The Nerdfighter Book Club

Esteemed internet bloke turned author John Green, who I talk about here quite often, is really big on critical reading and is incredibly talented at making doing so accessible. The latest assignment for the Nerdfighter Book Club (an online book club who read along with a classic novel and watch John's Youtube commentaries) is to read Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury.

So that is what I am going to do.

Learn more about John Green and why Fahrenheit 451 here.

Watch, learn something and participate in his book challenge below:

VidCon 2012

To quote the official VidCon 2012 website:

VidCon is the largest conference, convention, and celebration for people who love online video.

Whether they’re creators, viewers, enablers, or a mix of all three, all are welcome to learn, have fun, and enjoy some of the best content on or off the internet at VidCon 2012 in Anaheim.

And for the 3rd year running, I am gutted that I cannot be there.

Vlogging and online video is one of my social media loves. A big-time social networker, I find myself increasingly involved both personally and professionally in the internet and its many uses. I blog, vlog and tweet. I attend Youtube gatherings and internet conventions. Heck, I fangirl over Alex Day. VidCon is the spiritual home of all things youthful, fresh and innovative online. And for anyone as involved in online content as I am, for means of personal entertainment or business, VidCon is a wealth of knowledge and a creative outlet to showcase the online future.

The event itself is running now - 28th-30th June 2012 at the Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, California: a little out of my way. But that doesn't mean the conference is totally obsolete for those not in attendance. Over the next few weeks keep an eye out on Youtube - vloggers and Youtubers will be posting their VidCon videos and the official account will probably stream the convention's pivotal events and panels for all to see.

Together, the online community is a powerful force and VidCon is just one way that it can get together to be used for creative good and innovation. Hopefully in the future I can attend on behalf of my company (or even to showcase personal online success) but as for now, my online content can only be found here, on Twitter or at vlogfliss.

Manchester MCM Expo Comic Con

Self confessed geek, nerd or gamer?

We've seen them on TV, in magazines and for a long time now we have been jealous of our nerdy internet counterparts from across the pond. Forget Games Workshop or Forbidden Planet - the only place for nerds to be seen, aside from in front of the Xbox 360, this July is at the Manchester MCM Expo - Manchester Comic Con.

For those of us, stuck in the rainy North West of England, conventions used to seem a thing of fantasy. Well not anymore. Sure, we can't jet to Vidcon for the Vlogbrothers and Emerald City still seems further away than the yellow brick road will let us travel, but fear not, a little bit of nerd has made its way home in the Manchester MCM Expo. Our own little alternative in all things nerdy.

So if you know your Totoro from your Zelda, Mario and Sonic or want to see some cosplay in action, get down to Manchester Central on the 21st July 2012. For more information click here - you know that Leonard and Sheldon wouldn't be caught anywhere else.

My 20th Birthday Party

Will be taking place tomorrow, the 25th April 2012, at 21 Sutton Street, Durham starting at 8pm.

The theme is Idols and Icons, and fancy dress is most encouraged.

I will be dressing as my idol in both fashion and lifestyle, Vivian Ward - the original Pretty Woman.

Looking forward to seeing as many people there as possible.

June in the Netherlands

From June 1st 2012 until 4th, I will be in the Netherlands' capital city, Amsterdam.

Amsterdam is a place I have aspired to travel to for many years and I cannot articulate how excited I am to have the opportunity, time and funding to have booked a city break there this summer.

I will be staying in the Red Light District and attempting to soak up as much culture as possible during my stay. I have to main points on my to do list so far: visit Anne Frank's house and see a live sex show. Maybe entertain some recreational drug use too, but lets not talk about that here.

If anybody I know -or anyone who has stumbled across my blog- has visited the city and has some recommendations on what to see and do, they would be most welcome. Get in touch or post in the comments below.

The Phantom of the Opera

I thoroughly enjoyed Phantom at the Palace Theatre, Manchester, tonight. The acting was impressive and the orchestra spot on. I was impressed by the use of the entire theatre and a particular highlight was being hit with breakaway glass when the chandelier dropped, as I was sitting in the second row.

The Phantom of the Opera is currently on tour in the UK and is playing in Manchester until May 19th. If you can go, do go - this version of Lloyd Webber's classic is a marvel.

Meeting Alex Day

Alex Day at HMV Manchester

On Tuesday 3rd April, the love of my Youtube life, Alex Day will be signing copies of his latest single, 'Lady Godiva' in Manchester.

Alex Day, known as nerimon to the Youtube literate amongst us, is a 20-something bloke from Essex who makes his living on the internet. To those who are unfamiliar with professional vlogging, my excitement at meeting Alex seems a little bit creepy. However, to a dedicated subscriber like me, Alex is something of a demigod.

Famed for his dry humour, Alex Day has captured many hearts through the computer screen, including that of Stephen Fry, who calls Lady Godiva 'a pop song with a great hook as pleasing as a Bach chorale.'

Alex, I am very much looking forward to Tuesday and hope I pull off the cool-not-crazed-fangirl act convincingly. I have standards and cynicism to uphold, you understand.

The Klute Boycott

With candles in hand and dressed in funeral attire, Durham students are to protest outside Klute at 10pm on Sunday 15th January 2012 - the night of the club's relaunch with new management. The event, humorously titled 'Funeral for a Friend' will mark the first night of the student movement to boycott the once popular nightclub, in response to the un-Durham changes that have been made in secret to the club over the Christmas period.

Whilst 165 students are currently attending the event on Facebook, it is yet to be seen how much support the boycott and its preceding protest will have. Alternatively, students have resolved to enter the new venue and create as much fuss as possible - by occupying, sitting-in, demanding Klute's original soundtrack and ordering Klute's trademark 'Quaddie Voddy' at the gaudy new bar. Regardless of method, Durham students are unhappy and Klute’s new owners are quickly backtracking from their ill-researched PR disaster.

However, until college nights, cheese music, the DJ, Quaddies, Disco Waters and the no-local policy are reinstated, the new Klute owners are going to face a fierce backlash to their attempt to destroy a Durham institution.

Additionally, in response to the Klute scandal, the Durham Union Society will host an emergency debate on the subject on the 20th January: This House Would Restore Klute to its Former Glory.

To join the movement and bring back real Klute, click here.

Spring Fashion Networking Party Manchester

The Spring Fashion Show is an annual event organized by students, models and designers, aimed at showcasing up-and-coming talent in the fashion industry. 2012 is the third year that Manchester has played host to this event and promises a show that demonstrates everything fashion in the North of England has to offer.

In the spirit of bringing northern creatives together, event organisers have arranged an exclusive pre-show networking event to encourage models, journalists, designers, buyers, stylists, photographers and bloggers to get involved, mingle and promote the main event on 8th February 2012.

The Pre-Show Networking Party promises to be a useful and equally stylish alternative to equivalent London shindigs, with a focus on flaunting business ideas and promoting artistry, in a fashionable bar setting which allows for unique networking opportunities to spread the word of your designs and make working contacts in an increasingly competitive industry.

The Pre-Show Networking Party takes place on the 5th January 2012; more information and tickets can be found here.