This week, I had the opportunity to present at Nerd Nite KC. I got to talk about monsters and promote this little blog of mine. I don’t typically choose to stand in front of a crowd and speak. But I have been working on this presentation for months and I actually was really excited about it. I had tons of friends in the audience and I got to wax philosophic about monsters and Gothic literature.

The basis for my talk came from a series of blog posts I did on this blog titled my Monster Culture Series. If you’re interested in checking out the posts, click here, here, or here. Basically, I expounded upon each of these and explained to my audience about the domestication of the monster in popular culture. What I mean by that is the application of humanizing qualities to these figures: remorse, morality, human emotions and things of that nature. I also offered reasons why each of these figures is altered in modern film, literature and television.

Nerd Nite began in Boston with a guy who liked to hang out at a bar and talk. He’d tell the same story over and over again, each time to new people. Eventually, the staff got tired of it and asked him to invite everyone and tell them at once. Thus, Nerd Nite was born! And now, it happens all over the world. In KC, it’s on the 3rd Wednesday of the month. If you’ve never heard of Nerd Nite, I urge you to see if there is one in your area.

I started going to the event in KC in May and I try very hard each month to make it. I’ve learned about so many different things: from time travel to bacteria and soap making. The interests of my fellow Kansas Citians are so varied. It’s a great way to meet like-minded people who like to learn and have a good time. If you’re in Kansas City, I hope you will take the time to check out this awesome event. They are always looking for new presenters. And the presenters always appreciate a friendly crowd!

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NEXT WEEK: Look for a review of the new show, Dracula from NBC. I am super excited and have high expectations for this one. It’s produced by the folks who grace us with Downton Abbey and the Tudors. I was severely disappointed with the way Poe’s works were translated into The Following on Fox. But I haven’t been dissuaded from hoping for future successes in the television world. Here’s to a spectacular showing next Friday! It’s a great time of the year for all things monsters! Happy Friday!