catch the wonder and magic that is the Zone 4 podcast via Comic Related.

Tonight at 8 pm EST/7 PM CST (and quite honestly, every Tuesday night), please join Brant, Ron and myself for Transmissions from Zone 4, an online radio show that is part of the Pulp Culture block on the TMV Cafe. If you're lucky, you might even get to talk to Brant and/or Ron in the online chat.

(Sadly, although we prerecorded the show, I will not be there for the live chat tonight, since I'll be making a presentation elsewhere, but I'm usually in for the shenanigans. Of course, Transmissions is unlike the regular podcast in three key ways - it's only one hour, it's not archived, and I'm actually allowed to get a word in edgewise. Unlike the regular podcast, where I sometimes get lost in the shuffle....but enough of my whining. And yes, we're working on getting Whoverse back on the air as well).

(NOTE - 2:10 PM - Tonight's episode of Transmissions will not be on. Be sure to check http://www.zone4podcast.com for more details)

And if I want to post a John
Romita picture of Mary Jane, 
I'll do that as well

But please be sure to join us this Friday night, January 27th, at 7:00 pm EST/6:00 pm CST for our live 150th episode! Yes, that's right - Zone 4 is going to be broadcast "live" via Talkshoe! Who knows what will happen - maybe we'll have a lively discussion! Maybe I'll drop multiple f-bombs and profanity during the course of the broadcast! Maybe both Ron and Brant will help me chow down on Chocodiles and milk during the broadcast!

(Ok, I digress, but it's my blog, and my prerogative.)

Just be sure to join us via this Talkshoe link on Friday. You will have a complete and absolute blast. I promise.

Oh, and if you have an endeavor and wish to sponsor our podcast, our rates are incredibly affordable for the small press/indie store/creative type. Just please drop us a line at zone4@comicrelated.com, and we'll send you our nice, professional-looking proposal. It's our way of saying, "Yes, we'll give you value for your advertising dollar".

But nonetheless, if you do two things this week, please make sure they involve Zone 4.

Stuff Like This Is Why I Like Radio Free Skaro

They recently posted some "shakicam" footage of an upcoming restored story - here you go:


Be sure to give them a listen - also, I've revived my quote blog to be more tumblr-ish. Enjoy!

Into the Zone of Self-Promotion

If it's Friday, it must once again be time for another episode of Zone 4 from Comic Related, with Brant Fowler, Ron Fortier, and some dude who doesn't know when to shut up.

Enjoy a small sampler:






Trust me, kids, you'll dig this one. I get to use words like "lippy", "martial" and refer to a certain person currently in the public eye as "sweetcheeks".

And in Baker Street Blog news, here's my latest entry.

Getting Into the Zone

As many of you know, I am the co-host of the Zone 4 Podcast on Comic Related. This week's episode - as you can guess by the trailer - is all about independent comics. As a self-proclaimed champion of independent comics, I am particularly proud of this episode (especially my insights into Captain America). Quite frankly, I really think this is a great episode.

(And I still insist - I will never see a Transformers movie for the same two word reason: Michael Bay)

Also, there's a new guest post on the Chicago Now Job Stalker blog, where I am grateful that I never have to mention.....Michael Bay.

Turning and Facing the Strange

And lo you shall be....Harvey!

One of the advantages of being busy in attempting to find new employment is that, when one area is lacking, other opportunities and issues arise.

Fortunately, I've been good at getting interviews (both for freelance and full-time gigs), but no major this-is-going-to-happens in the near future. (If you know someone who could use a great blog writer, or non-profit development person, or even all-around swell guy who would be willing to review, say Doctor Who DVDs, please send them down to gordondymowski.com - it has links to just about everything me online, including my Linked In profile, which should help justify their recent IPO).

But I'm not here to complain - I'm here to talk about some of the many cool things that are happening right now. Think of it as my occasional real-life-post-that-appeals-only-to-Roger.

First, as you may have heard or read, I am now the new co-host of the Zone 4 podcast for Comic Related. As a result, I am putting my personal podcast on hiatus (as it's been for awhile) - Ron and Brant are great guys to work with, and I don't want to inadvertently compete with them. Would love to do a Doctor Who podcast (I'm thinking a Siskel & Ebert type-show with a classic fan (me) and a new series fan), but other than that, my focus needs to be on professional matters (like the occasional guest post for the Job Stalker and Baker Street Blog, as well as my Comic Related column and....well, job seeking stuff)

Also, the Ubuntu box I spoke about earlier? After conferring with some of the greatest minds on the Internet, I have decided to name it....Harvey. I know several smart people (including a great uncle) named Harvey, and it works. So now, I have an uppity HP named Orac and a rugged Toughbook named Harvey. If they were cats, I would be....in serious trouble.

Finally, I have some upcoming cool events that I'll be attending, and would like to share them with you. I'll be attending the Chicago Red Cross' Flirting for Disaster this Wednesday from 5:30 on (Disclaimer: I serve as marketing chair for another fundraising event) - you can order tickets here. And this Saturday, from 1 - 6, friend of the blog Third Coast Comics (meaning the store is now obliged to give me any comics I want free), located at 6234 N. Broadway (minutes from the Granville Red Line station), is sponsoring an art auction to raise funds to help fight human trafficking around the globe. If you're interested, drop me a Facebook note and I'll forward the invitation.

There are a lot of necessary changes in my life. But as David Bowie once said, time may change me, but I can't trace time, or something.

More About the DC Reboot Brouhaha

I know that I've stayed relatively silent amongst the comic blogerati when it comes to the DC revamp; much of it is that I think I've pretty much stated my case in both this previous blog post and in this week's Zone 4 podcast.

In short, it feels very much like DC is engaging in its usual hedging of bets, attempting to "reinvent" itself whilst simultaneously holding onto that old nostalgic feel. It's an effort to move boldly forward in distributing comics....but creatively, it's a huge step backward, with DC hedging its bets.

One very important example is the return of Barbara Gordon as Batgirl. There are two much better pieces about this written than I could write, but it really takes away from a fundamental piece of storytelling - Oracle, as a character, is someone who reinvented herself in the face of tragedy. Now, she's going back to....well, being Batgirl, only because of the belief that only one character can be Batgirl. (And in regards to age, wouldn't it be more appropriate to call her Batwoman?)

OK, won't open that particular can of worms....

But I will have to say, I now spell class Gail  Simone, especially with her recent note about the cancellation of Secret Six. It was a series that, quite frankly, had a unique tone and some really characterization. She could have easily dismissed DC (as JMS did when he left Marvel) or purely played the corporate line; this piece straddles both.

I'm also a little disappointed that the renumbering of comics happens with both Action and Detective. Given some of the rights around Superman occur with the 1938 Action # 1.....it just seems a little spiteful and unfair. But that may be just me.

However, leave it to an NPR blogger to help put this all into perspective.

At least one good thing has happened - in light of reduced funds, I now can easily cut down on my comic reading, because quite frankly, I'm tired of the roller coaster. This isn't fannish entitlement - it's a guy realizing that, well, there's a bigger comic universe out there, and I need to charge head-on into it.

But I need to leave my cozy neighborhood first. And DC is making it easier.

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.

Various & Sundry Online Shenanigans

Yes, there's more blogging goodness coming down the pike, but I thought I would take a little break and shill for some of my appearances with other people.

(Plus, I'm gearing up for Free Comic Book Day and a visit to Logan, my godson, this Sunday. So here's a way you can have the experience of being with me without coming to the blog).

• You can check out my latest entry in Metroshrink, my non-profit social media blog. It's a little interesting, and hopefully, will crack the Internet in half. Or get bloggers in a tizzy. We really like tizzies, especially on bagels with jelly.
• Be sure to download tomorrow's episode of Zone 4, the excellent Comic Related podcast. I made a guest appearance, and in this episode, we discuss Superman's citizenship, and I make numerous inappropriate comments. Plus, it's got Ron Fortier. 
• You can also read my various entries in that fine Sherlock Holmes blog, The Baker Street Blog. And a note - [STUD] is an abbreviation for this Conan Doyle Holmes tale, and not a description of my often blinding handsomeness.
  

And as always, if you keep reading, I'll keep writing. That's my personal guarantee.

Shameless Self Promotion Via Comic Related

As many of you are aware, I write a column for the Comic Related site in which I basically discuss, well, comic and science fiction movies, shows, etc. (Basically, think of it as similar to this blog, only with better proofreading on my part).

Anyway, I was flatted to learn via listening that my name came up not only once, but twice, during the very successful (and quite awesome) Nerd Girls Eye View podcast. In fact, their most recent episode has led to a very bitter, divisive conversation on the correct pronunciation of my last name. (Which is spelled in Polish, but pronounced "Lethbridge-Stewart".

And I would, if you haven't already, give them a listen, or better yet, subscribe to their feed. If you need a sample, here's a little video from C2E2:



And so please, visit Comic Related, especially towards the end of next week, when the latest TV Party goes live. Trust me, you'll really dig it.

My Comic Related Pals at C2E2

One of the highlights of C2E2 was the chance to hang out with some of my Comic Related pals. Although you're used to me shilling for the TV Party column (because, like many people I know, I'm all about self-promotion), but let me just say - after feeling like a social outcast for the past few months (trust me, my birthday - much like Christmas - was non-existent due to Mom's health issues), it felt good to be part of a warm, wonderful group of people.

My C2E2 experience began, appropriately, with a Wednesday night gathering of friends at pal Terry's comic shop. Essentially, it was a comic-themed murder mystery, where I dressed up like a Batman-esque character and acted obnoxiously. (Or, in other words, "How Gordon Spends His Saturday Nights Nowadays"). But Friday, once I hit C2E2 after work, the non-stop party began.\

Besides, Chuck Moore (he of the dapper headgear) and Chuck Kennedy (without hat), I would like to spend some time promoting the works of some of my fellow Comic Related pals. Pals like Decaptiated Dan Royer, who ran "Dan Con" - a small comics show - some time ago, and who also hosts a podcast on Comic Related. (Unfortunately, I couldn't make it due to, well, you know...I hope my attendance there has helped us bond further.)

But one person I met - whose work I'm really starting to enjoy - is Bob, whose online strip Clay's Way is a sheer delight. Focusing on a boy and his panda, this site also helps educate around raising a child with ADHD, and quite frankly - this is the kind of strip I love. As the non-profit/social good/comic loving guy that I am, this site absolutely warrants your attention....and I suggest forwarding the link. Bob is "good people", as my relatives in Wheaton would say, and his strip is well worth your attention.

Another cool person who is now a pal is Cary - I had originally won several issues of his Fallen Justice miniseries through a Zone 4 podcast trivia contest. (I also won a few issues of other comics by Ron Fortier - and of course, they're also great, because...well, they're written by Ron Fortier. That's all you really need to know). It's a really cool premise (superhero discovers he's dying, and yes folks, there are complications) with some great art, and Cary....well, the more I know him, the more I love him in a fraternal way. Fallen Justice is now being shown twice weekly on the web at Comic Related; be sure to check it out. You'll like it a lot.

And finally, last - but not least - I had the chance to interact a little bit - with the hosts of one of my favorite comic podcasts, the Nerd Girls Eye Review. I like podcasts that are unpretentious, and that focus on a wide variety of areas, and Sapph, Spazzy and Spaced have a genuine enthusiasm that, quite frankly, should put Chris Sims to shame. I've uploaded some video of them recording their podcast on YouTube for your viewing, but let me suggest that you listen to their podcast first. Quite frankly, as a videographer, I'm no Alfred Hitchcock....or even Michael Bay.

But all in all, just one conclusion....many non-comic people I know in town talk a good game about being community, and being warm and loving people. However, I sometimes feel (in one of those up-close-and-personal moments that Roger loves about the blog) that people who often have other commitments - who can't do the non-stop networking and schmoozing - end up lost in the shuffle, and often feel like our efforts to engage are dismissed, and we're left feeling unappreciated. Thankfully, my experience with my Comic Related pals has shown me that....well, sometimes, people truly are better than that.

And that's what makes me proud to be a comics fan.

More C2E2 Photo Goodness

Here are more photos from C2E2, with plenty of shots of the hosts of one of my favorite Comic Related podcasts, the Nerd Girls Eye Review.

May not have photos from today - slight family emergency. But if I make it, will have them tomorrow, and be sure to stay at Comic Related for a very special TV Party Column.

It's A Slightly New, Slightly Different Podcast!

I know many of you have been waiting with bated breath...and here it is: the new format for the podcast. Today, we'll be discussing current affairs, movie reboots, and great music, including the mighty Dutch supergroup, Gene Yaas.

In addition, if you wish to listen, either download it straight from the site, click on the sidebar player, or even add the feed to your newsreader. Enjoy!