/dev/random

Dragon*Con 2008 Recap

2008-09-03T20:17:33Z

Last year's Dragon*Con was crowded to the point of being off putting. I was concerned about whether I would enjoy the con this year as a consequence. I had other concerns unrelated to the size of the con, including but not limited to areas for improvement in the volunteer staff on which I work. I was honestly thinking that this year might be my last, if my expectations were met.

As it turns out, the addition of the fourth hotel, the Sheraton, and some shifting around of different events and attractions really reduced the crush of humanity this year. I found the dealer room to still be a bit claustrophobic but outside of that didn't have any anxiety riddled moments like were all so common last year. The celebrities even seemed to be hitting the floor more, though that may have had more to do with the separation between the main programming rooms and the walk of fame.

As I was wandering, I saw (in no particular order) Walter Koenig, Adam West (twice), Michael Rosenbaum, almost bumped into Domic Keating, Peter Mayhew and George Takei. I also get to actually meet or renew acquaintance with guests who are not media stars, primarily skeptical thinkers of note including Dr. Michael Shermer, Phil Plait and D.J. Grothe.

I didn't get to see anywhere as many online acquaintances as I had hoped but more than last year as I was able to leave the podcast track room much more frequently. Thanks to the efforts of sambear, flyswatter, Kurt, Miranda, Andrew and Swoopy, no one person had more than a couple of panels to cover at a time. I was able to directly address my concerns from last year with some positive coaching at the outset and second chairing on the first day as other staff worked with and become comfortable running the mixer and PA. It helps that sambear and flyswatter are ringers with experience volunteering elsewhere in years past at the con.

I missed Scott Sigler's party entirely Friday because of aforementioned coaching and a complete and utter failure of my crappy, crappy cell phone. If you saw my upset very late on Friday, I have to apologize for that as it really was nothing more than worry caused by said crappy cellular service. I did catch the latter half of the Parsecs and the launch party for Tee, Pip and blackwell and enjoyed that very much. I am concerned I bored a couple of my listeners who made the mistake of identifying themselves as such. I got to chat with one of the earliest podcasters, David Slusher, along with Evo Terra's lovely wife, Sheila. Andrea and I left before things apparently got less calm.

On Sunday, Andrea and I managed to get out to the Miss Klingon Empire Beauty Pageant which was a blast. We accidentally snuck in. As we walked in, we had wondered about the long line upstairs in the Sheraton. When we found an unattended open door, though, we figured it was for some other event. We sat down as the MC was doing a mic check, our first indication that we had perhaps jumped the line. I had my staff lanyard on and we figured if someone did see us slip in, they may have spotted the yellow ribbon around my neck and left us alone figuring we were supposed to be or allowed to be there. We sat row four, center, and definitely realized our blind luck when they opened the side door on that huge line.

The event was in the main ball room in the Sheraton which is literally ginormous. It took them nearly half an hour to seat everyone and they completely filled the place. Ethan Philips, Michael Dorn, Dominic Keating and an actual beauty pageant judge judged the pageant. All of the handful of contestants were enthusiastic and largely quite talented. It was a hoot and planetx has been trying to convince Andrea to enter next year.

We had a quiet night in that evening, watching the masquerade on D*CTV with some friends. It was a Dada-esque experience. But it is OK to be scared. I'm scared too. Ethan Philips MC'ed and you really had to see him to get just how phenomenally funny he was in a very dry, subtle way. I think it was some sort of defense mechanism for the surreality of the situation.

By the way, curse you, Brian Richardson! You know what you did. And you even told us you'd do it during your live What the Cast that day. Go watch the masquerade video if they post it either on the Dragon*Con web site or the D*CTV web site. You'll know why I am cursing him if you get to see the half time show, in particular.

I think both of us had a far better time than we expected. While we didn't get to see near enough of some of our friends, we both cherished meeting new friends and getting what time we could to renew acquaintance with those we did see. I think we are both leaning towards going again, next year, though there is a nasty rumor that the Hilton may start renovations which could put a damper on that. And another rumor that I may be asked to step up from mere volunteer to something more (many, many, many discussions must be had on this latter topic yet before anything of the kind will be decided).

Growlers

2008-08-04T22:21:08Z

Our entire family enjoys the local Dogfish Head Alehouse. Andrea's and my only complaint is the cost. Both the food and the beer are superb, it is just a bit pricey for us to afford going there too often.

Thanks to my GPS' bias towards right turns, a few months back I was driving through Old Towne Gaithersburg. I passed Growlers that from the signage appeared to be a local brew pub. A bit of Googling once I arrived home confirmed that and revealed an excellent beer and food menu, comparable to DFH.

With Andrea's digestive health issues and amazing progress on her diet, our regular habit of eating out most Saturdays had stopped a while back. This was before I discovered Growlers and made a note of it. We recently chatted about this, though, and formed a new plan to resuscitate this tradition. We'd each take a turn picking the restaurant so that we'd break out of our old rut, also part of the reason we stopped, of habiting the same three places and so Andrea would get equal choice for a place favorable to her restrictions, voluntary and otherwise.

We inaugurated the rebirth of this practice with my choice, Growlers. Everybody was pretty happy with it, too. The food was delicious and the portions were reasonable. The price fit the portion, addressing our main complaint with DFH. They have a kids menu, too, as much as I am coming to hate them but it makes it easier to avoid an argument with the boys.

I also reviewed my first taste of their beer brewed on the premises.

Not only are we planning on returning, we are hoping our friends, who seem to be defaulting to gathering at DFH, would be amenable to giving this local treasure a try sometime.

I Hate Having to Cheat

2008-07-11T20:08:19Z

I realy do, especially when I am perfectly willing to play by the rules. Many, many others are documenting the iPhone woes. I am just a lowly iPod Touch owner. I am not particularly incensed at having to pay for what should be a free software update. Ten bucks isn't worth the bile.

But what a cluster fuck. Are you telling me Apple couldn't have anticipated the demand, especially with other product updates and launches all at the exact same time? I am actually thinking the fact that Touch owners have to pay is driving us all to the site at the same time whereas if it just came down free via Software Update we might be a bit more laid back.

I want my new apps too much to wait for the rush to die. I really hate using BitTorrent in an infringing way. I can count on one hand how many times I have done so. And in every case, I have paid for the product in questions after the fact. I only resort to it when I am impatient and my desire for the goods is foiled by a misguided or incompetent provider.

I have backed up the restore file for 1.1.4, the last pre-2.0 firmware for my Touch, just in case. I just hope I don't brick the silly thing.

Thank You YouTube for the Recovered "Young Ones" Memory

2008-06-03T02:32:22Z

I am not insane, despite mounting evidence to the contrary. There is a bit I remember seeing on the Young Ones when MTV was showing it back whan I was a teenager. A couple of demons kvetching about how hard it is to collect souls when doing so requires their name being said and both of them have unusual names.

Jump to 5:23 in this clip, you'll see the bit that has been haunting me all these years.

Thank you, YouTube, thank you.

Oh, and the bit is of course a setup for a punch in the third part of the episode. If you watch that part you'll also be treated to a performance by Madness.

Hodgman's Review of Kirby

2008-06-02T21:47:12Z

Thanks to Boing Boing I caught this link to John Hodgman's new comic book review.

The first part of the review is dedicated to Jack Kirby's Fourth World Omnibus. I have the latter volumes and have been working my way forwards. I am encouraged that Hodgman felt the first two volumes are the strongest. I enjoyed the latter volumes but was a bit puzzled at some elements. Hodgman's explanation of the premature end of the series helps make sense of the lapse.

I have always had an almost instinctual awareness of Kirby's work, even before I knew who he was and was able to positively identify what made his art and writing so different. Hodgman renders those traits that make Kirby the King with a certain poignancy that is touching and reminds me of why I love the man's work so much.

If you know of Kirby, read the first part of the review for the devotion. If you do not, then it is an excellent introduction to the man's work and should encourage you to at least pick up a volume or two at your local comic shop and give it a peruse.

The rest of the review is pretty typical fair, comics that have been covered before with about equal sentiments.

Also, did I mention that matt_wallace earned devotion pretty closely to that I hold for Kirby by including a Fourth World reference in The Next Fix? The reference is no coincidence, the first question I asked him when andreahg and I picked him up recently to take him from the airport to Balticon confirmed it. Go read the omnibus then read (or re-read) The Next Fix; you'll catch it.

Memes from Balticon 42

2008-05-26T20:36:47Z

Here are some memes I witnessed birthed or helped birth at Balticon 42. I will be, consciously or otherwise, probably helping in their diffusion in the coming months.

Midget ninja: born in particular of Andrea's sense of the light hearted comedic worth of individuals of strikingly short stature but combined with the universal geek trope of the awesome that is the ninja. There is a delicious hint of cognitive dissonance at work, too. Can someone of awkward proportions pull off the stealth powers of the shadow clan? I think the answer is those diminutive trainees to pass muster would have to be of such astonishing caliber that they would be a class above and beyond your run of the mill masked assassin. Still, despite the power of this image, the meme also evokes coolness and comedy by turns for the laugh potential of the height disinclined cannot be diminished even by ninja training. This effect can be amplified by juxtaposing the stocky shuriken slinger with that epitome of vinegar pie. Ask andreahg as I cannot do that meme justice, and it originates with her family. The midget ninja, it must be noted, is not synomous with said wrongful pastry, merely that the dissonant aspects of the black clad meme are amplified by invoking the vignette of said anti-hero figure scarfing that mind-bendingly off confection.

Of the many x I could have y-ed, this is one of them: matt_wallace invoked this truism of writing workshops and critical circles everywhere. It delighted Andrea and I in its potential use in every day situations. Andrea's con wrap up is an excellent, specific exemplar of this usage.

Pretty for a con chick: This is not the pejorative you would imagine at first blush. Many recipients of said appellation are perfectly attractive in ordinary circumstances. Rather it is a commentary on the time and space warping powers of the sheer concentration of the geek norms that occurs at cons. There is an ironic component, as well, as some who bear this tag take advantage of the temporary boost in appeal experienced at cons at the expense of their every day credibility. Contrast to geek goddess, an archetype whose credbility is enhanced by an opposite reaction to the throngs of adoring geeks, a surplus of humility and all around graciousness born of seemingly genuine ignorance of their own elevated status.

Alternate merge: This meme may be still born as I don't think it survived its own stilted inception. I include it here for completeness as I found it remarkable enough to include in my notes. The genesis was a sign indicating a three way merge. This provoked musings of the fervid bureaucratic imaginings that would create such an innocuous label for a potentially mythic cluster fsck. matt_wallace also suggested it might make a good college radio band name and was agreeable to the refinement of speaking as a question rather than a statement.

Outrage addict: Credit again goes to matt_wallace though I will admit I do not know if it is his own coinage or he is merely popularizing someone else's notion. Regardless, it should require little explanation and establishes a nicely continuous line from the well established "drama queen" into the depths that are only apparent at certain events such as beauty pageants, drag shows and amongst certain circles at cons.

Take a costume change: This was a follow on and while, again, it was matt_wallace sharing this bit of wisdom, I am pretty positive the advice originates from planetx. In short, the phrase is claimed to be an adequate protective abjuration when confronted by the previously described outrage addict.

Feel free to add any memes you witnessed in the comments along with a definition and/or example of typical usage.

Balticon 42, Wrap Up

2008-05-26T20:09:30Z

The high points were, as with last year, the author readings. I met more great folks and renewed acquaintance with a few more. My two absolute favorites were the short short slam and Mur's reading (despite the heat and its contribution to my grouch implosion later on that day). The live events I attended came a close, close second. Balticon is the only con I attend with so many readings and my volunteer time is actually spent more on recording them than supporting the podcast programming, which is relatively self sufficient. I love the live events, but they are not unique to Balticon and I know I can look forward to attending or even participating in them at many other conventions, as well.

The low points were my two sour moods, Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon, detailed each in previous posts. This year I worked on my organizational skills as a volunteer, a panelist and a moderator. Next year, I need to work on my poise under fire and maintaining a graceful facade no matter how I may actually feel about a particular situation.

No one likes seeing an irritable volunteer or a grouchy panelist. The programming is for the benefit of the attendees first, the panelists second and the staff/volunteers last. I don't want to be the one anyone remembers from an experience of a particular panel as spoiling it, no matter my personal feelings. I know that may sound self martyring or whatever. It's not. I am happy to bitch and vent out of ear shot. I am just saying I need to keep my cool better when the focus should be on the discussion or event.

On the purely social end of things, I had expected to see very little of my friends but was still disappointed at having that expectation met. There were some notable exceptions. I also realize that my goals at a con, to hone my public speaking in front a live audience, to further the educational aspects of my chosen areas of activism, and to support the creators who mean so much to me, leaves little room for too much socialization. I am learning to temper that with making opportunities outside of cons to see my more far flung friends.

I am also realizing I have mostly outgrown the room party scene. Odd, since I really have only been actively going to cons for a few years. First, my desire for alcohol is driven by my palate, not my need for inebriation. Next, often, when I am a bit wrung out at the end of the day, alcohol is actually the worst thing for it. It rarely does anything to improve my mood. Last, the real thing about drinking that brightens my outlook is the company I usually keep in doing so. Drinking in absence of that comraderie is self defeating. It just seems like a cheap fix when my friends are otherwise occupied and not easily unearthed. It takes some will to realize that coincidental association and not drink out of some cargo cult fetish, trying to recreate mood that requires the presence of my witty, fascinating and fun friends.

The short version is this year's Balticon was at least as good, for me, as last year's. Better in some ways, especially in having some realizations about how to improve my experience while still at the con. I am concerned at some of the drama that went on but that is neither here nor there. I prefer to see how much of that is still actively being discussed by the next con. It all feels so immediate when we are actually going through it, but after some time and distance, much of it just doesn't seem all that important.

My continuing concern is helping andreahg find a way to enjoy the cons more. I don't expect her to enjoy the same aspects I do, we've always been relatively independent, happily splitting up to pursue our own interests and re-connecting as we can throughout the weekend to compare notes or enjoy some quiet time apart. Without the buffer, though, of some level of participation, as an attendee, volunteer or panelist, I think she gets hit much harder by the ful brunt of the social eddies and whirls. Time, as I've said, will temper some of it but it doesn't seem to lessen the bruising from the inevitable buffeting she'll no doubt sustain at the next con.

I have gone to events in the past, independent of her, but that works better as an exception than a rule. I guess that's the only really weighty matter for me to ponder and discuss.

Balticon 42, Day 3

2008-05-26T18:56:11Z

We got a late start. Our first event was The Singularity. Dave Kanter and southernronin put on an amazing event, only topped by a huge announcement from the crazy talented creators of Stranger Things. I'm not sure if or when this can be discussed publicly, so I'd suggest subscribing to their feed to get the official announcement in their feed direct from Earl.

We split after The Singularity and I recorded a couple of author readings: Walter Jon Williams and Tom Doyle. I had heard about Williams' upcoming novel, Implied Spaces via an ad on Escape Pod. He read from the manuscript and I am even more interested than I was before. Tom Doyle's reading from last year was one of my favorites and we had corresponded a bit leading up to this year. I was not disappointed. Plus, Doyle bribed us with cookies. Again.

I got to meet David Williams who made a very strong, favorable first impression. I could not stay for his reading but Martha said it was great. I am glad she recorded it so I'll get a chance to hear it.

I managed to grab a quick lunch in amongst my recording obligations and kept far better hydrated. Also, the reading room, Pimlico, had fully functional air conditioning, so I was able to apply the hard won lessons of the day prior to keeping a more even keel.

I will admit that I found the End of an Era panel frustrating. I am embarassed to admit I was not very gracious about it, not good behavior for a panelist regardless of the mysterious topic or the uneven moderation. Billy Flynn did an excellent job, do not get me wrong, but I don't feel like I got an opportunity to make what few points I had to make. Jon Stallard, the Vicar, expressed similar sentiments on at least two occasions, so I am not all that upset.

If you had to endure my glower from the corner, again, my apologies. It was nothing personal and I should have found a better attitude before showing up. Also, by way of explanation, I was asked by Mur to record her event with Connie Willis and becuase of my prior commitment, had to decline. I do not like having to do so for any of my friends since my volunteer time and my gear is my own small but regular contribution to supporting and promoting their work. That disappointment goes double when the request comes from Mur. Quadruple when the event in question is her interviewing one of her heroes. Again, I should have better mastered my own disappointment as the panel isn't about me but what the attendees want to hear and what questions they have to be answered. I'm just saying I think I had some good reasons to at least glower on the inside.

Andrea and I got a chance to get away for dinner. It was a tad rushed but a pleasant interlude. It was also another regularly spaced meal, so kept my blood sugar well away from the critical grouch threshold.

We got back in time for me to make my last recording of the day and the weekend, Jeri Smith-Ready. She read from her new novel, a bit of magical realism involving vampires and a rock radio station. Good stuff.

I finally got my script for the live Mister Adventure. Rich and Davey generously gave me a few lines for the performance at Ravencon and Rich gave me an even bigger part for this episode. Jared, as Dr. Richards, and I had some fun with the geeky banter between our two characters, and Earl, as Dr. Zhou, got some great laughs at our expense with jabs like "nerd fight" and "geek testosterone". The cast was huge, the performance overall was a smash and it was certainly a high point of the con.

Sadly, I forgot to switch on my mic, as I had agreed to help Rich further by taking a recording. Thankfully, there were plenty of other recorders running, so my hthink-o should hardly affect Rich's ability to edit together a listenable episode for his regular listeners. In particular, David Kanter, of Stranger Things, had a pretty impressive bit of gear. There was also cthulhim's iRiver and someone else's H2, Paulette Jaxton's, I believe.

I immediately bolted from the room after we wrapped and I hastily packed my gear. I got ten steps down the hallway when I ran into a friend (and fellow committee member on USACM) who pointed out my next, and final, panel was in the room I had just left.

The panel in question was the Solo Podcasting panel. As with my copyright panel, I spent some time preparing ahead of time and think it went smoothly. I cannot thank the panelists enough: Grailwold, MA in PA and Jared as their answers and anecdotes totally made the panel. We had a good turnout and the audience seemed to agree.

I attended my only science panel a bit later on, after dropping off my gear. scifilaura was on a discussion of the science of Hitchhiker's Guide. The idea was appealing, the execution not so much. There was some good ideas and discussion but it tended to stray a bit far afield. Also, with Laura's involvement, I had hoped there might by a bit more astronomy or cosmology. As it was, she didn't get much input, partly because of the sciences that were discussed and partly because of somewhat weak moderation.

There was a gathering in the bar after. It was mostly quiet and I ducked out early since we needed to hit the road on the early side to get matt_wallace to his flight out of National on time. I got a chance to say good bye to almost everyone, but if I missed you, now you know why.

Balticon 42, Day 2

2008-05-26T18:31:11Z

I got some time to hit the dealer room as well as to pick up Balticon 42 tee shirts for both of us. The largest offering in the dealer room was a wide variety of books. I found the same dealer from whom andreahg had bought my Cthulu fish tee last year and picked up a Cthulhu for President tee. You know, when you're tired of the lesser evil.

sailormur's Live Takeover audio drama was fantastic and hilarious. She had a full cast who gave a stellar performance. I got to help her record video with her desktop tripod and flip camera. I can't wait until the podcast starts.

This was followed by one of the video podcasring panels, 101, I think. southernronin kept the discussion flowing smoothly and ensured the panelists covered a good survey of topics. I had to duck out partway through, though, as my blood sugar had started to crash. I didn't snag any food, my first mistake of the day. I don't think I got anything to drink, either.

My first author reading of the day was Joshua Palmatier. He read from the last book in his epic fantasy trilogy which was recently released. I missed Danielle Ackley-McPhail's reading because the schedule errata was a cryptogram my addled brain could not solve.

The next reading I recorded was the Short Short Slam. The authors included planetx, blackwell, Steve Wilson, James Patrick Kelly and Bill deSmedt. This was my favorite reading after sailormur's. Jared and JR read from some of their short works. Jared obliged my request to read The Bitter Kiss of the Ronin's Cup, the first story I heard him read, the very first time I met him. I love that story! Jim Kelly read a single short piece that seemed familiar though I couldn't say if I read it before as he didn't remark on where it might have been published. Steve and Bill both read excerpts from their longer fiction.

The final reading of the day was Mur's. I didn't have to record it as Martha had it covered. I love Mur's fiction and the excerpts she shared from her current work in progress is no exception. The room was packed to the point where late comers had to be turned away. The heat, unfortunately, really did me in, on top of the dehydration and low blood sugar.

I quickly made me way back to the main podcast room to record the live Aliens You Will Meet for Jared. It was a real treat meeting both Richard Kalwaic and Russell Collins, the narrator and composer respectively who Jared is lucky to have contribute. I think the dual channel audio with the paddle mic for the music and Q&A plus the hand mic for Richard will give Jared some very workable audio to publish in his feed.

At this point, I had to have a time out. I retired to the room, not interested in the hotel restaurant or able to find anyone hanging about looking hungry. I ordered a bacon sandwich. (A BLT? Let's call it what it is, please.) It was delicious and along with the Tres Pistoles and the blissfully cool room air did much to repair my mood. If at any point previous I grouched at you, please accept my apology. It was a set of circumstancs entirely of my own making.

I relaxed further down in the lobby waiting for Heather Welliver's concert to start. I got a chance to chat with Heather a bit before her performance. She was nervous but proved to have no good reason to be. Stokley Rose warmed up the crowd for her, also stalling to allow more folks with conflicting panels to make it to her show.

Kulture Kast conducted a recording for their fiftieth episode outside in the court at the same time, meaning that while the turn out was good, there were some conspicuous absences. I bought Heather a well deserved drink after her set and there was much carousing in the bar and lounge after. As the Kulture Kast recording let out (did they really take three hours? More?), I finally got a chance to see folks I hadn't seen much of to that point. I also got a chance to formally meet James Patrick Kelly and chat with him a bit. I very much enjoy his regular column in Asimov's.

The volunteers I mentioned in the day 1 post, by the way. All no shows. Late on day 2, a fellow approached us offering himself and his iRiver. Martha and I pounced, though we managed not to overload him. He helped us capture three readings on Sunday, which was an improvement over last year where it was just Martha and myself.

Balticon 42, Day 1

2008-05-24T14:01:26Z

We headed down to Reagan National to pick up matt_wallace yesterday anticipating early holiday traffic. We were surprised at how little was on the road and got there way early. We decided to park and get some lunch before Matt's flight arrived. It is odd how even when you are not travelling through the airport, it can still make you feel tense. Especially since the Friday's where we ate was right next to a security checkpoint.

We had a very enjoyable ride from the airport up to Hunt Valley, despite encountering all the traffic we missed and having the daffy GPS take us through the city. We discovered many shared interests with the incomparable Mr. Wallace and even managed to spawn a new meme, midget ninjas. Ask me if you really want to know.

After we got settled at the hotel, those already at the con seemed to be a bit scattered. Many of our friends and acquaintances hit even more traffic and were much delayed. We hung out in the bar with the larger group for a few rounds before peeling off to get some dinner before sailormur's and my first panels. Mr. Wallance again accompanied us and we have a very delightful meal, andreahg, sailormur, cthulhim, and matt_wallace. The service was insanely slow, however, and I was a few minutes late for my panel.

I was moderating the copyright panel, my first for the weekend. I managed to only miss the introductions by the other panelists so was able to pick up seamlessly. It was an excellent panel with a lot of good insights and experiences shared by the panelists. We managed to squeeze in a few audience questions after covering quite a bit of ground on our own. I did not record it because I had no time to collect my audio gear on the way in from dinner.

Opening ceremonies was interesting. The MC seemed a bit unprepared but that's OK. The inside jokes were kept to a minimum, the bulk of the time was actually given over to a live belly dance performance by a local troupe, Kallisti Tribal. I found that an odd choice to spend so much of the hour on that, though I am not complaining. They were excellent. I really enjoyed the tease that southernronin put together for his event on Sunday, very much looking forward to the world premiere of his adaptation of one of matt_wallace's stories.

I caught the social networks panel immediately afterward. Jason Adams, Heather Welliver and I were live tweeting throughout, only somewhat ironically. I kept my tongue on some of the technical issues I have with these tools. I think the panelists and audience explored the more interesting non-technical aspects well enough. The AC in the room was no functional or running in reverse, though. To anyone who encountered me after that room's hellish climate wrecked my brain, I apologize if I came off as much groucy than normal.

The sexy women in scifi, my last panel, went off better than I expected. Credit goes to blackwell, scifilaura and Helen Madden. I am glad the programming director took me up on my suggestion to pull more women onto this panel, originally it was going to be blackwell and three guys. There were still three guys, myself included, but I, for one, was happy to let the ladies drive the discussion and act mostly as comic relief.

Still really from the harsh thermocline from earlier in the evening, I made a brief appearance at the podcaster meet and greet but moved on to find the wife, andreahg, make nice with a few more friends, and then retire for the evening.

My schedule is wide open, today, in terms of speaking on panels but I need to find the programming director and coordinate my recording assignments. I helped take author readings, last year, and promised to do the same again this year. I am lead to believe there may be a few more volunteers, too, which would be welcome news as there are a few events I do not want to miss such as sailormur's reading.

A Day in Philly

2008-04-15T15:13:30Z

At dinner on the last night of Farpoint back in February planetx mentioned that there was a Star Was exhibit in Philly at the Franklin that our kids might enjoy. He invited us all up to see the exhibit and make a day of it with him and his wonderful and talented fiancée, blackwell. We took them up on their invitations this past Saturday.

After some planning, I bought tickets to the exhibit for the noon slot. In retrospect, I should have gotten them for a bit later. We meant to get on the road at seven thirty to be at planetx and blackwell's place at ten. We arrived at closer to ten thirty to find yogcmarthoth and scifilaura already there so we headed over to Reading Terminal Market. Neither andreahg nor I had ever been to this market, it is huge, bustling and amazing. We only regret that we were so rushed and didn't get chance to peruse and sample some more.

We just managed to make it in time for scheduled entrance to the exhibit. We had no traffic problems getting to the market or The Franklin but parking was a mess at the museum. We got to the exhibit actually a few minutes after our entrance window but they weren't checking that closely. The four of us went ahead of our friends who kept hitting all the traffic we were lucky enough to miss.

The exhibit was a bit smaller than I was expecting, but packed. There were a lot of prop and set pieces as well as visitors. I took a few dozen photos that I'll post to my Flickr stream soon. The kids were drawn equally to pieces from all size movies, though only Liam wanted his picture with any of the costumes they had on display. andreahg is no real fan of Star Wars and I was more interested in the items from the original movie. The exception were the video installations with some of the exhibits. Hearing the folks at ILM, including Grant Imahara, talking about some of the challenges like making a three legged droid walk convincingly was pretty cool.

While our friends made their way through the crowded exhibit, we checked out the Identity exhibit and Newton's Loft. The kids were only interested in the interactive video walls in the former and could not get enough of the latter. Not surprisingly, Newton's Loft is all the classical physics experiments in hands on form. Unfortunately, the loft was a bit too large for andreahg and I to just sit and keep an eye on the boys, we had to follow them as they darted from experiment to experiment.

We headed back to planetx and blackwell's place to record some thoughts on Star Wars for The Voice of Free Planet X. The boys alternately explored all the models, props and other fascinating bits to planetx's immense collection and playing on the Wii. Thanks to the latter, they were well behaved while we recorded, relaxed and chatted.

After we finished recorded, we discussed dinner. blackwell offered a couple of options in walking distance and we settled on Abraccio mostly because of the promise of a kids' menu and chicken fingers, Calum's favorite food bar none.

The service was a little slow but the food was excellent and the company even better. Several of the staff commented, laughing, about the unusual range of topics overheard. One also commented on scifilaura's backpack, a Yoda, that we had been playing with all day, especially to the delight of the boys.

We got home close to eleven, concerned at leaving the dogs alone for over twelve hours. No accidents, thankfully. Everyone was pooped so it was not difficult sending the monkeys straight to bed. Despite the unusual length of the day, we very much enjoyed it and the highlight was definitely spending so much time with our friends, with the places we visited a close second.

Meeting Charlie Stross

2008-04-02T19:00:06Z

On Monday, author Charlie Stross posted on his blog that he would be in DC Tuesday night. Not only that but he invited readers of his blog and fans of his work to join him for a few beers at one of my favorite establishments, The Brickskeller down in Dupont Circle.

I have enjoyed Charlie's writing since I picked up Singularity Sky. I have since read at least one book in each series or universe in which he has written. I am an especial fan of the Bob Howard/Laundry series. I was a little tired but figured with Charlie residing in the UK that I'd get few chances to meet him, so what the hell.

I arrived apparently a bit early or Charlie was delayed. I could recognize the other fans there by the half lost, half expectant look in their faces. One of them even mistook me for Charlie which makes me wonder what mischief I might wreak amongst people who have never met him. In particular, I chatted for a bit with a fellow hacker, a gentleman who works in infosec, in particular, who was extremely nice and very interesting in his own right. The two of us hung out at the bar for a bit until a large party finally entered the main bar. In amongst the grinning geeks, I spotted our host, looking pretty consistent with his picture on his Wikipedia page.

One of the staff had mentioned earlier they could seat us at a large table in one of the back rooms. He was clearly anxious to get us seated. He kept asking after the size of our party, neither of us knew. Thankfully it was not busy so he only asked us once or twice. Once the full party arrived, we sat right away. A few folks who came later were unable to squeeze in at the long table so drew one of the smaller tables as close as they could.

From what I could gather, most of the fans in attendance arrived before Charlie did. He had planned on putting out a stuffed Cthulhu to help people find us. That turned out to be unnecessary. However, the Cthulhu in question was the larger version of the same one I have. I actually have the two smaller sizes and carry the smallest in my gear back when I am recording at conventions. Charlie and his traveling companion, Feorag, apparently have been doing much the same bringing their hyper dimensional squid god along as they travel to conventions and the like.

I am not sure what I was expecting of Charlie. I never had a strong impression of what he'd look like. In his writing, I love the play of ideas and the compelling narrative and it may have lead to an unusual image of a prose producing brain in a jar. As odd as that sounds, I avoided the experience I have often had meeting other authors and even online friends. You know, the cognitive dissonance you sometimes feel reconciling the real person with your mental image, at least initially.

For someone claiming to be so jet lagged, he was very friendly and gracious. Not surprisingly, the conversation ranged all over the place, more than once foundering in the shallows of global politics. Charlie is clearly like many geeks I know in that he obviously absorbs vast quantities of information, rapidly synthesizing it into interesting theories and observations. He cited some thought provoking statistics in support of his view opposing the death penalty, namely that the cost of an incorrect conviction is far higher than that of actual recidivism. He also shared an amusing anecdote about a bank robbery in a particular area of the UK where the cost to the bank, which unusually still issues its own bank notes, was such that they simply recalled all of their notes and re-issued them.

I spent as much time chatting with the other fans sitting near me and with Feorag. I was delighted that everyone within ear shot was just as much of a beer geek as myself and very much enjoyed comparing notes and noting recommendations for breweries and beers I have not yet tried. Perusing the massive beer menu, Feorag selected some of the more unusual and interesting brews, including Buffalo Bills Blueberry Stout and St. Louis Framboise. She also had quite a bit of advice about worthwhile European brews to try clearly based on firsthand experience.

After Charlie had a chance to get a couple of beers in home and a plate of pirogues, I got out the two books I brought and my Sharpie flair. I knew from talking to the infosec fellow, Todd I think, when I first arrived that I wasn't the only one who had brought books. However, no one else seemed willing to impose. I didn't immediately push the books on him but just set them before me. He was happy enough, once he noticed, to sign though he balked a bit at the fellow who tried to hand him a stack of five or six all at once. Altogether, the signing didn't take long and everyone seemed relieved to get it out of the way and return to conversation. I can now add Toast and The Jennifer Morgue to my signed editions.

A bonus for me was running into Tom Doyle. I recorded the reading that Tom did at Balticon 41 last year. I enjoyed that reading immensely and it is one of the ones I would have missed entirely had I not been volunteering. He introduced me to his companion, didn't if it was his girlfriend, wife or simply a friend. She noticed my EFF t-shirt and asked after it. She has apparently worked with speakers from EFF, as far as we could figure probably Fred von Lohman. I should have made a note of it but I want to say she's involved with organizing some local event or other. I didn't take my notebook out at all, which is quite surprising in retrospect.

On the whole, I didn't get to hear or speak with Charlie as much as I expected but this in no way diminished my enjoyment of the evening and I am very glad I decided to head out despite feeling tired at the outset.

The Clash on PBS

2008-03-10T22:03:22Z

Should I be horrified that one of our local PBS statins used The Clash during its most recent pledge drive?

I know all music ages with the generation for which it was originally relevant. The anti-establishment music of today is as far removed from the punk movement of which The Class is emblematic as any vintage of pop music. I expect the bands that qualify as classic rock to keep changing. Just as our parents before us, it is now our turn to be upset as the formative rock bands with whom we grew up are re-classified as "classic rock" or "oldies". It is annoying but expected.

But there is something about The Clash that defies that phenomenon, at least to me and to andreahg. It is slightly less weird for her. The station in question has always had strong music programming, of surprising modernity. The Moody Blues, Alvin Ailey, and The Grateful Dead. As a deadhead, andreahg was a bit troubled at the last but nowhere near as much as we are over this latest conundrum. Using The Dead also makes sense as their original fans are aging into that key charitable demographic.

For me the PBS stations with which I grew up were very stereotypical. Opera, adaptions of classic plays and the like. The sole exception was Dr. Who but I think that got grandfathered in because of its age. And anything newer than Tom Baker was only shown once, just before they retired the series from their programming altogether. And after I had sent my first support check as a young adult, with "For Dr. Who" written in the memo.

Maybe I am making too much of this, maybe it is just my generations inevitable doom to the less relavant thirty-five to forty-something demographic. The very idea, though, feels more wrong than that, deep in my bones. Imagine if they used The Sex Pistols or The New York Dolls during a pledge drive. Putting those together with PBS should be like an antimatter sandwich, man.

Fear of Disused Spaces

2008-03-08T20:09:20Z

There is an element of Lost that creeps me out, my thoughts on the rest of the show being irrelevant. The many Dharma stations are in varying states of disuse and disrepair. This week's episode revealed another such location. As Juliet opened the large industrial door, it looked like part of the mechanism had corroded away. She appeared to be grasping some vestigial frame or internal working to tug down the counter weight. As she walked down the main hallway inside the entrance, the overhead fluorescents flickered, struggling to stay lit.

One of the homes in which I lived and grew up in New England was this ancient manor home. It was constructed originally in the late 19th centruy. My impression of how enormous this place was are no doubt distorted by how young I was when I lived there. In particular, it had this massive basement. Part of it was finished, my mom kept her not inconsiderable SF library in that part. But part was more like a boiler room, all pipes and unknown mechanisms. And I think this entire vast extent was lit by a single, bare bulb. The perpetual darkness made it frightening. Living there day in and day out it eventually just became more disquieting.

There was a little room my dad used as his wine cellar tucked back in amongst the pipes. There were also some shelves my mom had tucked along the one wall filled with all kinds of odd knick knacks. My dad kept some paintings stacked in a corner of that cellar room. My mom had stashed a broken model of a Chinese junk that my grandmother had given us. These were all mysteries, ancient and new to my young mind. I didn't think to ask about them, some part of me may not have wanted the air of the unknown dispelled. This sense of enigma was not entirely comfortable, though.

I returned there as an adult a few years ago. It was of a more normal scale then I remembered. I didn't visit the basement but I'm sure I would have recognized a furnace, hot water heater, and an air conditioner. To my younger self, though, this machinery was all unknown. If they were still there, I would have recognized some of the knick knacks as such. I certainly would have asked, my curiosity about the stories outweighing the romance of the unknown.

The whole house, in general, was oddly run down. There was an intercom system that must have dated from the nineteen fifties that never worked. It was whole and to a young mind, held the promise of secret messages and wild variations on hide-and-seek and tag. But it frustrated all attempts by myself and our siblings to use it. For whatever reasons, my parents were never interested in having it repaired.

There was an orchard on the property, a ways down the big hill back behind the house. It was too far to include in most of our play during the warmer months. But it was close enough that from certain parts of the yard, you could always see it. It was unruly, completely overrun with vines and other weeds. The trellis that topped the surrounding stone wall was bare and sun bleached, adding to its ruinous appearance.

There was also a garden in a similar state, to one side of the house. You could get to a room that opened onto the garden by braving the dark basement. We never went that way, the room in question was one of the least used, most decayed. It made me the most uncomfortable. The garden was full of stone benches, low stone walls and a stone, wood and glass greenhouse. I cannot remember if any of the glass was intact, but it would not have surprised me if most of it was broken.

Everything that grew in the garden was wild or had long since gone to seed. I'm sure it sounds romantic. To me, it was sad and uncomfortable. Why would you live in such a place and not take some efforts to fix it up? Some may have described it as haunted. I don't go in for those notions but it did have a weight of history. Maybe that is what got to me. What had happened in this garden before its collapse? What kids had played there before us? Was it host to any wonderful outdoor parties in Springs past? What hot house flowers were kept healthy through the colder months in its central green house?

There is something about disused spaces that to this day bothers me. There are permanent stains of decay that no matter how hard you clean, how much you fix are always there. The moldy, dank smells of such places haunt some of my recurring dreams. When I see crumbling brick and plaster, water stains and corrosion, warped wood it gets to me. I think it all goes back to that odd, old, enormous manor house.

Beer Adventures: New Home

2008-03-05T23:09:57Z

I realize not everyone cares about my beer reviews. Using a community oriented tool like this probably forces them down more peoples throats, forgive the pun, that I realized. I have created a new site on another free tool, WordPress.com, to house just my beer reviews. There is some enlightened self interest here, too, in that having a dedicated site makes it easier for me to find my own thoughts on the beers I've tried.

Go to #include <beer.h> to see my reviews from here on out. I'll also try to move the existing ones from here over to that site.

Reinvigorating My Creative Spark

2008-03-05T22:58:18Z

I already wrote about how my own inexperience presents one of my greatest challenges getting back in the saddle as a writer. The other is that for longer than I can remember, I've felt continually and completely creatively drained. I hear my writer friends explaining how they do not want for ideas, they just need more hours in the day to write. I admit to being a bit confused by that observation.

I bought a three pack of the cheaper, soft cover moleskine notebooks about three years ago. I got the unlined ones, figuring I could use them both for sketching as well as writing. As a youth, I also had aspirations of being an illustrator or cartoonist. For a while, I was the sole artist for a very small creative foray into the world of comic books with some high school chums. Nothing ever came of it other than the realization of how much hard work it would be.

I enjoyed these notebooks so much that that year, for my birthday, andreahg bought me a larger, hard cover moleskine, with regular lining. I have used it pretty consistently to journal my thoughts, emotions, and experiences. I also use it to take notes at panels, lectures and the like.

As a journal, it has worked well. To be fair, I have gotten the most practice writing in the last three years working on that journal. There are often gaps of months between the entries, but I have always managed to come back to it. It stands especially as a very personal account of one of the weirder jobs I held.

As a notenook for brain dumping, it didn't work out as well. Thoughts and lists I wanted to harvest later into to do lists too easily got lost. I am almost finished with that notebook and when it came time got another one for the next three or four years, I also picked up a reporter style notebook, regularly lined. A coworker has one, quad lined, that he uses as a paper buffer for his own to do lists, so it seemed like a good idea.

Last night, after a fit of editing on my sole short story, my brain felt full. I chalked it up to trying to digest all of the recent feedback and my weak writing muscles. Turning on the TV distracted me from it anyway.

This morning, riding in on the metro, the feeling returned. This time, I was thinking about my next story. I know, I haven't finished this one yet. But this brings me back to where this post started. I was afraid I'd come up dry, that my current story was a fluke and I'd be unable to tap into a regular creative vein. I actually have a couple of other aborted stories that I want to put away for a while. I'd like to return to them after my writerly muscles are more firm.

I had a conversation a few months ago with another writer friend about a short story idea he was contemplating. He wanted to take it in the direction of magical realism, of which I am not a particular fan. I like a much more hard tech/science take. Enough that I was wondering if I could take the story in a different enough direction that it would not recognizable come from the same idea.

I am glad I had my new reporter notebook on me. I literally stopped every five feet during the four block walk to the metro to jot something down. The more ideas I got out of my head and onto paper, the more ideas replaced them.

I experienced another moment of connection with a skill and creative outlet at which I am, at the risk of being immodest, very accomplished. It is the means by which I've had a steadily growing career for the past ten plus years. Professional hacking.

Just as the act of design, writing and re-factoring code is like the ideation, writing and editing of a story, so to with the initial ideas themselves. I am long in the habit of write down any epiphanies, thoughts and just simple tasks that occur to me about my day job as soon as they occur. That way I don' have to waste active attention trying to keep myself from forgetting them.

Clearly the same thing was happening here. By clearing that creative buffer, room was made for the next idea. Not all of the ideas that came to me had to do with this story. A couple of questions for a podcast interview I have been considering also popped in there. Onto the pad they went. Since that is the only purpose for which I use this pad and given its small, vertically oriented shape, going back over notes in it to harvest into my to do list and other electronic databases for managing ideas and tasks has proven to be much, much simpler than with the larger, sole notebook I used to carry.

I hope, and suspect, this was not a one time phenomenon. Relieving the stress of forgetting an idea seems to greatly improve the free flow of ideas. At least for me, this morning that was so.

Recent Writing Endeavors

2008-03-05T22:37:29Z

When I was a teen I was totally not unique in wanting to be a writer. I produced a fair amount of truly mediocre short stories of which I was disproportionately proud. I have since learned that writing is like my other love, hacking. There is a lot more skill that goes into it then is apparent in the finished product. The only way to acquire the skill is through self aware practice.

The prospect of returning to the task of writing has been made all the more daunting by this realization. That and having so many friends who have been practicing in earnest while I've been honing other skills, in particular coding.

Last year, though, the first story idea in a long time alighted in my brain and simply had to be expressed. sailormur was making a point about how cheap ideas are on ISBW. She tossed one out, a phrase that recently struck her fancy and just one of maybe dozens of ideas, seeds for stories that occurred to her on any given day.

The phrase, "Instant Cowboy" immediately conjured an image in my mind. It was so compelling I felt I had to get it down. In a mad dash I spilled out about three thousand words building on that original image. sailormur was only too kind to be a first reader for that initial draft and very generous gave me some very specific and constructive feedback on how to improve it. She also encouraged me greatly by making it clear she felt the story had potential.

In about half a dozen sessions very sparsely spread through the last six months, I wrestled with a second draft. I understood her criticism, I saw how it applied to the first draft. My skills are still poor so the first re-work was slow.

I sent her the 2nd draft as well as to planetx and Tee Morris, two other writers with teaching and/or critiquing experience. I figured I'd get more of the constructive input I need to work on my basic skills as well as lurching along towards the next draft. Tee has been insanely busy and sailormur has promised a read after recovering from finishing one of her own works.

planetx responded promptly and gave me more encouragement, validating that I wasn't wasting my time or, hopefully, anyone else's. He also give me some superb and specific criticism with which I have already started to wrestle. It is slow going but he was especially helpful in pointing out some of the stronger parts. By comparing them to the sections that need work, I feel like I can more effectively improve the whole story.

I hope to not take another six months before the next draft. I intend to share that draft with some more folks. sailormur initially suggested that the story eventually could be strengthened to the point where I should definitely consider shopping it. planetx agreed when I mentioned that to him. That is especially exciting and humbling, I can definitely see the weaker spots of the work. Again, I am just struggling to improve my own writing and editing skills enough realize the story's potential.

Farewell, Hair

2007-12-10T02:56:51Z

It is done. I am still adjusting, can't quite believe I did it. Thanks to andreahg for actually running the clippers.

Shaved Pate

2007-12-09T00:59:20Z

I have been losing my hair snce I was fifteen. My mother's father was completely bald on top by the time he was thirty, if memory serves. It has been a foregone conclusion of my life that I will lose my hair. Modern pharmacology has allowed me to reach my thirties with something of a thatch left.

But the difference between the pattern where it is going and the rest of my hair has become marked. I've sorted of noticed it in a few of the rare photos of me taken recently. I wanted to believe it was more an artifact of the flash than anything else. But the trifold mirror in our new downstairs vanity cabinet does not lie.

Ever since I realized the inevitability of my genetics, I promised myself that rather than try to hide it or indulge in any of the ridiculous practices of those in denial, I would save it all off. I am in the throes of building up the nerve to actually do it, however.

My hair stylist of close to a decade assures me that I can pull off the shaved pate look. He also is supportive of my decision, despite the loss of a very loyal customer. Partly because Andrea works in the industry, I have followed Kirk through four or five salons realizing how dfficult it is to find a good barber or stylist And at this point I consider him a very good friend. He's close to me in age, has a kids around the same age as mine and we have a several common interests and tastes, so the chatter during my regular cuts is always a pleasure. Kirk and I seriously discussed my decision recently and agreed the time would be soon and that I had the dome for it.

Being very forthright with family, friends and coworkers about this decision is one thing. Actually, most of them just ignore me because I have been talking about eventually shaving my head for years. But I think the time has come and it is a lot hard to sidle up to than I ever thought it would be.

For those upon whom I am imposing my thoughts and anxieties as I work up to the act, thanks for your forebearance. I will do this, I will not indulge in silly self delusion about the state of my pate. I will try to deal with the inevitable comments, reactions and my own adjustment with what grace I can muster. As honest as I have tried to be about the ultimate demise of a substantial fraction of my follicles, this is still tough for me.

My Pirate Name

2007-09-19T20:28:16Z

My pirate name is:

Iron Tom Kidd

A pirate's life isn't easy; it takes a tough person. That's okay with you, though, since you a tough person. Even though you're not always the traditional swaggering gallant, your steadiness and planning make you a fine, reliable pirate. Arr!

Get your own pirate name from piratequiz.com.
part of the fidius.org network

Not Owned, Pwned

2007-09-15T16:01:51Z

southernronin threw down the gauntlet, I merely responded.

Dragon*Con 2007 Wrap Up

2007-09-04T02:52:56Z

If or when we drive to Dragon*Con 2008, I think we've found our halfway point hotel. A Comfort Inn in Jonesville, NC with the best breakfast buffet, to look forward to in the morning before heading out, free wifi and a pool with a spa. And they had cookies and popcorn out as snacks when we arrived.

My favorite moment which I also think encapsulates so much about what I love going to events like Dragon*Con was introducing members of Beatnik Turtle to JC Hutchins and watching the ensuing mutual fan-boy-ism. This community is so welcoming, friendly, and appreciative of each other's work, it is a constant source of joy and suprise.

Tied for close second was winning a Parsec for best tech podcast and the Creative Commons and legal issues panel I organized and moderated this morning. The first was genuinely a surprise, when competing with the likes of Technorama, Typical Mac User, and The Astronomy Cast (I am so crushing on Dr. Pamela Gay). The second was, unfortunately, tinged with a hint of foolish drama which I won't elaboriate here except to say it was quite clear from what happened it was a pure put on. Who waits ten minutes before throwing a hissy fit and returns for their next panel *after* storming off in a huff? I am glad this sort of behavior, at least to my first hand experience, was the rare exception. Despite that, all of the panelists--Randy Chertkow and Jason Feehan from Beatnik Turtle, Matthew Wayne Selznick, Scott Sigler, and Courtney Lytle Perry were enthusiastic, sharp and full of good humor and energy. Impressive for the morning of the last day of such a huge con.

I didn't get anywhere near the number of photos as last year. I spent well over half my time behind the podcasting panel's mixing board. I did capture some surprises so check the Flickr stream for updates over the rest of the week and this coming weekend.

On the personal side, I was relieved to be able to re-connect so thoroughly with close friends, to meet on-line friends face-to-face for the first time, and to make some new absolutely fast friends who I will seek out at every turn. You know who each of you are, or should, so I won't embarrass anyone by naming names.

We had our pick of large, boisterous parties as well as smaller, more relaxed gatherings. We tended to gravitate towards the latter. With how large the gathering of friends was, that was a simple pleasure. After how little we got to see of some folks at Balticon, the anxiety was definitely there that we would miss out on seeing many friends. I am a little amazed at how much time we did get, despite the much larger size of the con and the more hectic demands on time.

I do hope that anyone who caught me grouching at any point recognizes it was purely a function of fatigue. I had an utter blast regardless of whether it may have seemed otherwise during the odd moments here or there. Sixteen hours of sleep in more than ninety-six hours will yield an occasional off moment.

Speaking to the surprisingly few moments of genuine drama, it happens. Any occasion where more than three people interact, drama will ensue. And that is all it is. The majority of folks were positive, supportive, cheery and inclusive and that's really all that matters to me. I would rather dwell on the moments of pure admiration for the acts and words of my dear, dear friends existing and new than any single childish act that is easily remedied by a little communication or just by ignoring it when possible.

My only real concern that I will have to consider for next year is just how crowded the con has become. I know I am not alone in this sentiment. It affected all of us in how hard it was to moving between the various hotels, the anxiety it understandably caused among many, and the closing of some tracks to random participation. I was distressed to hear stories of required sign up sheets and people getting turned away. Crowding is a real problem but that unpleasant surprised is, well, inexcusable in my book. Another problem that could have been addressed by better communication, at least, in the form of advisories in the booklet and the daily newsletter. The crowding and logistical headache are not so easily solved so bear further consideration.

The silver lining for me at least is the way it has changed my perspective on Balticon. 42 should feel pretty cozy and relaxed by comparison and I am looking forward to it more eagerly as a consequence.

Dragon*Con 2007 Schedule

2007-08-28T18:01:21Z

There is a meme spreading amongst the podcasters going to this convention. It makes sense to share with listeners where we, as podcasters, will be and when.

I am not committed to any panels on Friday, so will be floating around and soaking in the con. That would be a good day to meet and greet.

Podcasting UN, Co-Staff

Saturday 1pm

Hilton, Jackson/Carter

Podcasting for Games and Gamers, Co-Staff

Saturday 2:30pm

Hilton, Jackson/Carter

Aliens You Will Meet, Live! Moderator

Saturday 5:30pm

Hilton, Jackson/Carter

The Signal, Live! Moderator

Saturday 10pm

Hilton, Jackson/Carter

Wingin' It 3D, Live! Moderator

Saturday 11:30pm

Hilton, Jackson/Carter

PodSci Panel, Co-Staff

Sunday 8:30pm

Hilton, Jackson/Carter

Podcasting into the Future, Co-Staff

Monday 10am

Hilton, Jackson/Carter

Creative Commons and Legal Issues, Moderator, Panelist

Monday 11:30am

Hilton, Jackson/Carter

The Creative Commons panel will be the same panel, essentially, as the one I ran at both Farpoint and Balticon this year. That's the only panel where I am directly participating. The panels where I am moderating, I'll basically by passing the mic and making sure the panel rolls smoothly. On those where I will be co-staff I'll be an extra pair of hands for whomever is moderating.

As you can see, especially on Saturday, I'll be in the Jackson/Carter room in the Hilton most of the time. The EFF track is also located almost entirely within the Hilton, in the Cherokee room. That will be the second best place to try to find me.

Also, I have updated my public Google calendar with all of this information if you area already subscribed to that.

Pre D*C 2007 Beer Pilgrimage

2007-08-19T01:55:54Z

As I've tweeted, I made a trip to our local beer mecca, Chevy Chase Wine and Spirits. This place is deceptively small, it is truly a glorious store. So many beers, so little time.

For Dragon*Con 2007, specifically, here is what I have procured.

Delirium Tremens, high gravity Belgian ale

Delirium Nocturnum, high gravity dark Belgian ale

Lindemans Pomme (Apple) Lambic

Lindemans Casis (Black Currant) Lambic

Petrus Oud Bruin (Old Brown), an ale aged in oak casks

Arcadia Ales Scotch Ale

Heavy Seas Hang Ten, weizen dopplebock

I am especially a fan of both Delirium brews. The Tremens one the World Beer Competition several years ago. I don't care if Tee and Orion made fun of it on Micro Brewed, it is a delicious and lethal beer.

The Lindemans lambics are gorgeous and meant primarily for Andrea, though she will have a fight on her hands. I will probably have to get more of those, next weekend. The casis and pomme are new. The pomme, in particular, was introduced only three months ago. We tried it for the first time last weekend and it was utterly amazing. Think of it as an effervescent drink with fresh crushed green apples. No real beer taste, just fresh fruit and fizz. Not overly sweet, it really tastes like apples straight from the tree.

I have not tried either the Petrus Oud Bruin or the Arcadia Ales Scotch Ale. I picked up the Oud Bruin because it sounded like it may be similar to Dogfish Head Burton Baton, one of my all time favorite ales. I have also been a fan of the scotch ales and since Unibroue stopped making theirs have been meaning to find a suitable substitute.

All of the Heavy Seas brews are made by a local area brewer, Clipper City in Baltimore. I have tried all of them except for their winter seasonal and have not found one, yet, that I do not like. Hang Ten is one of my top three for this brewery. I love sharing our home grown product as I think it compares favorably to Dogfish Head and Stone, two favorites across the tribe.

In addition, I secured some 750s for the rack, to share with local friends at the next occasion. I picked up Allagash's Curvieux, another oak barrel ale. Looks lethal and I am torn between opening at the first opportunity or leaving it in the rack for a spell. I could, of course, easily procure more. The other one I got is a Smutty Nose from their "Big Bottle" series. It is their take on a Belgian Saison or farmhouse ale. Red Sky at Night, the Heavy Seas Saison is another of my top three Heavy Seas, so this seemed like it would be splendid for comparison.

I am very much looking forward to sharing all of these wonderful brews as well as starting to re-build my own stocks for future entertaining. Can anyone say post-Dragon*Con cookout at the Command Line Abode?

Getting in the Habit

2007-08-07T02:13:20Z

Just about everyone in my tribe is a writer of some stripe. Some are of the professional variety, others are aspiring.

This being the case, it will be no small surprise that since childhood I have counted myself amongst the latter. I have never developed the habit of writing, outside of some stretches at keeping a journal in long hand. That does not blunt my aspirations. And being surrounded by practicing and often successful writers, it keeps tweaking the desire in me to write.

Not technical documentation. Not even the material for my podcast. But stories. Stories I want to read but do not exist. And that is tough because I read and listen to a lot of my friends' stories. Very good, very diverse stories. The space is crowded and that could be discouraging.

But I still gotta try. And with help like I get from ISBW I appreciate how much hard work, and crappy words, I have ahead of me.

These writerly endeavors are also not things I feel comfortable sharing with my listening audience. So I get to share here. And because I mentioned that one of her ideas has lodged in my brain, I even have sailormur offering to read a story I just started working on. I know I will get excellent criticism and feedback from her when I do, but, man, talk about a lot of pressure from someone who has never been published and has not regularly written fiction since his angsty teen years.

So I am trying to set a modest goal and stick to it more often than not. 300 words, about half an hour of writing a day. I figure if I do that long enough, then it will get like the podcast. Not exactly easy, but a routine. I'll find some efficiencies, figure out some good practices to help when I am not focused. Just like how I got to the level of hackery I have managed to achieve.

Well, either that or I will figure out that I was never meant to write and stick to the hacking. Should be fun finding out, either way.