How to keep a Seanan happy

( click for pic )

Duckon - now with added coherency

Sleep is a wonderful thing - although I'm now virtually CERTAIN that I am allergic to BBW warm vanilla sugar scented soap. I'm doped on antihisthamines and scratching like a monkey with fleas.

I actually went to Opening Ceremonies - mostly to get a visual ID on Jim and Seanan. The "skit" with Bob introducing Jim was pretty lame. Jim himself looked like he would bolt at any minute if someone said BOO to him. He obviously takes a little while to get into his comfort zone with new people. Seanan went SQUEE a lot, especially when she was presented with her very own "My Little Chainsaw" - it's pink and fuzzy and makes vroom vroom noises. There was bouncing. I introduced myself to her briefly afterwards, and got a flying shreiking hug.

The weather forecast for Saturday was mixed, so I made a point to go see the Singing Tesla Coils on Friday night. Started late as expected, but I brought my Star Wars sleeping bag (it was a bit chilly out) and curled up right next to the CAUTION tape. Note to self - next time bring earplugs- it's LOUD! They have added some additional "background" music through speakers which makes a nifty show.

Saturday I got up in time to catch most of Jum Butcher's Q&A, and made a point of telling him that the Chicago Architectural Foundation has basically built "Little Chicago". He bounced. He's a totally awesome guy once he gets warmed up, and told us a bunch of cool stories. I'm not a big fan of the Codex Alera books, but I might have to be now that I know they were the result of him taking an internet dare to combine the two worst ideas for a story and make it work - the ones chosen were "The Lost Roman Leigion" and "Pokemon". Also, I'll never be able to keep a straight face reading the Dresden Files now that I know that Bob The Skull was the direct result of his writing teacher saying "Yeah, you need to have someone to explain things to the audience, but just don't make it one of those "Talking Head" characters... Being a smart-ass, Jim came back the next week with a character who was an actual talking head.

Had a brief break before the Wild Bird show (which is always fun) so I actually went over to Planet Blinkie and tool soldering iron in hand for the first time. hawkshadow and axegrrl (and that really sounds like a superhero team, doesn't it?) sat next to me and were very helpful with the the basics. I had a bit of trouble at first because I noticed a lot of camera flashes going off. Eventually I realized two facts - 1) I was sitting in the seat closest to the door so I was clearly visible form the hallway and 2) was wearing 16th century Flemish clothing while holding a soldering iron and a circuit board. Once again I am unintentionally hilarious, because it never even crossed my mind that there was anything odd about the way I was dressed. My blinkie worked on the first try, and I have decided that soldering is much like doing fine beadwork, with the added excitement of possibly burning yourself.

Bird show was nifty - I once again got biffed by a Harris Hawk in flight.

Had an hour to go scrounge something to eat, and then it was time for Vixy and Tony's concert. Good gods she has a beautiful voice! John and I split their CD because apparently I have to learn Sirens Song.

Another brief break and it was time for Seanan's concert. Being me, I walked in, looked for her, and promptly scrounged up a safety pin with which to prevent he wrap dress from showing her pumpkin-orange bra in the back. This is how I show admiration - I fix your clothing. Show was very funny, and wonderful, and moving. If she doesn't remember me from the pin she will likely remember the woman in blue in the front row with tears streaming down her face.

I took a break after that to go and eat actual food at Wendy's and then to shower and change into SteamPunk. I can do it myself now though I need to allow about an hour. I wandered the hallways showing off for a bit before settling down in the Monolith Party room again to watch pirated Red Dwarf eps and drink tasty beers. It's hard to lounge dressed like that.

Sunday I finally went down to the Dealers Room to spend more money than I should on books - but I now have my very own copy of 'Pride and Prejudice and Zombies'! Wandered aimlessly for a bit before catching an extended lift with post_toastie, rose1thorne and miridearie. I'm not sure which was more adorable - Miri "helping" me by hauling my folded cot to the car (It's about 2" taller than she is) or her bouncing in her carseat announcing "We're Going to Fry's - Yay!!!!"

Came home and futzed with my digital stuffs and finally went to bed.

If I Ran The Circus

(Well, technically, the Masquerade...)
I had agreed to run the Costuming Track at Windycon this November, but as of last weekend I will now also be in charge of the Masquerade.

Now, my backgroud is in competition under ICG (International Costumers Guild) guidelines - essentially that you are competing against people at your same level of expertise, like Novice, Journeyman, or Master. There are usually also over-reaching categories such as Best Presentation and/or Best In Show. However, this usually also involves pre-judging (a chance to let the judges look at your work close up beforehand) and this can take up a lot of time. I only compete every couple of years as a result.

But I also want to give people a chance to show off without having to commit to the entire bloody evening, or without even being "in competition" if they want to.

So I have the idea that we put the Juniors (kids) up first so their parents can take them back to bed. Then I though we could start off with the "Clockwork Catwalk" - those people who just want to get up and show off, with no pre-planned presentation at all. We'll just pop up a CD in and send people out to strut their stuff.

Then we could go to the "standard" categories of competition. I also think that given the preponderance of nifty building going on, that the overlapping categories should include things like "Best Prop" and "Best Mod". Judges will have a finite amount of time to make their decisions while the halftime show is going on, and "winners" will be announced at a pre-set time, so if you want to go hit the parties or whatever and then come back, you can. That way people won't have to spend the whole evening waiting around the ballroom.

So I'm sort of running this up the signal flag pole and looking for comments/ideas to make this as organized yet inclusive as possible. Please throw in your thoughts, especially if you are planning on coming to the con.

(Comments on Steamfashion are currently running 2 for 1 in favor of "yay get things over with" and "but judging takes as long as it takes".)

This Friday

isBootleg Brit Night at my place,

I dl'd some of the things that were featured in the Marcon TV room this year. No guarantee that any of them will be any good, but it's an excuse to get together while ashtalet is out of town.

I have:
The Wrong Door - ep 1
The IT Crowd - Season 1
Doctor Who - 2008 Christmas Special and/or 2009 Easter Special

Plan on things being plugged in around 7:30 to start.