It’s Lady’s (Arm Wrestling) Night at The Squared Circle!

One of my favorite spots to hang out and have a good, geeky time is at The Squared Circle. First opened by former WWE Diva/TNA Knockout Lisa Marie Varon (AKA “Victoria” and “Tara”), the wrestling-themed specialty pizza joint (think “Hard Rock Cafe” meets “Wrestlemania”) is the place to be when you want to hang out with fellow fans of “sports entertainment.”

The Squared Circle is also known for hosting pay-per-view event viewings and even having stars of the sport pop in from time to time! Now, if you’re looking to hang with some of the stars of ladies arm wrestling, this is the week for you! The Squared Circle will be hosting some of the gals from CLLAW (The Chicago League of Lady Arm Wrestlers) and they want YOU to come in, hang out and have fun!

Info after the jump!

Army of Darkness VS THE GEEK SHOW!

A few weeks ago I was invited by fellow fanboy Aaron J. Amendola to be a guest on his variety/comedy/talk show called “THE GEEK SHOW”.

As this was my first time at the show, I found it to be a wonderfully charming and funny production, that’s put on by some of the most talented people you’ll meet in Chicago.

In my segment, Aaron and I talk about my contribution to the “Army of Darkness 1992.1” anthology, live-tweeting a date, and who would win in a fight between Darth Vader and Captain Jean-Luc Picard. Check it out!:

(Now after seeing myself on video I’m feeling a bit like I need to get back into the gym and work on my geekfit some more. WHO AM I KIDDING? I NEED IT BIG TIME!)

Check back for my next segment on THE GEEK SHOW where I play a game with a member of the audience!

Thanks to Aaron for the invite and kudos to him and the VS THE UNIVERSE CREW for putting on a fun show!

Halloween Parties for Chicago’s Geeks & Nerds (and geeky families too!)

Chicago has one of the most vibrant geek/nerd communities in the U.S. and you don’t have to look far to find fun events where you can “get your geek on.”

With that in mind, and knowing that Halloween is one of those holidays that really bring out the kid in all of us, here are some fun events and parties that Chicago’s geeks, nerds and their “norm” friends can enjoy! (With one thrown in for my geeky peeps in the suburbs!):

CHICAGO LOOT DROP SHAMBLERS’ BALL: I’ve written about this super-cool event before. It’s less than a week away and tickets are STILL AVAILABLE but don’t wait until the last minute! All proceeds go to the Child’s Play Charity which benefits the Comer Children’s Hospital.

CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS!

(More events after the jump!)

This is the darkest timeline…

I’ll never forget the day this happened. To set the scene up: I had been asked by the folks of Wizard World – the convention organizers – to moderate the “Star Trek Captains Reunion” panel at the WW Chicago Comic-Con a couple years ago. It was going to be one of the biggest events I’d ever be a part of at that point in my career as a “geek journo.” The panel included Avery Brooks (Captain Sisko from “Deep Space Nine”), Scott Bakula (Captain Archer on “Enterprise”) and Captain Kirk himself…WILLIAM…EFFING…SHATNER(!)  Now, Shatner had already given me some playful grief backstage, so I guess I should have expected this:

Funny, huh? Thing is, something happened during the panel that kind of paints that whole act of nerd collectible-vandalism in a different light. Something that pretty much goes unnoticed by most if you watch the entire panel on video.

Quite frankly, it was a hard lesson that I learned about dealing with celebrities and interacting with them in these types of scenarios. It was also lesson that I’ll never forget, and that I always keep in mind when I work conventions like C2E2 or Chicago TARDIS.

Gorilla Tango Burlesque presents “Boobs on Endor: A Return of the Jedi Burlesque”

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

I was fortunate enough to attend the very first of Gorilla Tango Burlesque’s Star Wars-themed shows in “A Nude Hope.” Like all of the GTB’s shows, it was full of saucy humor and clever references to the material it sourced. Now they’re bringing the classic trilogy to a close with their newest show based on Return of the Jedi, calling it “Boobs on Endor.”

Oboy, this sure looks like fun! Who wants to join me for the show? Check out the details below:

Chicago, IL (September 20, 2014): In the epic conclusion of Gorilla Tango Burlesque’s (GTB) sexy Star Wars parody saga, the risque Rebel Alliance confronts the evil Galactic Empire for once and all. Keep calm and yub nub on as we gather to celebrate those brave souls who led the Rebellion to victory: The Mighty Ewoks!

FROM THE ARCHIVES: The Hottest Geek Guys of 2013

One of the most popular features on Geek To Me has always been the “Top Geek Gals” and “Hottest Geek Guys” galleries that I’d put together each year. It’s one of the most difficult features to produce since I’m always sorting through the numerous nominations that I collect on my Twitter and Facebook page. And I always end up forgetting someone deserving.

I was going through my photo archives and found the “Hottest Geek Guys of 2013” which featured several of my favorite fellow geek guys – like Marcus LeShock, Laurence Holmes and Nathan Hamill. But this one will always be my fave because it included musician Matt Ryd.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

I remember when I was putting together the 2013 gallery and Matt chided me, saying that I never included him with the “cool geeks.” Of course he was joking with me because he was one of the most humble persons I’ve ever known. Still, I was embarrassed because he was such an obvious choice.  The dude personified the music geek.

He was so flattered when I put him in the 2013 gallery. And I was stunned when the photo was used in his memorial.

I really miss you, Matt.