Fandom in Metro Chicago

More evening mischief from The Nineteen Hundred & One

2009-10-21T12:17:00.000-07:00

Oct 5 - Deathscribe Horror Radio Play Festival

2009-10-03T20:36:00.000-07:00

Back by popular demand, WildClaw Theatre presents its second annual DEATHSCRIBE Horror Radio Play Festival. An evening of live horror drama, in which renowned local actors and foley sound artists will perform chilling, thrilling, blood-spilling radio plays carefully crafted to raise the hair on your neck and have you checking under the bed upon your return home. With an array of special guests serving as judges, this is the perfect way to kick off the Halloween season! One night only!!!

Ticket prices: $15 in advance through TicketWeb, $20 at door day of show.

"Chronicles of the Cursed" Haunted House comes to Chicago in October

2009-10-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

Finally, a haunted house for grownups in the freakin' City. Chronicles of the Cursed will host a month-long haunted house spectacle Starting October 9. The venue is located at 560 W Grand Ave. And is accessible by multiple modes of public Trans. For more information call 1-877-HADES01 (1-877-423-3701) or go to http://www.cursedchicago.com.

The Gothic Autumn Craft Faire

2009-09-25T12:21:00.000-07:00

Empire of Chivalry and Steel Sunday Meeting

2009-09-19T00:55:00.000-07:00

Local historical Recreationist group The Empire of Chivalry and Steel will hold it's weekly meeting This and every Sunday at 4 p.m. at Good Shepherd Church, 6120 N. Harlem. For more information on the group go to http://medieval.meetup.com/70/

September 19 - Babes with Blades to host "Swords for Rusty Broads and Gents"

2009-09-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

September 19 2009

BABESWITHBLADES.ORG - Local sword-wielding stuntfighters Babes with Blades will host a workshop "Swords, for Rusty Broads and Gentlemen, Saturday, September 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Emerald City Theater School, 2933 N. Southport Ave. Special Focuses are: Victorian Umbrella Self Defence for Ladies and Gentlemen and "Dirrrty Knife Fighting."

According to information provided by Babes with Blades: "Space will be available 9:30-10 for check-in & warmups. Participants should be aware that the space is used by a tap dance ensemble, and clothes may pick up residue from the tappers' shoes whilst rolling around on the floor. Wear stuff you don't need to keep spotless."

For additional information contact babes with blades at workshops@babeswithblades.org.

Empire of Chivalry and Steel Sunday Meeting

2009-09-12T00:54:00.000-07:00

Empire of Chivalry and Steel Sunday Meeting

2009-09-05T00:49:00.000-07:00

"Where the Wild Things Are" Chicago premiere. Meet Spike Jonze and Dave Eggers in person

2009-09-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

MUSIC BOX THEATER - Join directore Spike Jonze (Being John Malkovitch) and writer Dave Eggers (Away We Go),for the Chicago premiere of "Where the Wild Things Are," based on Maurice Sendak's classic children's book. Max, sent to bed without his supper, creates his own world - a forest inhabited by ferocious wild creatures that crown Max as their ruler. All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit 826CHI, a Chicago nonprofit creative writing and tutoring lab. General tickets ($30) include admission to the screening and Q&A with Jones and Eggers. VIP tickets are also available. All tickets are available at www.826Chi.org. The Music Box Theater is located at 3733 N. Southport Ave. for more information call them at 773-871-6604 or go to musicboxtheatre.com

new-moon-poster-627(1).jpg

2009-08-31T11:37:00.001-07:00

October 1, Nordstrom will launch a line of fitted screened tees, tanks, hoodies, dresses and jackets all designed by Awake. The line also includes makeup, earrings, pendants and charms related to the film, such as Bella's truck, Jacob's motorcycle, a moon and more.Prices will range from $32-$58. The line aims to give the twilight fans a more "upscale" way to fly their freak flag. for more information go to http://shop.nordstrom.com/newmoon

Tru Blood Tasting in Chicago. Here are thee dates.

2009-08-28T15:06:00.000-07:00

CHICAGOHORROR.COM - Nelsan Ellis (Lafayette in "True Blood") will make appearances at local Tru Blood tastings around the city. You can still catch one.

What: Come try True Blood!

When: Wed. Sept. 2nd, 11 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Where: Qdoba Mexican Grill

Address: 2427 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL 60614 (near The Biograph Theater)

What: Come try True Blood!

Fangtasia VIP Party
When: Fri. Sept. 11th – 9 p.m. to Midnight (or later)

Where: Hamilton’s

Address: 6341 N Broadway St., Chicago, IL 60626

What: Join us for an Exclusive VIP Fangtasia Party, with Special guest, Nelsan Ellis (”Lafayette”) from HBO’s True Blood

True Blood Drive
Just like some “friends” of theirs, the Red Cross is looking for all types – A, B or O, positive or negative. RCN is proud to sponsor the following Blood Drives:

When: Thu. Sept. 17, noon-4 p.m.

Where: DePaul University

Address: Check back later for details.

2009 Hugo Award results and Hugo logo contest winner

2009-08-12T09:40:00.000-07:00

THEHUGOAWARDS.ORG - Presented at: Anticipation, Montréal, Quebec, August 6-10, 2009

Toastmaster: Julie Czerneda, with translation by Yves Meynard

Base design: Dave Howell

Awards Administration: Diane Lacey, Ruth Lichtwardt, Jeff Orth and Rene Walling

•Best Novel: The Graveyard Book, Neil Gaiman (HarperCollins; Bloomsbury UK)
•Best Novella: “The Erdmann Nexus”, Nancy Kress (Asimov’s Oct/Nov 2008)
•Best Novelette: “Shoggoths in Bloom”, Elizabeth Bear (Asimov’s Mar 2008)
•Best Short Story: “Exhalation”, Ted Chiang (Eclipse Two)
•Best Related Book: Your Hate Mail Will Be Graded: A Decade of Whatever, 1998-2008, John Scalzi (Subterranean Press)
•Best Graphic Story: Girl Genius, Volume 8: Agatha Heterodyne and the Chapel of Bones, Written by Kaja & Phil Foglio, art by Phil Foglio, colors by Cheyenne Wright (Airship Entertainment)
•Best Dramatic Presentation, Long Form: WALL-E Andrew Stanton & Pete Docter, story; Andrew Stanton & Jim Reardon, screenplay; Andrew Stanton, director (Pixar/Walt Disney)
•Best Dramatic Presentation, Short Form: Doctor Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog, Joss Whedon, & Zack Whedon, & Jed Whedon, & Maurissa Tancharoen, writers; Joss Whedon, director (Mutant Enemy)
•Best Editor Short Form: Ellen Datlow
•Best Editor Long Form: David G. Hartwell
•Best Professional Artist: Donato Giancola
•Best Semiprozine: Weird Tales, edited by Ann VanderMeer & Stephen H. Segal
•Best Fan Writer: Cheryl Morgan
•Best Fanzine: Electric Velocipede edited by John Klima
•Best Fan Artist: Frank Wu
And the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer (presented by Dell Magazines): David Anthony Durham

A full voting breakdown is here.

Hugo Logo Contest Winner

According to the Hugo Awards Website: The winner, designed by Jeremy Kratz of Arkansas, combined both the necessary simplicity to fulfill our requirements with a good choice of text and pleasing combination of the various elements of the design.

Can't Stop the Serenity 2009 - Chicago

2009-08-06T10:34:00.000-07:00

This year's Can't Stop the Serenity event will happen Saturday, August 29th at 6 p.m., at the Portage Theater, 4050 N. Milwaukee.

The invent will include a costume contest, door prizes and silent auctions. There will be a lot of Jossverse things for sale at the event as well as online before the event starts. The Portage WILL NOT be selling tickets before the 29th since the Chicago Browncoats are renting the theater for the event.

For more information contact the group's meetup page

In related news. the St. Louis Browncoats had to cancel their event due to print issues, and subsequently had to cancel the performance of fan group The Browncoats. A Browncoats video is posted below. It's shame they wont be gigging during a major event for the Browncoats.

They're fierce, fun, and have ties to the fandom. we love us some them.

2009-07-26T22:31:00.000-07:00

Talk Derby To Me

2009-07-20T22:55:00.000-07:00

According to information provided by the Windy City Rollers' facebook:
It's time for nationally ranked women's roller derby! The Windy City Rollers have completed the home season, but the league's All-Star team is now on the prowl. The WCR All-Stars, ranked second in the nation by the Women's Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) will take on the third-ranked Philly Roller Girls Liberty Belles on Saturday, July 25, 2009, at 7 p.m. at UIC Pavilion, located at 525 S. Racine Ave. Doors open at 6 p.m.

The National Anthem will be performed by the Rollers own Scorey Feldman, with a halftime performance by The Polkaholics. A portion of this bout's proceeds will be donated to Vital Bridges (formerly known as Open Hand Chicago).For additional information plase visit them at http://www.vitalbridges.org/

For more information on the Windy City Rollers, go to http://www.windycityrollers.com

Windy City Rollers to greet and beat Hell's Belles

2009-07-20T22:48:00.001-07:00

Our Rupert is all growed up

2009-07-20T21:59:00.000-07:00

Rupert Grint scored a glossy, pretty boy magazine cover and puff piece a la Radcliffe. The Blag Magazine article states that Grint, 20, has made a boatload of crisp cash moola through the "Harry Potter" franchise, but has branched out to the Darragh Carville film "Cherrybomb." This is his first foray into grown-up film making and is being described as the UK's answer to "Brick."

Hatch Creating New Network To Cultivate User Generated Content

2009-07-17T14:15:00.001-07:00

Hatch Creating New Network To Cultivate User Generated Content

Posted using ShareThis

Dumbledore's Army needs YOU!

2009-07-17T01:59:00.000-07:00

this awesomely awesome poster is for sale by 3 Lambs Graphics on Etsy

The clips are coming pretty regularly now. Yay!

2009-07-05T07:20:00.000-07:00

New clip from "Half Blood Prince"

2009-07-05T07:15:00.001-07:00

Wizard Rock was "huge" to MTV back then. It's approaching epic now.

2009-07-04T11:21:00.000-07:00

MTV Shows

Wizard Rockin' with Pottercast in Oak Park after the fourth

2009-07-04T10:55:00.000-07:00

I got this tasty bit of Wizardy new from the girls over at Wizards in Chicago:

"The Leaky Cauldron's Pottercast is on tour with The Whomping Willows and The Remus Lupins and are planning a stop in Chicago July, 5 2009 02:00 PM at OAK PARK LIBRARY, 834 Lake Street, Oak Park, Illinois for a Post July 4th Party!!

For more information on this or other events for Harry Potter fans, go to the Wizards in Chicago Myspace Page.

Meet Jacob Black's entourage: The wolfpack of "New Moon."

2009-07-04T01:55:00.000-07:00

A remake of the "Buffy" movie. This is either very good or bad. Discuss.

2009-07-04T01:54:00.001-07:00

guinea pigs are the new vampires. Blame Bruckheimer.

2009-07-04T01:52:00.000-07:00

value="http://www.youtube.com/v/D21myC_UUXc&hl=en&fs=1&">

MTV movie awards preview of "Half Blood Prince"

2009-07-03T14:01:00.000-07:00

Technorati asked me to do this, so here goes..

2009-07-02T20:13:00.000-07:00

kjuy43avxe

there, I said it.

July 2 - Chicago Science Fiction - Fantasy Meetup Outing to see "Transformers 2"

2009-06-30T13:24:00.000-07:00

The Science Fiction/Fantasy Meetup will be meeting for an outing to see "Transformers2" Thursday, July 2, at the Kerasotes Chicago City North 14, 2600 N Western Ave. For more information on the theatre, call, 773-394-1600.
For more information on the group, go to the meetup.com website.

To find them, "We'll meet in the main snack area. Look for the meetup sign."

Timeline for the impending robot holocaust. Stock up on the tinnned meat, just in case.

2009-06-30T13:17:00.000-07:00

apparently, the robots are gonna be doin' it for themselves in about fiftie years and it will be on like heavy metal Donkey Kong. This Sun-Times article elaborates on our impending doom.

July 1 - Chicago Speculative Fiction Writers Meetup Monthly Meeting

2009-06-30T12:54:00.000-07:00

The Chicago Speculative Fiction Writers Meetup is meeting Wednesday, July 1. For more information, contact organizer Gina Holochenko at the link below.

http://scifiwriting.meetup.com/33/calendar/10633362/

Yeah, I know it's essentially an oblique ad, but it raises interesting questions.

2009-06-29T00:18:00.001-07:00

Thriller, Captain EO star Michael Jackson dead at 50 |

2009-06-26T02:29:00.001-07:00

Thriller, Captain EO star Michael Jackson dead at 50 | SCI FI Wire provides a fandom perspective on the loss.

Posted using ShareThis

Chicago leftist convention Thinkgalacticon opens This Friday.

2009-06-25T08:39:00.001-07:00

Second annual Thinkgalacticon Opens This Friday. Explores issues of gender, race and sexuality in Science fiction fandom.

Posted using ShareThis

"I Fight Dragons" is playing the Elbo Room TONIGHT

2009-06-20T12:15:00.000-07:00

I'm blogging on the fly so please click any links for additional information:

Local indie nerd rock group I Fight Dragons is playing the Elbo Room tonight as part of Mob fest. This is the information I ganked from their Myspace:

Elbo Room
2871 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60657
The party starts at 9 p.m.
For more information:
Phone: (773) 549-5549
Website: http://www.elboroomchicago.com

True Blood Season 2 Spoiler: SFX Magazine Review

2009-06-14T19:22:00.000-07:00

True Blood Season 2 Spoiler: SFX Magazine Review

If we're gonna get this much coverage of "all things vampire" the quality of the vampires better bloody well be good.

Wizard Rockers stand up and speak out against big media

2009-06-12T12:36:00.000-07:00

A group of wizard rockers have put together a page speaking out against the rapid rise of consolidated media in the United States. They make their point eloquently on their website and offer a free download of their compilation album. Voldemort can't stop the rock or the little guy.

A Podcast from Panda Rage Productions. Not bad, not bad at all.

2009-06-12T11:48:00.000-07:00

Onward Bound: The Reckoning

Panda Rage and Lokean Productions can be found on myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/lokeanproductions

A love letter to my beautiful fandom

2009-06-12T11:42:00.000-07:00

June 17 - "Comic Books 101" event hosted by Third Coast Comics and Chicago Nerd Social Club

2009-06-12T01:50:00.000-07:00

CROSSPOSTED FROM FACEBOOK

The Chicago Nerd Social Club and Third Coast Comics owner Terry Gant will host "Comic Books 101" June 17th at 6234 N. Broadway. The event is FREE.

According to the announcement:

"Come join us for a night of fun, conversation and learning all about the comic book genre. For the past few years we’ve been bombarded with Hollywood’s attempts at taking some iconic heroes on the big screen. But if you want the real scoop on these characters, you need to go to the source.

For some, the vast majority of comic titles out there are a bit intimidating, but at the Comic Book 101 event we hope to cut through as much of the confusion as possible. Join us for a discussion on the history of comics in both the DC and Marvel universes as well as major story arcs that are currently active. We’ll talk about some good books that the smaller publishers are putting out, as well as new series that are great jumping on points for new readers. The discussions will be moderated by local Chicago Nerd Terry Gant and the owner of Third Coast Comics.

We’ll also have time for some socializing as well as a general Q&A section. Are you curious about Comics but don’t know which ones to read? Talk with Terry and other comic book gurus to help suggest comics you might enjoy based on your other entertainment hobbies."

Pizza and refreshments will be provided.

RSVP at: http://comics.eventbrite.com/

The Stoneflys latest doings

2009-06-10T13:45:00.000-07:00

I got a note from the Stoneflys, letting me know their latest gig and doings. Those with Comcast on Demand can check out a video of them performing 2 songs at The Cubby Bear in Wrigleyville. If you have Comcast, simply go to "ON DEMAND" and select "GET LOCAL". Then select "BATTLE OF THE BANDS" and the "THE TREES" and "WHITE SHORES". It's free and it will be available on demand for another 2 or 3 weeks.

Sunday, June 14, the band will perform at Millenium Plaza in Michigan City. For more information, consult the Stoneflys myspace page.

This Friday! Star Wars documentary at the Gene Siskel Film Center

2009-06-09T11:35:00.001-07:00

Cross-posted from meetup.com
to Facebook, Livejournal, Blogger and the Windy Citizen

"The Force Among Us" -- Showing at the Gene Siskel Film Center located downtown at 164 North State Street. Tickets are $9 for general admission, $7 for students.

From the website: "On the eve of the Film Center’s tribute to George Lucas, the Chicago-based brother-and-sister filmmaking team of Cristian and Cortney Macht take us deep inside the world of STAR WARS fandom. Sociology profs ponder the phenomenon, Joseph Campbell is name-checked, Christian parallels are explored, the 501st Legion of costumed stormtroopers converges at a convention, and the Machts follow fans on pilgrimages to the original movie locations in Tunisia and Norway. Along the way, they discover that STAR WARS fans are a varied and unstereotyped lot about whom no blanket generalizations can be drawn--except, perhaps, a universal dislike for Jar Jar Binks."

NOTE: This is the Chicago premier! In attendance will be key cast and crew members from the documentary as well the stormtrooper costuming group, the 501st! The film will be followed by a Q+A session with the cast and crew. This is the only scheduled showing.

Not a meetup event yet but might be. Chime in on the message board or email the organizers if you'd like to see a meetup event for this.

"Sebastian's Voodoo" is four minutes well-spent

2009-06-08T16:19:00.000-07:00

"Nine" Tim Burton's coming project

2009-06-07T06:15:00.000-07:00

Star Burst

2009-06-05T02:21:00.001-07:00

Weta Workshop's Shiny new Raygun, courtesy of Dr. Grordbort.

Shared via AddThis

Inspired by Chicago: Gunsmith Cats

2009-06-05T01:14:00.000-07:00

I love this series because: It's set in Chicago and it revolves around a muscle car driving bounty hunter named Rally.

Steampunk crash course

2009-06-03T08:25:00.000-07:00

This gorgeous guy is costume designer Kit Stolen. His Anachronaut site enjoys a pretty healthy following.

What is Steampunk? The definition is nowhere near exhaustive. It's pretty much stuff I like. You'll get the idea.

Wikipedia gives a fair assessment. Check it out here.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steampunk

Jake Von Slatt, one of the go-to icons of the Steampunk movement gives a really good personal definition. His house is every steampunk's dream home. He really walks the talk.

The go-to band for Steampunk is Abney Park. They really draw crowds at Dragoncon. A fan made this video for them with lots of iconic images.

I also found this fantastically fantastical french video that has some pretty awesome steampunk sensibilities.

a really cool steampunk themed cafe in Portland
http://thesteampunkhome.blogspot.com/

This year's WindyCon has a Steampunk theme. click below for details.

2009-06-02T23:56:00.001-07:00

Details of WindyCon 36

Posted using ShareThis

The dubba dubba CW weighs in on the whole "I was an emo teen vampire" genre with "The Vampire Diaries" coming this fall.

2009-06-02T23:50:00.000-07:00

The Series Kings is slated to return to NBC in June. Has anyone actually seen it?

2009-06-02T23:31:00.000-07:00

Thinkgalacticon Announces 2009 Convention Lineup

2009-05-31T23:35:00.000-07:00

Local leftist fandom group Thinkgalactic will host it's second convention "Thinkgalacticon" June 26-28 at Roosevelt University, 430 S. Michigan Ave.
Thinkgalacticon, heavily inspired by feminist fandom institution Wiscon, Thinkgalacticon seeks to bring some of that spirit to Chicago.

According to the official Thinkgalacticon website, the panel offerings are as follows:

DIY
These days, many people seem to be making art, clothing, and technology by modifying found objects/recycling things. Many also repurpose older technology others have thrown out (e.g. turning old computers into a community center lab). Let's talk about what we're making and doing and how it relates to activism (recycling? making activist artwork?) and/or sf (characters making do with found objects).

SPECIES-DEFINED GENDER ROLES IN SF AND FANTASY
When an author chooses to have biologically-defined gender roles (e.g., with werewolves, alien races, witches/warlocks with different abilities based on sex) for sentient species, what impact does that have?

ANARCHISM AND THE SUPERHERO: ANTI-CRIME DIRECT ACTIONIST OR ENFORCER OF THE STATE? Let's talk about superheroes. From Alan Moore's Watchmen and V for Vendetta to Warren Ellis's The Authority to DC's Superman to Marvel's Captain America there are a variety of perspectives on the superhero and politics.

FIGHTING FOR RECOGNITION IN THE SF COMMUNITY Let's talk about the history of women, GLBT people, and people of color to be recognized as SF writers and fans in the US and other countries. The intention of this panel is to provide useful perspective for current struggles.

RACE AND ETHNICITY IN YA How do young people decide how to identify? What stories deal with choosing how to identify? How does one's identity change over time? How does one identify as one race/ethnicity when coming from a different/mixed family? (A work in progress: please let us know what you’d like to see here!)

THE CONTINUING APPEAL OF THE APOCALYPSE A critical discussion of post-apocalypse stories. While many fans are interested in these stories because they explore the rebuilding of a better society, there is recurring theme where most of the world's population needs to die in order to start building new social systems. Why do these interest us and why is this problematic?

INFINITE DIVERSITY IN INFINITE COMBINATIONS... OR NOT? Particularly in light of the "reboot" of the Star Trek universe, let's take some time to talk about what the series has done with issues of race, gender, sexuality, disability, class, and so forth. And let's talk about what we'd like to see next!

RACEFAIL ‘09 RaceFail '09 is a blogosphere discussion about race and racism in science fiction books and fandom. Well-known white authors and some of their fans spoke out and responded to criticisms in racist and problematic ways creating a discussion that sprawled over dozens of blogs. If you fail publicly, how do you show yourself again in public? What resources should you consult to educate yourself before going out in public again? How do you avoid failing yet again by avoiding owning up to your fail? What positive things can come out of fail? What have we learned from RaceFail and what else should we do as writers, fans, and people? Let’s create some tools for the community.

IMAGINING THE FUTURE OF FOOD The head of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change begs the world to eat less meat. While veganism and locavore movements are spreading, the production of genetically modified foods is also growing. Corporations like Monsanto are continuing to dictate what gets on to our plates and the U.S. government is continuing to do nothing about this. How does SF/F look at food and the ethical/environmental implications of how we produce it? What does writing about food issues look like? How can SF/F imagine what the future of food looks like?

GENDER AND SEXUALITY IN FAN FICTION Let's look at all types of fan fiction. In what ways do some fan authors subvert conventional notions of gender and sexuality? Conversely, in what ways are stereotypes reinforced? A number of tropes explicitly play with gender roles and expectations (e.g. "genderswap/genderfuck" stories, or the dreaded "mpreg")-- are these tropes subversive? If not, are there any individual stories that are subversive?

BLOCK PRINTING/BOOK WORKSHOP with notable guest Josh MacPhee. Make block prints & stencils out of recycled materials, and put together a book with everyone's prints to take home!

CULTURAL APPROPRIATION Instead of writing about futures with a lot less racism, and less cultural divisions amongst people, how do you write stories that include specific currently existing cultures? How do you educate yourself about other cultures and races without offending the people you want to learn about? People of color are not here to teach you anything, nor are they exotic beings for you to stare at. What resources are available?

POLITICS AND SF MOVEMENT Paul Kincaid has an article in Argentus 2008 (Hard Right) linking the implicit worldviews in the rhetorical outlook of hard science fiction and political conservatism. Do certain movements or subgenres in SF tend to get associated with certain political viewpoints? Are there works that break the mold or subvert expectations?

CLIMATE CHANGE Every con needs to talk about climate change. It's big. It's scary. It's here. What are the socio-political ramifications of climate change? In Parable of the Sower, Octavia Butler looks at society at the beginning of environmental collapse while Kim Stanley Robinson has recently been exploring what scientific minds would do in the near future to stave off environmental catastrophe. Who else is imagining this future and what else can we do?

THE ABUSE AND EXPLOITATION OF CHILDREN IN SF/F Child abuse is frequently used as a plot element or character motivation in SF/F literature; however, the occurrence and effects of maltreatment are commonly portrayed in a simplistic, inaccurate way. For example, people who suffer child abuse are depicted as either forever scarred or untouched by their experiences. Perpetrators of abuse are depicted as monsters, characters we can distance from ourselves by seeing them as inhuman. Not only does this simplistic treatment of child abuse lead to the creation of two-dimensional characters and tedious plot, it can impact how readers understand and react to the social issue. Let's explore the ways in which oppression, abuse, and resilience impact society and the individual. We'll discuss accurate information about child maltreatment, give examples from current SF/F of problematic and useful depictions of maltreatment, and open a discussion about how SF/F literature may influence current social attitudes toward children.

RECOGNIZING THE PRIVILEGE IN THEISM AND ATHEISM Explosive discussions frequently occur when atheists and theists try to talk about religion, non-belief, and our society. One of the main causes of this is because there are complicated privilege issues that make people in both groups defensive. Besides just looking at our own history, let us look at representations in sf/f of religion as both a liberating force and an oppressive one. What stories have an explicitly atheist-leaning world for better or worse? How can leftist atheists and believers come together and fight the religious right?

CLASS, THE ECONOMY, AND YOU How did class divisions contribute to our current economic collapse? How do we see art and activism in relation to different class positions? How does our art and activism change with OR in relation to our job status and the economy? How do these things change when combining your class with other underrepresented groups you belong to? Are the narratives we have in stories perpetuating the problems in our society and can we write and think our way out of them?

WHY ARE THESE BROWN PEOPLE HARSHING MY SQUEE? Why is racial representation important in genre fiction? What are the politics of being a Fan of Color? Just what is the cost of participating in fandom if you are a racial minority?

Babes with Blades closes the run of "Macbeth"

2009-05-30T12:15:00.000-07:00

If you're interested in this show, seats are limited.Babes with Blades are closing the run of their show Macbeth (Tomorrow - Saturday night) has SOLD OUT. they have some "obstructed viewing" seats still available and a waiting list, and I *think* we still have some tix for tonight (plus the extras). Call 773-880-0016 to reserve/get on the waiting list/check availability.

Do robots dream of them?

2009-05-30T11:19:00.000-07:00

UK-based housewares company Back 4 gives you the chance to own your very own electric sheep.

Trek Fight!

2009-05-28T09:42:00.001-07:00

District 9 Trailer without the blurred face and with subtitles

2009-05-24T02:34:00.000-07:00

This looks promising, but I just have a gut feeling about this one, and it's not good. I desperately want to be wrong. If this turns out to be "Alien Nation, only not as good" I'm gonna be salty.

Exclusive with ‘Reclaiming The Blade’ director on TheOneRing.net™ . I'm semi-frantically searching for places that will screen this.

2009-05-22T10:51:00.001-07:00

RECLAIMING THE BLADE: Movie Trailer - Amazing videos are here

A discussion with the "Reclaiming the Blade" Director on theonering.net

Posted using ShareThis

"Transformers" star Shia LaBeouf mugshot on thesmokinggun.com

2009-05-22T10:41:00.001-07:00

He was arrested for making a nuisance of himself at the Walgreens on Chicago and Michigan avenues at some ungodly hour for some ridonkulous reason. The salacious details may be found on the link below.
TSG Mug Shot: Shia LaBeouf

Posted using ShareThis

Belfry Deuce - Stingy Brim Bowler: Hatsinthebelfry.com

2009-05-21T22:01:00.000-07:00

a little somethin' somethin' for my freaky darlings in search of a bowler.

Belfry Deuce - Stingy Brim Bowler: Hatsinthebelfry.com

Too Funny!

2009-05-20T13:47:00.001-07:00

Trekkies Bash New Star Trek Film As 'Fun, Watchable'

Filkin' around: I Fight Dragons

2009-05-17T13:50:00.000-07:00

The music surrounding fandom today is light years ahead of the "filk" that I grew up on as a young nerdling in the early eighties. All we really had back then was the odd soundtrack, whatever some fan put together for a con or Weird Al Jankovic. Period. Now there's awesome groups like Abney Park, the global phenomenon of Wizard Rock and local groups like I Fight Dragons. This local band uses old school video game sounds and infuses them with an infectious indie sensibility. I'm liking them a bit more with every listen.

The band is currently offering a free download of their EP if you go to their website.

Words kinda fail me

2009-05-15T13:37:00.000-07:00

I haven't read Shatner Quake . I fear the book may swallow my soul. But here's the authors synopsis:

It’s the first ShatnerCon with William Shatner as the guest of honor! But after a failed terrorist attack by Campbellians, a crazy terrorist cult that worships Bruce Campbell, all of the characters ever played by William Shatner are suddenly sucked into our world. Their mission: hunt down and destroy the real William Shatner.

Featuring: Captain Kirk, TJ Hooker, Denny Crane, Rescue 911 Shatner, Singer Shatner, Shakespearean Shatner, Twilight Zone Shatner, Cartoon Kirk, Esperanto Shatner, Priceline Shatner, SNL Shatner, and – of course – William Shatner!

No costumed con-goer will be spared in their wave of destruction, no redshirt will make it out alive, and not even the Klingons will be able to stand up to a deranged Captain Kirk with a lightsaber. But these Shatner-clones are about to learn a hard lesson…that the real William Shatner doesn’t take crap from anybody. Not even himself.

It’s Shatnertastic!

If you read it and make it through the experience with your grey matter intact, let me know how it goes.

Did anyone in Chicago even SEE Dragonball Evolution? I heart this fan review.

2009-05-14T07:08:00.000-07:00

I work at a theater, so imagine my surprise when this one slipped past me. The fans pretty much pulled out the long knives and chopped it into teeny bits, but I can't really form a personal opinion without seeing it. I can, however, post my favorite review so far.

If you saw this trailer, don't you think you would be seeing a sweet movie? Iknow I would.

J.J. Abrams discusses working with Leonard Nimoy on Jimmy Fallon

2009-05-11T19:31:00.000-07:00

where there is fandom, there are fans makin' stuff.

2009-05-11T18:10:00.000-07:00

courtesy of the crafty hipsters at Threadbanger.com

Best of Star Trek DIY, Threadbanger - Watch more Funny Videos

"A Nightmare on Elm Street" is looking for Extras

2009-05-08T11:06:00.000-07:00

Atmosphere Casting of Chicago is now casting extras for a Platinum Dunes revisioning of the horror classic "A Nightmare On Elm Street". Shooting is set to begin on May 5th and run until July.

Information from the Atmosphere casting website requests the following:

"REAL teenagers and High School students. No acting experience required at all. Age range from 16-20(young looking). I am looking primarily for caucasian male and females.

TRIPLETS!!! I am looking for identical, FEMALE triplets in the 5-7 yr age range, preferably BLONDE. THIS WILL BE A SPEAKING PART! The girls should also know how to jump rope.

If interested, please send your children's photo, along with AGE, HEIGHT, WEIGHT, DATE OF BIRTH, CLOTHING SIZES, PHONE NUMBER, AND PARENT'S NAME to: noes@atmospherecastingchicago.com

***IMPORTANT***

If you have already registered with us and submitted a PROFESSIONAL HEADSHOT OR COMP CARD in the past, PLEASE e-mail us ASAP with natural, candid 3x5 photos of yourself. The director doesn't want to see regular headshots, he would like to see how people really look.

Get your submissions in ASAP as I am casting NOW!!! Keep checking here as I update what I am looking for next!!

-Jon"

For additional information go to the atmosphere website at http://www.atmospherecastingchicago.com/2.html

May 17, 2009 - "Terminator" Retrospective Cocktail Party

2009-05-07T12:45:00.000-07:00

*Cross-Posted from Facebook*

The Chicago Nerd Social Club will host "Terminator: A Classic Retrospective" Sunday, May 17, 2009, 6:30pm - 10:30pm at Risque Cafe, 3419 N Clark St. Lovers of all things Cyberdyne Systems will gather for an opportunity to review the classics known as “The Terminator”, “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” and “Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines”. The nights events will include ticket give-aways for an Exclusive CNSC Reserved seat at the May 18th Screening of “Terminator Salvation”. We’ll be having Terminator Trivia for prizes and Tickets. This event is open to anyone and everyone who loves Terminator and is hoping for a seat at the screening. Come for a chance to see the new "Terminator Salvation" in an Exclusive Reserved Seating screening. For more information contact the Chicago Nerd Social Club at info@chicagonerds.com

hello, my name is troodles and I am addicted to fan shorts

2009-05-06T22:22:00.000-07:00

How to make semi-sweet wolverine claws

wolverine's claws suck. they kinda do

Troodles' big Damn Star Trek discussion. You may want to grab a potty break.

2009-05-04T21:28:00.000-07:00

This is definitely one of the times where my flammable workplace gimp suit comes in handy. I work at a theater as an usher. I could do worse, and have, but I digress. Today was a "perk" kind of day.

I was allowed to clock off early so I could go to an advance screening of the new J.J. Abrams contribution to the Star Trek Franchise. Finally, A movie I can watch the crap out of. I'll be honest, I fully expected him to not "get it" in the slightest and laugh at the audience instead of with us, but he gets us. He really really gets where our heads are at.

It's not just the special effects, which are undeniably bad-ass. It's not just the costumes that I personally love and now want a pair of Romulan boots. It's the teeny weeny things that a fan would pick up: It's the verbal exchange between the characters, their personal struggles and what ultimately draws them to become who they become. I love the nods to the original television series and even smaller nods to previous movie soundtracks, especially during battle sequences.

This movie made me laugh, cheer, and love the experience of sitting in a theater again. Things like this movie are why I like the fandom.

I would go into detail about the finer points of the movie, but I really don't like "spoiler pigs" who one-up their readers and spoil the experience. Go. Enjoy. You're welcome.

Now, on to Star Trek related crap: Shatner's not in it and I profoundly do not care. He pretends not to either, but he devotes a fair amount of time griping about it.

Personally, I'm chalking it up to some karmic blowback from the "get a life" remark. I didn't find an unsullied version, but you get the drift. My take on the whole situation is this: the first time you laugh AT my fandom instead of WITH us, is the end of any damn-giving that this blogger plans to engage in. His geek pass got revoked right after that SNL episode, at least in my eyes.

May 9, 2009: Sci-Fi Spectacular

2009-05-04T20:46:00.000-07:00

The Music Box Theater,3733 N. Southport Ave., will host "Sci-Fi Spectacular," an evening of vintage 35mm sci-fi movie trailers, Saturday, May 9 from midnight to 2 a.m. Hosted by Rusty Nails, the the group plans to offer prizes, dealer tables and "more." Tickets are $20 in advance or $24 the day of the event.
Advance tickets are available now at the Music Box box office, Laurie's Planet of Sound and through Ticketweb. For more information, call 773-871-6607 or email molli@musicboxtheatre.com

June 20, 2009 - 7th Annual Slay-A-Thon

2009-05-03T08:39:00.000-07:00

This is definitely a "thon" made for fans. Chicago-based Buffy the Vampire Slayer fans are hosting their 7th Annual "Slay-A-Thon" Make-A-Wish Foundation Benefit at Dave and Buster's Gold Coast, Saturday, June 20, 2009, 11:30 AM - Midnight.

Unlike other events, which require exertion and detract from "Buffy" viewing time, "Buffy" fans can raise money for a damn good cause and do what they love: watch some of the best of the best episodes of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Angel", while raising money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois.

Participants are not required to attend the entire event. Stay for the day or stop by for your favorite episodes. People who actively (or sedendarily) participate in the event get friends, family, and co-workers to "sponsor" them - just like with a walkathon, or other fundraising events of that type. All participant proceeds and sponsor dollars will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois.

According to the Slay-A-Thon website, the group has raised $67,000 and granted 13 wishes. For more information, you may contact this year's organizers Jennifer Cohen and Kelly Creamer at the official Slay-A-Thon page: http://www.slayathon.org

May 2 , 2009 - Free Comic Book Day Event at Challenger

2009-05-01T23:30:00.000-07:00

May 2 is Free Comic Book book day in our fair metropolis and Challenger Comics, 1845 N. Western Ave., is doing it's part to share the swag love. Stop by challenger to claim sweet giveaways as well as appearance by Erik Larsen, debuting his all-new Savage Dragon #148 Come for the freebies, stay for live music from the band Heroes for Hire. For more information call 773-2780155 or email challengers@challengerscomics.com

Jedi and ECS make Redeye Magazine!

2009-04-27T17:50:00.001-07:00

The Empire of Chivalry and Steel
Members: 24 Meet-ups: Most Sundays
Cost: Free, but organizers request a $30 yearly donation
Perfect if: The Treaty of Verdun is a must-read for you
Most days, Mina Turner plays the part of a 26-year-old Lakeview resident, but on Sundays she transforms into Mina LaVigne, a French commoner living in a vineyard in 14th Century France.

Turner runs the Chicago chapter of The Empire of Chivalry and Steel, a Medieval recreation group that she formed after moving to Chicago about four years ago. Turner met her husband in the Arizona chapter of the group.

The organization, which meets at the Good Shepherd Christian Assembly in Norwood Park, studies Medieval times while employing personas from the era. Members create art and occasionally participate in sword fights. "We really focus on the academic aspects. We're not just out there dressing up and hitting each other with sticks," Turner said.

As people look for alternative and affordable way to enjoy themselves, they look a bit more to fandom. Chicago Jedi and the Empire of Chivalry and Steel's Chicago Chapter both got their chances to shine in the pages of RedEye.

The (Illinois) Chicago Jedi Group, is a 30 member group devoted to immersing themselves in the ideologies and fighting Style of an order of futuristic Knights sprung from the Star Wars Universe.

The group, which connects through Meetup.com, seeks to make their world better and improve their bodies and minds. They practice martial arts and meditation and learn correct weapon use. If, in fifty years, this group evolved into a full-blown religious order, it wouldn't surprise me one bit.

for more information about their 2009 Michigan Meetup: go to http://www.jediresourcecenter.org/smf/index.php?topic=3552.0

Go Trek Yourself

2009-04-27T15:08:00.000-07:00

"Go Trek Yourself" is an application, made by Cheez-It, of all people, to make a Trekker icon for your website. I initially put it on the blog, but there's no way to mute the virtual Spock introduction. It is kinda fun to do, I don't recommend embedding it.

click here to use the applet

Part Two of the ET "New Moon" Preview.

2009-04-27T12:39:00.000-07:00

As much as the book series makes me nuts, I must admit I'm a "Team Jacob" Girl

Entertainment Tonight is ramping up the hype surrounding the "New Moon."

2009-04-27T08:39:00.000-07:00

My knee-jerk reaction: I hate Jacob's wig. It looks like, well, a wig.

Added a shmancy new countdown clock for the new moon movie

2009-04-27T03:21:00.000-07:00

A little something for the fangirlies: November 20, you are so very far away. Luckily there is an ever-scrolling countdown clock to countdown the seconds. I'll talk at length about my love-hate relationship with the whole "Twilight" universe in a later posting.

Star Trek Themed laser tag at Whirlyball May 1

2009-04-25T10:40:00.000-07:00

The festivities leading up to the Screening of Star Trek just keep coming. The latest offering is by the Chicago Free Movie Screenings group on Facebook

According to the event posting on Facebook:

Star Trek Lasertag: The future begins
Host: CHICAGO FREE MOVIE SCREENINGS
Type: Sports - Tournament
Network: Global
Date: Friday, May 1, 2009
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: WhirlyBall Street: 1880 W Fullerton Ave
City/Town: Chicago, IL
Phone: 7734867777

Come to WhirlyBall for a night of Lasertag fun!
Winners of the Lasertag game get a change to win STAR TREK prizes.
Explore the official website of the upcoming Star Trek movie for the newest trailers and cast photos at www.startrekmovie.com

Star Trek-themed light show and bowling party at the Diversey River Bowl, April 30

2009-04-25T10:02:00.000-07:00

In anticipation of the J.J. Abrams Star Trek Prequel, coming out 05.08.2009, The Chicago Free Movies Screenings Facebook group is hosting a "Star Trek 2009 Light Show" at Diversey River Bowl Thursday, April 30, at 10:30 p.m.

Partiers will enjoy Star Trek themed lightshow and Star Trek prizes and movie tickets will be distributed to partiers at random. For more information call the Diversey River Bowl, located 2211 W Diversey Ave, at 773-227-5800

Star Trek desk icon freebie

2009-04-22T23:05:00.000-07:00

This is one of my nicer finds. If you wanna pimp your computer with old school Star trek stuff the Iconfactory is your go-to supersweet icon resource. At least, in my humble opinion. You're welcome. Live long and prosper.

Harry Potter Exhibit opens at Museum of Science and Industry April 30.

2009-04-22T21:53:00.000-07:00

The Becker Group, in partnership with Warner Bros. Consumer Products announced the opening of Harry Potter: The Exhibition at the Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S Lake Shore Dr., Thursday, April 30.

The exhibit will feature authentic costumes, props and artifacts from the popular Harry Potter film franchise, including Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, The Gryffindor common room and Hagrid's hut. The exhibit will be updated during it's run to include artifacts from the final installments of the Harry Potter films and will be supported by advance ticket sales and a pretty vast network of fandom. Ticket availability will be posted at:
http://www.harrypotterexhibition.com, or for more information, call 866-231-8328.

A really lovely fan video tribute to J.K. Rowling

2009-04-22T21:47:00.000-07:00

Wizard Rock Awareness Day is April 28. Voldemort can't stop the WROCK!

2009-04-22T21:03:00.000-07:00

All my WICHes over at Facebook are burning the torch ever brighter for the cause of Wizard Rock. April 28th has been declared Wizard Rock Awareness Day.

The event coordinator announced on Facebook:

We would like to promote Wizard Rock to those who don't really know about it, and encourage others to do the same - Especially here in the UK where virtually no-one has heard of it!

"So what on Earth is Wizard Rock...?!"

Wizard Rock "is the phrase used to describe music written about or inspired by the Harry Potter series" (defined by http://wizrocklopedia.com/ ). With original music and lyrics by over 450 bands across the globe, this is a growing phenomenon that every Harry Potter fan should know about!

Not sure who to listen to? Try some of these more famous Wizard Rock bands...

Harry and the Potters
Draco and the Malfoys
The Remus Lupins
The Whomping Willows
Ministry of Magic
Riddle™ (yay!)
The Moaning Myrtles

Please get all your friends to join this event, then on Tuesday April 28th 2009, update your status to reflect your support...eg "Joe Bloggs is promoting Wizard Rock Awareness Day and encourages all his Facebook friends to do the same!"

Many thanks for your support,

Olivia Minnear
~ Fans of Riddle™

To RSVP or to show your support go to
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=71110774932

January 3: Global toast to the professor

2008-01-17T19:03:00.001-08:00

Birthday Celebration: Global toast to the professor. January 3, 2007

cross-posted to theonering.net
livejournal
greatestjournal
Insanejournal
myspace
vox
facebook
blogroll

As most of you know, January 3 is Tolkien's Birthday. To observe this important occasion, many groups around the GLOBE stop at 9 p.m. their time and

raise a toast to "the professor." If there are any Chicagoans looking to raise a glass with fellow chicago middleearthlings, come join us!

If there's any chicagoans looking to raise a (albeit caffeinated) beverage in celebration of the Tolkien's birthday, feel free to meet us at
Borders Bookstore
755 W. North Avenue
Chicago, IL. 60601
312-266-8060
we'll start meeting at 7 p.m. and end after the 9 p.m. toast.

According to the Tolkien Society, on the 3rd January 1892 JRR Tolkien was born in Bloemfontein, South Africa. To celebrate this event, on this day each

year Tolkien fans around the world are invited to raise a glass and toast the birthday of this much loved author.
The toast is "The Professor".

For those unfamiliar with British toast-drinking ceremonies: To make the Birthday Toast, you stand, raise a glass of your choice of drink (not necessarily

alcoholic), and say the words 'The Professor' before taking a sip (or swig, if that's more appropriate for your drink). Sit and enjoy the rest of your drink.

Members and non members alike, who may only be there in spirit, may post their toasts online at tolkiensociety.org. Member have posted from

Bialystok, Poland; Bilac, Brazil:oslo, Norway, utrecht, Netherlands; Jerusalem Israel, Cork, Ireland, Singapore; milano, Italy, Edenhall England, the list

goes on and on. The dutch Tolkien Society will have their toast at an african restaurant, which I personally think is an awesome touch.
I am well pleased to call my self a "Ringer" and a "Potty Tolkien Reader" and "Geek in Residence" at the bookstore where I work. I feel blessed to have

read the books, and met the people and gone the places his work has taken me. I feel excitement beyond description to know that he will be discussed in

the year 2010 and beyond. I'll share the toast that I posted to the tolkien society page and what I'll say tomorrow night:

His name is on the lips of the world well into the year 2010. May his story continue to grow in the telling, and our roads go ever on and on. The professor!

If Randy Newman replaced Howard Shore

2007-12-10T17:02:00.001-08:00

she's not a Chicagoan but she rocks my casbah

2007-12-10T12:37:00.001-08:00

she's best known for her mini fu and mini fu reloaded super sweet and technically accurate kung fu icons, but lebanese artist Joumana Medlej is so prolific and fantastic you'll just have to check her out on Deviant Art, Cafe Press and her own site, http://www.cedarseed.com

2008 is gonna WROCK!

2007-10-01T16:53:00.000-07:00

Terminus is a major Harry Potter convention and it's coming to chicago proper. I thought it was shady as hell, but the kids are spreading the word far and wide. All the major names in wizard rock are gonna be there. Not really clear about how the literary side of the fandom is going to fare.

Another Convention comes to Chicago

2007-04-23T10:35:00.000-07:00

Inspired by respected feminist science fiction convention Wiscon, local leftist Science Fiction Reading group Think Galactic is hosting their first annual GalacticCon July 13 - 15 At Roosevelt University in Chicago.

According to their press release, the group is seeking to create a comfortable place for leftists to explore leftist themes in Science Fiction through multiple tracks of programming.

The group, which describes itself as "Pro-woman, pro-queer and anti-racist wishes to also explore issues of issues of oppressive hierarchies, race, gender and sexuality.

Speakers planned to appear include: Nalo Hopkinson (author), Jim Munroe (author/publisher), Nisi Shawl (author), Nnedi Okorafor-Mbachu (author), and Gary K. Wolfe (critic). For information regarding registration and accomodations, please visit the organization's registration page.

The countdown is running earnest

2007-03-24T18:17:00.000-07:00

Harper Collins has started their countdown clock (we have 23 days give or take) to the release of Children of Hurin, Tolkien's most recently published work, edited by Christopher Tolkien and illustrated by Allen Lee. Click the link below to get to the most recent countdown time.
The Lord of the Rings meetup will host a launch party to celebrate the publication of the book. go to our site for more information.

2007-03-07T15:26:00.001-08:00

His Name is Sauron and he's eevil.

he's going down and we're gonna party and watch Mordor faw down go boom.

(at least in theory)

How: By partying like the drunken hobbits we areWhat: A semi-potluck celebration of the downfall of the dark lord

When: Saturday, March 31

Where: the location will be disclosed to members of the

Lord of the Rings Meetup

and

Tolkien Meetup

To RSVP go to

http://lotr.meetup.com/213

for more information

p.s. We realize the fall of Sauron didn't occur on the 31st. It's a scheduling thing.

Come join us and hoist a pint to his delayed demise.

show of hands...

2007-02-12T22:02:00.000-08:00

Who watched Battlestar Galactica twice just to perve Carl Agathon's rippling beefy abs?

I want this poster. It's genius

2006-12-27T18:25:00.000-08:00

This is the play poster for the "full frontal Potter" play that everyone has been buzzing about. I don't blame the kid. It's going to take this and a lot more to be thought of as more than Harry Potter. I'll elaborate m0re on all things Harry Potter (Next year is totally his year) and Daniel Radcliffe in a future issue. I'm going to a Lord of the Rings Trilogy showing and I have that on the brain. more later though. promise.

JK Rowling names final book

2006-12-27T18:24:00.000-08:00

She announced it in a December 21 press conference.

http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/articlenews.aspx?type=entertainmentNews&storyID=2006-12-21T155305Z_01_L20658225_RTRUKOC_0_UK-ROWLING-POTTER.xml&WTmodLoc=Entertainment-C1-Headline-3

Viggo Mortensen writes poignant Bark Magazine Article

2006-10-07T16:41:00.000-07:00

I have a super soft spot for Viggo. Learn it. Live it. We'll revisit this place again. His farewell to his beloved dog is just lovely. It appears in Bark Magazine and it's poignant and just lovely.

Welcome to Chicago Fandom

2006-09-30T22:42:00.000-07:00

Okay...I'm a blogaholic. I might as well cop to that little factoid in my first entry. But rather than torment people with this info, I thought I would post it here and see what happens. I know you guys don't all know one another. I know people may profit from the information I dig up. I hope I'm right.