So, I mentioned yesterday that I'm getting geared up to start CCLaP's newest three programs this month: an electronic publishing program (starting in three weeks), a virtual photography gallery (starting in two weeks), and then our first social events here in Chicago, none of them formal in nature but simply a way for CCLaP's readers to meet up and have fun throughout this summer and fall. And in fact this weekend is an almost perfect time for CCLaP to start its social events, because of two coincidental facts: This week is the organization's first anniversary of being officially online; and the Printers Row Book Fair is happening as well, the largest literary event in the entire American Midwest and something I imagine a lot of CCLaP's readers will be attending as well. I've decided, then, to combine these three facts into one activity, and basically invite all of you to come join me this Saturday (June 7th) down at Kasey's Tavern, 701 South Dearborn right in the heart of both the neighborhood and the fair, starting around 4 pm and lasting until 7. This will be about as informal as informality gets; just basically me getting drunk at a bar and celebrating the website being open for a year, and with an invite for all of you to come have a drink as well and meet your fellow readers.

And speaking of which, if you're planning on attending, why not send me a little mini-profile to run here at the blog this week? Basically, just email me a photo at cclapcenter [at] gmail.com, let us know your name, and answer the following questions:

--What do you do?

--What's your favorite thing about CCLaP?

--What's the best thing about the Chicago arts?

--If you could buy anything for CCLaP on its first birthday, what would you get it?

Oh, and don't forget to mention any places online where you can be found. I'll run any profile I receive, then, between now and Saturday, and that way it'll hopefully be easier for all of us to find each other. Just to start things off, for example, here's my mini-profile:

Name: Jason Pettus

What do you do? I own CCLaP. I take silly little cellphone photos. I dream of the coming violent robot uprising.

What's your favorite thing about CCLaP? The opportunity to meet and hang out with funny, witty, bitter, intelligent fans of the Chicago arts. Hint hint.

What's the best thing about the Chicago arts? The opportunity to pull off really cool projects for not a lot of money, yet have a sizable audience and respect from the press as well.

If you could buy anything for CCLaP on its first birthday, what would you get it? A $600 baby carriage the size of a freaking Hummer.

I hope you'll get a chance to come join us for a bit this Saturday, down at Printers Row!