x GeekGirlCon | GeekGirlCon - Part 4

GeekGirlCon is Looking for Vendors and Exhibitors!

Attendees at GeekGirlCon '13 pose for a photo while exploring the Exhibitor Hall

Attendees at GeekGirlCon ’13 pose for a photo while exploring the Exhibitor Hall

We are ramping up our plans for GeekGirlCon! We have opened submissions for panelists and for musical performers, and now we are seeking all vendors and exhibitors! If you have been a vendor or exhibitor at previous GeekGirlCons then you know the deal. If, however, you have not been one of our fabulous vendors or exhibitors, and you make, have, and sell some sort of geek-centric product, we’d love the chance to see what you have to offer.

How do you get to be one of GeekGirlCon ‘13’s fabulous vendors and exhibitors? Here’s how:

Contact kris@geekgirlcon.com for more info and an application. We are closing vendor and exhibitor applications on July 1, so email Kris right now.

Easy, right? We’re looking forward to hearing from you soon!

Guest Contributor
“Rock On!”

Ask GeekGirlCon: What is your favorite tabletop game?

Hi readers!

Did you know that today is International TableTop Day? Find a game to celebrate with this installment of Ask GeekGirlCon: What is your favorite tabletop game?

Betrayal at the House on the Hill

Betrayal at the House on the Hill

“My favorite tabletop game is Betrayal at the House on the Hill published by Avalon Games. Every time you play this game, there is a different scenario. You build the game board as you go, and every time a different set of circumstances triggers the big bad Haunt. There are dozens of endings to this game and I’ve never seen the same one twice. I remember the first time I played I was beyond intimidated because my friend had to pull out his giant binder of endings and I thought it was the rule book. Even though the game varies so much, it’s still easy to learn and easy to play. And did I mention everyone has the chance to randomly become a traitor? What’s more fun then turning on your friends half way through the game because you’ve lost your sanity and turned evil?” – Jex Ballard, Volunteer Program Manager

Tokaido

Tokaido

“We play a lot of games in our house but my favourite game to play would be Antoine Bauza’s Tokaido. Tokaido is simple, relaxing game where you and fellow players travel along from Tokyo to Edo on the famous Tokaido.

This is a simple game with point to point movement where each player chooses a traveler at random to travel one of the most magnificent roads of Japan. During your journey, you will buy souvenirs, eat amazing meals, visit temples, meet new people, and see gorgeous vistas all as you travel the East sea road.” – Kristine Hassell, Twitter Administrator

Battlestar Galactica: The Board Game

Battlestar Galactica: The Board Game

“It is so hard to choose a favorite! Right now, I would say it is Battlestar Galactica: The Board Game. I had a lot of doubts when I picked up the game, as I have played many bad games based on TV shows or movies. Battlestar Galactica is a rare board game that is not just a lot of fun, it also remains true to the show. You really feel as though you are playing a character on Battlestar Galactica. While the game is mostly cooperative, one or more players are secretly cylons or cylon sympathizers working against the human crew. There is a lot of bluffing, deception, and deduction. This makes it fun to play over and over!” – Susie Rantz, Manager of Public Relations

Your turn, folks! What’s your favorite tabletop game? Any suggestions on what to play next?

Shiboo_Krismer
“Rock On!”

Join us: Women Lead a Changing World

Are you eager to discuss or learn more about what you can do to help shape the future for women and girls? If you live in the Seattle area, we have just the event for you!

womensfundingallianceOn Wednesday, March 27, head to Town Hall Seattle for “Women Lead a Changing World,” an event hosted by the Women’s Funding Alliance (and includes our Programming and Events Director Jennifer K. Stuller!).

Here’s the description from the event website:

“It’s a defining time for women and girls, both locally and around the world. The playing field is changing dramatically and the time for powerful, fresh leadership is now. Be among the first to hear new information about critical factors shaping the future of women and girls. Find out how five extraordinary women are leading the way, and learn how you can take action…whether you have two minutes, two hours or two days!”

We were able to catch up with Sara Reyerson, director of grant programs at Women’s Funding Alliance and coordinator of the event. Read on to see what she had to say about it … including a few sneak peeks at some new data that will be shared at the event!

Can you tell us more details about “Women Lead a Changing World?”

This event is all about what matters most to women and girls in Washington State – and how each of us can be leaders in taking action. The program features: Compelling new data about critical issues. Inspiring stories. Five extraordinary women leading change for women and girls, locally and nationally. And a motivating call to action!

Here is more event information and a link to reserve your seat.

Why do you think now is the right time to have this conversation?

This conversation zeros in on emerging trends facing women and girls. New data will be shared. A few sneak peeks:

• 72 percent of women who work outside the home are in industries that pay below our state average.
• 80 percent: The share of 10th-grade girls who report being bullied or harassed via cell phone or computer.
 Women hold less than 1/3 of our state legislative seats, and 80 percent of corporations have less than three women on their boards of directors.

Each of the speakers will share how they are leading in a movement for change – championing the well-being of girls and women across our state and nation.

What are one or two things you hope people will take away from the event?

We hope every person attending the event will see themselves in the stories and information shared by the speakers. And we hope each person leaves having an idea of how she/he can personally take action to improve the lives of women and girls!

Can you tell us more about Women’s Funding Alliance?

Women’s Funding Alliance is the leading funder in Washington State that invests in and advocates for women and girls. We build leadership and drive financial investments to make change on the most pressing issues facing women and girls. We do our work in service to a vision that every woman and girl has the opportunity to live, lead and thrive.

Thanks for answering our questions, Sarah. We hope to see some of you at “Women Lead a Changing World!”

Guest Contributor
“Rock On!”

GeekGirlCon ’13 Hotels

We’ve got more exciting news for those of you planning to travel to GeekGirlCon ‘13! If you need a place to stay, GeekGirlCon is delighted to partner with two hotels very near The Washington State Conference Center. Either hotel is a great place to set up your home base for the weekend; we all know that riding the bus in full Darth Vader cosplay can be a little awkward.

Here are the details:

Homewood SuitesHomewood Suites
1011 Pike Street (corner of Seattle Convention Center and Pike Street) (map)
Seattle, WA 98101

Reservations Line: 800-225-5466
Reserve Online

 

Queen Studio at Homewood Suites

What you get:

  • $179 per night (+ tax) for single or double room (Max in the studios and 1-bedrooms is 4 occupants)
  • Large suite with a kitchen area and pull-out couch
  • 2 blocks from the convention center
  • Overnight parking at $25 per day with 24 hour in/out privileges
  • Free internet throughout the hotel and rooms
  • Complimentary hot breakfast
  • Business center and fitness center
  • Group rate available three days before and after the Con, based upon availability

 

To request an ADA Accessible Room, please make a note in the “Additional Comments” field.

 


W Hotel LobbyW Hotel
1112 Fourth Avenue (map)
Seattle, WA 98101

Reservations: 206-264-6000
Reserve Online

 

W Hotel RoomWhat you get:
$159.00 per night (+ tax) for single or double room*

  • *Rates negotiated as single and double occupancy; additional guests $30 per person + any applicable taxes
  • Boutique hotel with bright, contemporary feel
  • 5 ½ blocks from the Convention Center
  • Overnight parking at $38 per day with 24 hour in/out privileges
  • Free internet throughout the hotel and rooms
  • Business center and fitness center
  • Group rate available three days before and after the Con, based upon availability

 

NOTE: Reserve your room at either Homewood Suites or W Hotel before September 27, 2013 to get group rates and benefits!

Guest Contributor
“Rock On!”

GeekGirlCon ’13 Programming Submissions

geekgirlconAre you a professional in a geeky industry? An astrophysicist or mathematician? Do you run your own geeky business? Can we learn from you about the history of women in gaming? Do you have a unique perspective to share about being a woman in the sciences, horror, comics, television, film, robotics, costuming, or stunt industries? Are you an artist or illustrator? A pop culture “herstorian” or cultural critic?

GeekGirlCon will feature informative and entertaining programming on topics ranging from geek lifestyle issues to the sciences to popular culture. We are seeking engaging and thought-provoking proposals from professionals for panels and presentations on topics such as, but not limited to:

  • Women in science, math, engineering, and technology 
(STEM)
  • Women in robotics
  • Women characters and creators in comic books, literature, film, and television
  • Pop culture scholarship
  • Women in gaming 
(Tabletop, Board, Console, PC)
  • Women in horror
  • Diversity in genre – including race, ethnicity, class, gender, ability, sex, and sexuality
  • Crafty or geeky businesses
  • Cosplayer or Crossplay
  • Women in Stunt Work
  • Women writers (and men writing great geeky female characters)
  • Women artists and illustrators
  • Women in science fiction and fantasy
  • Fandom and community
  • Women’s history in geeky popular culture, science, and technology
  • Women in Anime/Manga
  • Women in Pop Culture Publishing
  • YA authors with Strong Female Protagonists
  • Geek Girl Pioneers in Fandom and Community
  • Documentary filmmakers
  • Web series producers
  • Geeky Charities
  • Women mentoring each other and our geeky little sisters
  • Hackers and Programmers
  • LED/Tech Fashion
  • Steampunk
  • Kids programming (Puppets, Cosplay for Kiddies, Storytime, Easy Crafts or Illustration)
  • Social Justice Issues and Geekdom (Including Cons and Race, Harassment, Gender, visible and invisible disabilities, etc.)
  • Geek Lifestyle Topics (i.e. Parenting, Dating, Overcoming Social Anxiety, etc.)
  • Sporty Geeks
  • Career-focused sessions or talks (How to pitch, negotiate, interview; where to train, how to find a mentor, opportunities, etc.)


Feel free to propose something we didn’t think of! Previous con programming is available for perusing programming sessions we’ve accepted in the past.

To be considered for acceptance, proposal submissions must reflect the mission of the convention – to promote, celebrate, educate, mentor, encourage, and empower the female geek – and should make an effort towards inclusivity.

We are interested in presentations, screenings, readings, workshops, mentoring sessions, and roundtable discussions from women and men in geeky professions. There must be an understanding that these topics be addressed with a women-centric and woman-positive focus and with attention to issues of diversity.

GeekGirlCon is committed to representing women geeks of all ages, races, sexual orientations, gender identities, creeds, physical and mental abilities, and familial statuses. Proposals must reflect a commitment to this as well.

Submissions are open until 11:59pm PST on May 15th. Past participation in programming is not a guarantee of acceptance for 2013. We are looking to diversify our programming from previous years, so be innovative!

If you are interested in proposing a panel or presentation please fill out this form.

Guest Contributor
“Rock On!”

GeekGirlConnections: Cover Letters 101

by Terra Olsen

The dreaded cover letter, it instills more fear in job seekers than any other part of the job search experience. But it doesn’t have to be so scary or terrible. I have broken down a few helpful tips to help make the cover letter experience more bearable.

But first I would like to take a moment to stress the importance of a cover letter. Time and time again I have talked to hiring managers who are dumbfounded when they get a resume with no cover letter. Not sending a cover letter does two things: Firstly, it sends the wrong message to the employer. You are basically saying that your time is more valuable than theirs, or that you simply don’t care enough. Secondly, you are missing a valuable opportunity to sell yourself. A cover letter helps an employer get to know you beyond the resume. Cover letters are really a wonderful tool that can help differentiate you from the completion.

So now that I have clearly convinced you to write cover letters, on to the tips!

1.) Formalities
Be sure to write your cover letter in a proper and formal fashion. Always have a formal salutation. Address your letter to the hiring manager (e.g. “Dear Ms. Lastname” or “To Whom It May Concern”). None of this “Hi” nonsense. Make sure to close your letter formally as well (e.g. “Sincerely”). In addition, do not use abbreviations or internet/text lingo—I cannot stress this enough. Seriously. (And that includes emoticons!)

2.) Proofread x12
It is essential to have a flawless resume, but it is even more essential to have a flawless cover letter. If you have spelling and/or grammatical errors in your cover letter, the reviewer might just toss your application without even reviewing your resume. So proofread your work. A good rule is to set it aside once you’re done with it, and then proofread it a few hours or a day later. It is hard to see your own mistakes when you just produced something, so taking a step back will help you clearly see where you might have misspelled something. Again, just slow down and take your time.

3.) Know who you’re addressing
Make sure you address the right company. I have seen cover letters that have had the correct company in some sentences, but then a different company in other sentences. Big no-no! Make sure you know whom you’re addressing, and how they spell their name (e.g. GeekGirlCon, not Geek Girl Con). In addition properly addressing the company you’re applying to, make sure you stress why you want to work that particular company. Hiring managers want to know how you will help their company succeed.

4.) Do Not repeat your resume
You should use your cover letter to tell the employer more about yourself, not to reiterate information that is in your resume. This is an opportunity to show your personality, and interest in their company and the industry. Try to tell an interesting story about why you’re interested in the industry, or why a particular strange job was actually a great way at developing x and y skills.

I hope these tips help you create the perfect cover letter and land your dream job! Happy Hunting!

Shiboo_Krismer
“Rock On!”

Ask GeekGirlCon: Women Who Inspire You

iwdHi, everyone! In celebration of International Women’s Day, GeekGirlCon’s staff was asked the question, “Who is the woman who inspires you the most?” Here’s what they shared:

“The women who inspire me the most are my fellow staffers at GeekGirlCon (past and present). They are some of the most amazing, fierce, and talented people I’ve ever met, and their dedication to our mission inspires me daily to work harder and be the very best version of myself.” – Rachelle Abellar, Manager of Design

Raye

GeekGirlCon staff members at GeekGirlCon ’12!

“The obvious answer is my mom. She’s funny, extremely smart, adorable, an amazing artist (she makes quilts of all kinds!), so supportive, a breast cancer survivor, and she isn’t afraid to speak her mind. I aspire to be as much like her as I possibly can. The answer for people who don’t know my mom? Felicia Day. I knew her as an actress on Buffy, Dollhouse, and Dr. Horrible’s Singalong Blog. But I’ve seen her at Emerald City Comicon several times now, and I follow her journey through creating her own web series and making the things she loves into her career. She’s straight-forward, sassy, super-smart (the girl has a degree in theoretical math!), and she has made her life into her art and her work—and she obviously loves it! Felicia Day is one of my role models.” – Sarah “SG-1” Grant, Copywriter

Mom and Kristine's niece Kaitlan

Kristine’s Mom and niece Kaitlan

“My mother is the woman who inspires me the most. From an early age, she taught to speak my mind and that knowledge was something that no one could take away from you. She might be stubborn and opinionated (no, she is both) but she has always been generous both in resources and spirit. She’s dangerous at trivia games with a near encyclopedic knowledge about the Golden Age of Hollywood, and no one makes SPAMsilog like she does. She beat breast cancer and was one of the main reasons I decided to quit smoking over a decade ago. When she gets fired up, my friends nicknamed her the Filipino Julia Sugarbaker, and it is a moniker well deserved. She continues to be an inspiration to me and while we might not speak as often as I’d like, she’s in my heart and thoughts every day. Mahal kita nanay, ikaw ang pinakamahusay na! (Translation: I love you, Mom. You’re the best!)” – Kristine Hassell, Twitter Administrator

Melissa McEwan

Melissa McEwan

“It’s hard to come up with a “most inspiring,” but I think the woman responsible for some of the biggest shifts in how I see myself and how I respond to the world is Melissa McEwan of the Shakesville blog. Her writing helped me realize that whatever activism I can manage is still worthy. WE change the world, and all of its problems are not mine alone. Liss pulled me out of inaction and got me involved, teaspoon by teaspoon.” – Alison Kozar, Manager of Programming

“There are too many women I find inspiring … my mother and grandmothers included! In addition, I am always looking for ways—big or small—that I can give back to this world. To that end, I look to women like Melinda Gates for guidance. She has put so much energy into supporting women and girls around the world and ensuring everyone can be healthy and feel empowered to live up to their potential. Plus, she’s a former computer science gal. Geeky and giving back: what could be better?” – Susie Rantz, Manager of PR

(Photo from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)

(Photo from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)

Reader, now it’s your turn – who is the woman who inspires you the most?

 

Guest Contributor
“Rock On!”

March Geek About Town

Hello, readers! Who else is recovering from Emerald City Comicon? What a weekend!

However, if you’re like us, you’re probably already hungry for some more geeky activities. Check out these great March events in the Seattle area. There are TONS of them!

Seattle Yelp Geeks Out! takes place during the entire month of March. Admission to all events is free with an RSVP—and all you need to RSVP is a Yelp account! We’ve tagged all the events below that are part of Seattle Yelp Geeks Out!

*Yelp Geeks Out Event*
Thursday, March 7: Explore the new MOHAI with Yelp for FREE! (10 A.M. – 8 P.M.)
From the website: “The brand-spankin’ new Museum Of History And Industry is open. And better yet, it’s FREE every first Thursday of the month. So what better way to kick off Yelp Geeks Out than by meeting up together to take a free tour of this incredible new space?!”

Friday, March 8: Super Gaymer Party for the Launch of Gaming in Color! at Raygun Lounge
This is the Seattle launch party for a new documentary called “Gaming in Color”, celebrating diversity and LGBT contributions in gaming.

Friday, March 8: Ladies Night at Raygun hosted by Queer Geek
Queer Geek – Seattle is a LGBT (and friends) gaming and “geek” group. Their Friday “Ladies Night at Raygun” will be sharing the space with the Super Gaymer Party (above). Ladies Night at Raygun happens every Tuesday!

Saturday, March 9: Game Design/Development Collaboration hosted by Seattle Games Cooperative
Gathering up designers, developers, programmers, artists, etc., to collaborate on creating a full length playable game on any engine (based on preference such as a Unity, UDK, classic engines, etc.) within 8 hours.

Saturday, March 9:Second Saturday SciFi Cinema
From the website: “Continuing our long tradition of geeky movies at Wayward, join us for “Teenagers from Outer Space”, hosted by SciFiCommons. There will be MOVIE TRIVIA and PRIZES during intermission! No cover; 9-11pm.”

Monday, March 11: Pub Quiz Fundraiser for Relay for Life! at The Blue Star
Geeks Who Drink will be teaming up with Relay For Life at the UW and the American Cancer Society for a special fundraiser event. There will be a cover charge of $5 per person to participate in this pub quiz. From this money, $5 per team (approx. $75 total) will be given to the winning team, with the remaining proceeds donated to cancer research.

*Yelp Geeks Out Event*
Monday, March 11: A Superhero Barcrawl
Stop 1: Decorate Your Cape @ The Upstairs in Belltown
Stop 2: Shuffleboard @ The Lava Lounge in Belltown
Stop 3: Trivia Night @ Rabbit Hole

*Yelp Geeks Out Event*
Wednesday, March 13: Adult Nerf Wars @ The Tag Zone in Des Moines
From the event page: “This incredible event space is offering the Yelp community FREE admission to come play some Nerf wars, hang out with friends and get some complimentary food and drinks while you’re at it. Limited to just 60 people only, make sure you RSVP.”

*Yelp Geeks Out Event*
Friday, March 15: Cheers, Beer Geeks! A FREE Local Beer Sampling Event at Downtown Spirits
The final details of event are still in the works. Stay tuned to their website for more info!

The NERDprov team!

Friday, March 15: Geeky Improv Double Header at The Jewel Box Theater
Two of Seattle’s geekiest improv groups join forces for a one-night-only theatrical experience at Seattle’s Jewel Box Theatre! Seattle Experimental Theater’s own hit improvised Star Trek parody Where No Man Has Gone Before joins forces with improv tour de force NERDprov for an evening of geeky hilarity.

Saturday, March 16: Ink-Stained Amazons and Cinematic Warriors: Superwomen in Modern Mythology
From the event site: “In this lively multimedia presentation, pop-culture historian Jennifer K. Stuller will help us explore how the female hero in modern mythology has broken through the boys’ club barrier of tradition. Using comics, television and film, we will discuss female action and super heroines from the 1930s to the present day. Do social and political forces affect pop culture – and vice versa? This conversation will examine women’s representations in media and women’s roles as media makers, inspiring us to think deeper about popular culture, media, gender images and storytelling.”

*Yelp Geeks Out Event*
Tuesday, March 19: A Pinball Tournament at Full Tilt Ice Cream
From the event page: “We’re hosting a fun FREE pinball tournament at the Ballard Full Tilt location. We’ll be selecting a machine and whoever gets the highest score at the end of the evening wins a super chilly, super COOL surprise!”

*Yelp Geeks Out Event*
Wednesday, March 20: Geek Chic With Brooks Brothers at Rocco’s in Belltown
From the event page: “Bow ties!!! Cardigans?! Gingham!? Seersucker?! YEP!!! Dress up and dress smart (BOW TIES PREFERRED/REQUIRED)… !”

cheezburger*Yelp Geeks Out Event*
Thursday, March 21: A Cheezburger Tour
From the event page: “Join up for a meet-and-greet with the Cheezburger team. After checking out the office, spend your night playing Settlers of Catan, Cards Against Humanity and Foosball (and so much MOAR) with the Cheezburger crew and fellow Yelpers. Show yourself as the ultimate champion of all things games!”

Saturday, March 23: Vixy & Tony with Sunny Larsen and Betsy Tinney
From the website: “Our favorite filk performers are back at Wayward this Spring for a shiny evening of fun, friends, and geek-inspired live music. No cover; please note earlier start time, 7-10pm.”

Saturday, March 23: Intermediate Puppetry Class with Vox Fabuli’s Rachel Jackson
From the invite: “You know how to make your puppet talk, but what does she sound like? You can make him move, but where is he going? And how does he get there? In this fun, intermediate puppeteering class, you’ll learn the basics of characterization – voice, physicality and emotion – and how to apply them to your puppet. You’ll get tons of tips for making character choices and see what a big impact they can have on your puppet’s performance.” NOTE: This is a class about puppet operation, not puppet construction. Register at Brown Paper Tickets.

Monday, March 25 – Saturday, March 30: APRIL Festival and Small Press Book Expo
From the website: “APRIL’s mission is to connect readers with independent literature and the authors and publishers of this relevant and vitalizing work. The Small Press Book Expo is one of APRIL’s cornerstone events. On March 30, tons of small presses and journals from around the country will pack the ground floor of Richard Hugo House for a day of eye-opening indie lit shopping.”

*Yelp Geeks Out Event*
Thursday, March 28: A FREE Moving Screening at Northwest Film Forum
From the event page: “Limited to 110 guests, be among the first of your friends to RSVP for a FREE screening of The T.A.M.I Show. Called one of the “top three rock movies” ever made by Quentin Tarantino, this movie will have you singing in your seat!”

nwcThursday, March 28 – Sunday, March 31: Norwescon 36
From the website: “Norwescon is the Pacific Northwest’s Premiere Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention and one of the largest regional Science Fiction and Fantasy conventions in the United States. Whether you’re looking for writer’s workshops, costuming tips, artistic creativity, musical concerts, or filmmaking experience, you’ll find it here!”

sakuraconFriday, March 29 – Sunday, March 31: Sakura-Con 2013
From the website: “Sakura-Con is the oldest and most well attended anime convention in the Pacific Northwest.” Check out the list of great events, programming, guests, and exhibitors at their website!

*Yelp Geeks Out Event*
Friday, March 29: A Board Game Bonanza at Raygun Lounge
From the event page: “Settlers of Catan, Carcassonne, Agricola, Puerto Rico, Munchkin, Ticket to Ride, Arkham Horror and more … Come check them out from Raygun’s library of more than 60 games, pick some peeps to play with, sample some locally brewed Blue Dog Mead and have a blast!”

*Yelp Geeks Out Event*
Saturday, March 30: Nerdy Dancing: A Glow-in-the-Dark Dance Party!
From the event page: “Taking place at Q on Capitol Hill. You and up to TWO guests are invited, BUT you must be 21 or older (with ID) AND have received an email confirmation to attend this event. There will be a guest list at the door. So if you want in, RSVP with a Yelp account!”

Saturday, March 30: Hello, The Future
From the website: “We’re very excited to welcome Hello, The Future all the way from California for her first performance at Wayward. Hello, The Future is participating in NorWesCon and will be performing at Wayward during the con weekend. Fabulous geek-inspired satirical and fun filk music. No cover; 8-10pm.”

Saturday, March 30: Tabletop Day!
From the website: “On March 30th, 2013 , we ask you to go to your friendly local game store, neighborhood coffee shop, school auditorium, community center, or host a game day at your home and play more games.”

WOW! That’s a lot of geekery for one month.

Which events do you plan to attend?

And please let us know if we missed any!

Guest Contributor
“Rock On!”

Join us at Emerald City Comicon

Excelsior-01

Are you headed to Emerald City Comicon this weekend?

Stop by Raygun Lounge on Friday, March 1, for Excelsior!, a party organized by GeekGirlCon and NW Gay Geeks.

For those who haven’t checked it out yet, Raygun Lounge is a full-service tabletop game lounge where you can geek out and relax with friends. We are thrilled to partner with them to host this event!

What can you expect at this party? Game demos, beer and wine, groovy tunes from DJ PBear, and free mead for the hobbits among us! Please note that the event is for those age 21 and over.

We’ll be joined by some special guests, including Tony Akins, artist for DC Comics’ Wonder Woman, and Chris Lange of the Capitol Hillbillies webcomic. We’ll also raffle off some amazing prizes, with all proceeds benefiting the Lambert House for homeless gay youth.

Please be sure to give Gamma Ray Games, Raygun Lounge, and the Comics Dungeon a big shout-out for sponsoring this event. Because of them, and you, it’s going to be epic.

We hope to see you on Friday!

QUICK REFERENCE DETAILS

What: Emerald City Comicon party hosted by NW Gay Geeks and GeekGirlCon
When: Friday, March 1, 2013, 8:00 P.M. – close
Where: Raygun Lounge
Cost: Free
Age: 21+ event
Website: Check out all the details on our Facebook event page

Guest Contributor
“Rock On!”

GeekGirlCon Spotlight: How I became a geek

By Sarah Grant

Here it is, folks: how I became a bona fide geek.

I was born.

Just kidding. Sort of.

Photo from Wikipedia

Photo from Wikipedia

I’m a huge reader; I read the classic Nancy Drew mysteries before I got to first grade, and proceeded to plow my way through the children’s public library at breakneck speed.

Photo from Wikipedia

Photo from Wikipedia

My best friend, Andrea, came to school one morning when we were in seventh grade, reading a Star Trek book: Uhura’s Song by Janet Kagan.

Andrea told me how great it was, and she loaned it to me as soon as she was finished. I decided to give it a shot. I loved it completely; it’s still one of my favorite books.

Star Trek: The Next Generation started on television that same year. Within the first few minutes of the pilot episode, I was completely hooked.

Photo from Wikipedia

Photo from Wikipedia

Andrea and I started going to Star Trek conventions around Milwaukee (where we lived) and Chicago (a far off city of wonder and very tall buildings). Our first convention was at the old Red Carpet Hotel across from the airport in Milwaukee, where we met Walter Koenig – the legendary Pavel Andreivitch Chekov from the original Star Trek series. I smiled like an idiot when I met him (back when autographs and pictures were still free!) and Andrea later told me she had no idea what I said to him; she literally could not understand the words coming out of my mouth. *sigh*

This pattern continued as we met much of the original Star Trek cast, as well as some of The Next Generation cast: I smiled like an idiot and the star managed to get me to spell my name so they could sign the book or picture I thrust in front of them. James Doohan, Scotty on the original series, actually signed my copy of Uhura’s Song, telling me as he did so that my name was spelled correctly – Sarah – because that’s how his grandmother spelled her name. I nearly swooned.

Photo from Wikipedia

Photo from Wikipedia

The one person I wanted to see most, Patrick Stewart, never came to Milwaukee or Chicago. He went to a con in Michigan every November, but it was always the same weekend that I had a standing commitment throughout high school, so I never got to meet him.

Andrea and I went to Star Trek conventions together through our freshman year of college, and then we sort of stopped; she went to college in Illinois and I was in Wisconsin, a good six hours from her. I did go to one last convention in Madison, Wisconsin, with a boyfriend, but it just wasn’t the same.

Guest Contributor
“Rock On!”

Join The Discussion #GeekGirlCon

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