Awesome New People!

Originally I wanted to post about awesome artists that I've either met, aspire to meet, are friends with, or are merely a casual acquaintance. That hasn't happened too much lately. I've been busy. I apologize.
So, tonight I will post a little something about two individuals and one collective of artists - all based here in the Twin Cities!
First, let me introduce you to Ryan Dow. Ryan is a fellow member of the International Cartoonist Conspiracy (more on them later). I met him at my first ICC meeting almost three months ago. He has a great website that features his Introspective Comics. These comics are wonderful and provide an insight to the mind of the creator. I really enjoy these, partially because they remind me of my own comics, but not as angry or laden with vulgar words or crude images. I guess they are really not that similar at all other than he says what's on his mind and keeps a tight schedule by updating weekly - every Sunday. Check out his website! If you don't I'll hunt you down and make you do it!
Secondly, let me introduce you to the International Cartoonist Conspiracy. This collective of artists, of whom both myself and Ryan are associated with, are a nationwide phenomenon. However, it all started here in the Twin Cities. I've only been a member of the ICC for going on three months, but am so glad that I decided to hook up with this crew. Everyone is so damned talented and accepting. The cell I usually associate with have weekly comic jams every first Thursday of the month. Anyone is welcome to come and see what all the fuss is about. These meetings are at Diamond's Coffee Shoppe in Northeast Minneapolis and start at approximately 6 PM and roll on until about 10 PM.
Lastly, let me introduce you to Sam Hiti. Sam is a rising star in the comic industry. He has a nice, self-published, body of work that includes Tiempos Finales, Ghoulash, and El Largo Tren Oscuro. He is currently working on the sequel to Tiempos Finales, which to my understanding is becoming a film at some point. Also, he is the head referee of Fist-A-Cuffs, which just needs to be seen to be believed. I met Sam at the Midwest Comic Book Association's MicroCon in 2007. At the time I was taking over as a Senior Level Purchasing Manager of a now failed enterprise and was being introduced by the former holder of that position to Sam. Unfortunately, the other day I had to shoot Sam an e-mail about the failing of the aforementioned enterprise. However, Sam as always, was very understanding, professional, and welcoming. I know that this man is going to go extermely far in this industry and it is only a matter of time before Sam Hiti is a household name - at least in the realm of comicdom.
Well, that's all I have energy for right now.
I'm working on a submission for an upcoming anthology, which whether I make the cut or not, I will definitely be plugging on this page and via MySpace.
Take care!